The southeast Michigan city has been under a state of emergency while investigators try to understand the circumstances and lapses that led to the spill, and assess any lingering health risks from the chemicals entering Flat Rock’s sewer system.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus. Our Michigan Economic Dashboard shows key metrics that show how the state is performing.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan unemployment director, under fire, pledges ‘user friendly’ upgrades
You failed,’ a lawmaker tells the acting director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency, which has had a host of problems during the pandemic.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan’s largest public companies ‘encouraged’ by second-quarter rebound
Supply shortages and fewer workers are stretching some of the largest companies in the state. But overall, most have returned — or burned past — 2019 sales totals for the second three months of the year.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan appliance customers find delay and frustration. It won’t end soon.
“People are at their wits’ end” when they learn how the pandemic has impacted what refrigerators, washers or other products are available, and how soon the store can get them. Customer flexibility can speed the process.
Posted inBusiness Watch
500,000-plus jobless Michigan workers brace to lose unemployment benefits
Federal unemployment benefits are expiring Sept. 4 in the state, ending payments worth about a combined $283 million to workers not eligible for Michigan’s regular unemployment program.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan unemployment system still needs fixing, critics tell lawmakers
A June letter confused and terrified nearly 700,000 jobless residents who were told they might have to repay benefits, according to testimony Tuesday at a House Oversight Committee meeting. It’s just the latest misstep by the state unemployment agency.
Posted inBusiness Watch
How Upper Peninsula’s Stormy Kromer, and an iconic cap, thrived amid COVID
The hats are one of the most recognizable made-in-Michigan products, but the company says it needs other products to sustain business. It’s growth is an example of a U.P. company that’s adapting and staying relevant to younger consumers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Free rent in a Michigan downtown and new classes help small bakery to grow
A competition for free rent attracted 58 applicants seeking to open businesses in downtown Lansing. Now the winner is preparing to open this fall, bringing a new business model — kids cooking classes — to the business district.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Most Michigan restaurants cut hours this summer due to staff shortages
Customers are ready to spend, but the state’s hospitality businesses can’t operate at 100 percent, according to a new industry survey. They’re ‘leaving money on the table’ instead of rebuilding lost revenue.
Posted inBusiness Watch
West Michigan reverses Chicago exodus, gaining residents as state stagnates
For the first time in decades, Kent County is luring more residents from Chicago than it is losing. That helps explain why it’s one of few areas of Michigan that is gaining population.