Changes announced Monday follow growing frustration among employers that the state had been too cumbersome and stringent at a time when the state’s COVID vaccination and infection rates were improving.
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.
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‘A really good day for business’ as Michigan acts to lift COVID limits
With state business restrictions set to end July 1, pandemic workplace rules — like health screening, social distance, surface cleaning and masks — will be updated this week. Business leaders are thrilled though they note tricky strategic decisions lay ahead.
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As Michigan eases COVID orders, businesses want to lift work rules too
Business groups are frustrated with MIOSHA, which is pushing ahead on hearings to make pandemic work rules permanent even as the governor is easing rules on masks for residents.
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Michigan turns to New Orleans for new economic development CEO
Quentin Messer Jr. wants to increase prosperity across the state when he takes over the $139 million agency. He says Michigan has a ‘spectacular’ talent base.
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As masks lift, Whitmer faces pressure to speed easing of COVID limits
If current vaccination rates continue, Michigan wouldn’t fully reopen for months under the governor’s current plan, endangering the summer tourist season. To business leaders, that’s untenable now that the mask mandate has ended for the vaccinated.
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As Michigan reaches COVID vaccine mark, offices plan to welcome workers
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she would lift pandemic office restrictions two weeks after 55 percent of residents got their first dose. Michigan reached that milestone Monday. Even so, offices aren’t likely to look the same as they were pre-pandemic.
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Michigan restaurants ask: How can we find enough workers?
The state’s battered restaurant industry hasn’t had a lot to offer workers during the pandemic. Now the industry is raising wages to compete with higher-paying careers, but owners say there still aren’t enough workers to fill jobs as summer approaches.
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Northern Michigan resort town confronts shortage of year-round housing
In Charlevoix, summer homes for wealthy visitors and the need for year-round housing will clash again this summer. Some housing advocates are trying new strategies to get around the problem that’s affecting the regional workforce.
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Q&A: Should CEO’s address social issues or stick to selling sneakers?
A University of Michigan expert notes that corporate leaders are increasingly being drawn into state policy debates over race, voting rights and other social issues, and they “have the heft to be heard.”
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Lumber shortage a crisis for Michigan home builders and their customers
‘We’ve got to get it under control,’ said the state’s building industry leader as skyrocketing costs threaten to stall the industry’s rebound and make homes less affordable: adding $24,000 to a typical 2,000-square-foot home.