Remember when Cheryl’s dad had a secret evil twin? Remember when Jughead went on a hunger strike? Relive it with our #RiverdaleRewatchAF ! Episodes 215 & 216 of #Riverdale start now!

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RIV REWATCH: Episodes 215 & 216

Chris Holman welcomes back Stephanie Beckhorn,  Director, Employment & Training, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)

Topic: New Report: Michigan is #3 in the Nation for Helping Residents Get Employed!

Can you tell us a little bit about LEO’s Office of Employment and Training?

The Office of Employment & Training released its annual report this week. What are some of the key findings from that report?

What are the key programs making the findings in this report possible?

Just last year, LEO unveiled the state’s first-ever Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. How does the work of the Office of Employment and Training support this plan?

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Michigan ranks #1 nationally in adult credential attainment and serves more job seekers than any other Midwest state
New report highlights Michigan’s work to grow businesses, support talent and strengthen communities
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan helps more people access employment services than any other state in the Midwest, leads the nation in adult credential attainment and ranks #3 nationally for helping adults get jobs. These are among the highlights in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) 2024 Employment and Training Annual Report which was released today.

The report shows how workforce programs across the state are supporting business growth, strengthening communities and helping attract and keep talent to fill in-demand jobs.

LEO’s Office of Employment and Training works closely with Adult Education providers, Community Rehabilitation Programs, the Michigan Works! network and other partners to offer support and services to individuals and businesses across the state. Their Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Workforce Development served more than 346,000 individuals and 7,928 Michigan businesses in 2024.

“Building a strong, inclusive economy starts with ensuring every Michigander has access to opportunity,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “That’s why the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Workforce Development are so vital. Their collaborative efforts help break down barriers to employment and open doors for individuals of all abilities. Together, we’re creating a workforce where everyone can contribute, succeed and thrive.”

According to the report, nearly 200,000 participants in Employment and Training programs secured employment in 2024, with more than 84,000 individuals receiving employment-related training and about 27,700 earning industry-recognized credentials.

“Our work within the Office of Employment and Training plays a critical role in delivering customized workforce solutions that help create brighter futures for all Michiganders, including individuals with disabilities,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “These efforts are helping Michiganders achieve financial security, empowering businesses to grow and strengthen communities across our state. But our work doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to innovation and continuous improvement so everyone has the opportunity to succeed and make it in Michigan.” 

Helping Michiganders with Disabilities Achieve Success

Bureau of Services for Blind Persons’ accomplishments in 2024 include:

1,517 individuals served
1,079 Michiganders trained
625,607 audiobooks disseminated
$8.4 million gross sales for Business Enterprise Program operators
Michigan Rehabilitation Services develops customized workforce and training solutions for businesses and individuals with disabilities to engage and prepare for employment...

Michigan Business Beat | Stephine Beckhorn, LEO Michigan is #3 for Helping Residents Get Employed!

Chris Holman welcomes back Teri Sand, Business Services Manager, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing serving Ingham Eaton and Clinton Counties

Topic: Going PRO Talent Fund

1. What exactly is the Going PRO Talent Fund, and what’s the goal of it?

State of MI legislature determines $

Competitive application…private sector…reimbursed

Ers upskill workers, train new hires

2. What sorts of things can the Talent Fund pay for, either for employers or employees?

Onsite training of FT new hires

Classroom training of current workers or new hires; results in certificate of completion, certification, license or academic credit

Eligible classroom training topics updated each year; not soft skills, continuing ed credits, conferences, or workshops

Reimburse only for the cost of the training itself (NOT materials, equipment, travel, etc.)

Max reimbursement is $2,000 per person; $3,500 USDOL RA

3. As the Business Services Manager for Capital Area Michigan Works!, what is the Business Services Team’s role in the Talent Fund?

Meet with er, discuss their training needs

Determine if company, training, and trainees are eligible

Assist with navigating the online application

If awarded, monthly updates to help them stay on track to complete the training

4. Going PRO Talent Fund grants are awarded twice a year, and the second round of awards was recently announced. What can you tell us about the Cycle 2 awards?

Statewide $16.5M across 301 applications

Locally $1.6M, 17 applications, 682 to be trained (157 apprentices, 162 new hires)

Most of our awardees this time are manufacturers

5. Where can employers go to find more information? Other final thoughts?

Contact local MW as soon as possible; 517-492-5516

Expect application this Fall for 2026

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Michigan Business Beat | Teri Sand, Capital Area Michigan Works! Reviews the Going PRO Talent Fund

Originally uploaded July 1st, reloaded July 7th,
Chris Holman welcomes Kate Litwin, Community Development Director at DLI (Downtown Lansing Incorporated).

Can you talk about what Middle Village is?

How did this program get started?

How does Middle Village support Lansing’s business community?

What types of stores can be found in Middle Village?

Can you talk about Middle Village’s space?

Where can listeners go for more information?

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Middle Village to Celebrate 2025 Cohort with Grand Opening on June 25, Featuring New and Returning Shops 

New shops offer a great addition to the Downtown Lansing shopping scene 

LANSING, Mich. (June 20, 2025) - Middle Village, a retail accelerator program presented by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust, announces three new businesses participating in its fifth cohort. Middle Village’s 2025 Grand Opening will be held on Wednesday, June 25, at 11 a.m. at 215 S. Washington Square in the historic Atrium Building in Downtown Lansing.   

Middle Village is a dynamic retail accelerator program that empowers business owners by lowering barriers to entrepreneurship. Located in the historic Atrium Building, the 2000-square-foot space features three micro shops in one shared space.   

"Middle Village is creating a pipeline for more retail entrepreneurs to find their home in Michigan’s Downtown, and we’re thrilled to welcome this year’s cohort," said Kate Litwin, Community Development Director at Downtown Lansing Inc. "Each shop brings something unique to the shared space, and we can’t wait for the community to experience the unique products, energy and creativity they’re bringing to Michigan’s Downtown." 

This year’s participating shops include BeBe’s Boutique, returning for a full-year run with a fresh new look, along with two exciting newcomers to Downtown Lansing: BHouzeOriginals and Blueprint of Beauty Boutique. 

Middle Village’s newest cohort introduces a fresh lineup of curated women’s boutique fashion, original designs that celebrate individuality, holistic skincare, jewelry, and more, all offering something unique for every shopper.  

Guests can visit and shop at Middle Village from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information about Middle Village, visit MiddleVillageShops.com.   

ABOUT MIDDLE VILLAGE 

Middle Village is a dynamic retail accelerator program presented by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust that empowers business owners by lowering barriers to entrepreneurship. With a focus on women and minority-owned businesses, Middle Village is an ever-evolving space in Downtown Lansing where shopping local is a catalyst for positive change, connecting individuals and fostering a sense of community. Middle Village is supported in part by federal funds awarded through the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), award number [SLFRP0127], and the United States Department of the Treasury. To learn more about Middle Village, visit MiddleVillageShops.com.   

###

Michigan Business Beat | Kate Litwin, Downtown Lansing Incorporated Middle Village Support Lansing

Originally uploaded July 1st, reloaded July 10th.
Chris Holman welcomes Amanda Johnson, Business Resource Coach, CAMW!, Lansing, MI. 

Question: What is the Business Resource Network?

Capital Area Michigan Works!’ Business Resource Network (or BRN as we typically call it) is a novel retention strategy that focuses on preventing employees from quitting or getting fired. The long-term goal is to improve employee retention for BRN member employers, which will boost productivity along with growth opportunities within their organization. Targeted services to employer members working with a BRN Success Coach aim to successfully remove barriers to employees that may affect retention while providing pathways for those facing obstacles to employment success.

Question: How does the Business Resource Network assist employees?

Employees meet with a BRN Success Coach and identify areas of improvement. The coach works with each employee individually working to connect them with area resources or provide soft skills training until they meet their goals. Coaches then follow up with employees until their employment is stabilized and they successfully complete the program.

What can the Business Resource Network help with?

Commonly, employees seek help for housing and transportation. However, the Business Resource Network can also support employees struggling with childcare, legal problems, and personal issues. We often tell employees that if they have a problem, we have a solution.

Question: How is the Business Resource Network different from a company’s Employee Assistance Program?

Most EAPs provide confidential assessments and short-term counseling. EAPs are typically more clinical. Our Business Resource Network pairs easily with existing EAPs and often increases employees’ usage of their EAP. BRN provides a Capital Area Michigan Works! Success Coach to the member company’s workers. That Success Coach works closely with struggling workers, identifies areas of improvement, and supports the employee to make necessary changes to reach their goals. This may take the form of connection to community resources, direct financial assistance or soft skill training. The Business Resource Network also features direct referral through managers or human resource employees.

Question: Why should an employer join BRN?

In 2024, our employer BRN members averaged 778% return on their investment. Retention and productivity increase, and recruiting and training costs decrease. The Business Resource Network at Capital Area Michigan Works! understands employment needs and trends in the tri-county region. The BRN team works daily with member employers to address these needs and provide resources to develop solutions geared toward employee retention.

When a company joins BRN, they have access to an on-site and/or virtual Success Coach who is dedicated to work directly with that company’s employees to develop individual plans to get the services they need to not only stay but grow within that same organization.

Question: How can employers find out more?

Membership is currently open for more local employers to join. For more information, please contact the BRN team at BRN@camw.net.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
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Michigan Business Beat | Amanda Johnson, CAMW! All About Business Resource Network

Chris Holman welcomes Katie Nida, Operations Coordinator Velocity business incubator in Sterling Heights, MI.

Welcome Katie, remind the Michigan business community about Velocity?

Let’s start with the basics—what is SizeUp Sterling Heights, and what inspired Velocity to bring this platform to local businesses? 

Also, one of the big selling points is that this service is completely free. How are you able to offer something this valuable at no cost to local entrepreneurs?

What specific types of data and insights can businesses access through SizeUp?

Can you give a few real-world examples of how this might impact decision-making?

How does SizeUp Sterling Heights help level the playing field between small businesses and larger, well-resourced companies?

How does SizeUp integrate with the resources and services already offered through Velocity and the Sterling Innovation District?

Looking ahead, how do you see SizeUp contributing to the long-term economic development of Sterling Heights and Macomb County?

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VELOCITY AND THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS PARTNER TO LAUNCH INNOVATIVE NEW WEBSITE SERVICE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

SizeUp Sterling Heights provides market research and business intelligence 
at no cost to help small businesses succeed

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Velocity, a business incubator and accelerator that drives innovation, supports growth and helps Macomb County businesses thrive is teaming up with the City of Sterling Heights. Together, they are launching SizeUp

“In today’s digital and information economy, if you don’t have access to intelligence, your business is at a significant disadvantage,” said Paula Macpherson, Executive Director of Velocity. “With the launch of SizeUp Sterling Heights on the Velocity website, we are empowering businesses in Sterling Heights and Macomb County to make more data-driven decisions that will help them operate, grow and succeed.”

This new service is completely free for local businesses and available anytime through the Velocity website at https://www.mivelocity.com/sizeupsterlingheights.

About Velocity

Velocity is a catalyst for culture change designed to accelerate innovation, reinvention, and growth for Macomb County businesses in the manufacturing, technology, and defense industry. Located in the Sterling Innovation District, our incubator, accelerator, and coworking space offer world-class opportunities to help businesses thrive. Velocity is proudly located in the “Sterling Innovation District,” which spans six square miles and is home to 28 million square feet of industrial and high-tech space. Billions of dollars in new high-tech manufacturing investments have been made throughout the Sterling Innovation District over the past five years, including the reinvention of Velocity.

About SizeUp, Inc.

SizeUp is a Fintech (Financial Technology) Internet service company dedicated to providing powerful business intelligence. SizeUp helps its clients better serve their small business customers by providing high-quality market research and business insights. SizeUp enables small businesses to make better decisions through big data.

Michigan Business Beat | Katie Nida, Mid 2025 Update Velocity Business Incubator, Sterling Heights!

Chris Holman welcomes  Jeff Metts, President, Dowding Industries, Eaton Rapids, MI.

Remind the Michigan business community about Dowding Industries?

Tell us about your company's 60th Anniversary?

How has the company evolved over those 6 decades?

Where are things going in the next few years?

Are you finding the talent you need?

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Michigan Business Beat | Jeff Metts, Dowding Industries, Celebrating 60 Years of Evolution in MI

Chris Holman welcomes back Teri Sand, Business Services Manager and Joe Winkiel, Business Services Officer CAMW!, Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties. 

What is the Job Finders Group?

How does JFG connect candidates to local employers?

What are some examples of JFG success stories?

How could a Lansing area employer get involved with JFG?

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Michigan Business Beat | Teri Sand and Joe Winkiel, Capital Area Michigan Works! Job Finders Group

Chris Holman welcomes back Shibani Putatunda, Economic Specialist, with the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics

What is going on in Michigan’s labor market this month?

How did Michigan’s unemployment rate compare with the U.S. and other states in May?

Which industries saw the greatest change in number of jobs during May?

What happened in the Michigan regions this month?

What would you say is the key takeaway for Michigan’s labor market this month?

Where can we find more information on Michigan’s labor market?

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LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate edged down by one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 5.4 percent, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment was reduced by 5,000 over the month, and the number of unemployed people fell by 1,000. Michigan’s labor force receded by 7,000 during May.

“Michigan’s labor market remained stable over the month, with a minor unemployment rate reduction in May,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for Michigan’s Center for Data and Analytics. “Statewide payroll jobs also rose over the month and over the year.”

The U.S. unemployment rate remained constant for the third consecutive month at 4.2 percent. Michigan’s jobless rate in May was 1.2 percentage points above the national rate. Over the year, the national unemployment rate rose by two-tenths of a percentage point, while the statewide rate increased by 0.9 percentage points since May 2024.

Labor force trends and highlights

After two years of jobless rates that increased or remained stable over the month, Michigan’s unemployment rate decreased in May to 5.4 percent, a rate last seen during February 2025.
Michigan’s total workforce edged down by 0.1 percent over the month, while the national labor force receded by 0.4 percent since April.
Total employment fell by 0.2 percent over the year. In comparison, the U.S. total number of employed advanced by 1.3 percent during the same period.
The May statewide labor force participation rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 61.9 percent. Michigan’s employment-population ratio also fell by a tenth of a percentage point to 58.5 percent during May.
Detroit metro area jobless rate recedes in May

The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA) seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.0 percent during May. Employment in the Detroit MSA rose by 4,000, while unemployment fell by 3,000, resulting in a slight labor force increase of 1,000 over the month.

Over the year, the Detroit MSA unemployment rate advanced by 0.7 percentage points. Employment fell by 5,000 and unemployment advanced by 16,000 since May 2024.  

Michigan payroll employment increases in May

According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll jobs advanced by 10,000, or 0.2 percent, during May.

Michigan Business Beat | Shibani Putatunda Reviewing Michigan's May 2025 Unemployment Statistics

Chris Holman welcomes back Keith Lambert, COO of LEAP, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Lansing, Michigan serving mid-Michigan.

Welcome back, remind the business community about LEAP?

Bob, completion of LEAP’s Small Town Enhancement Grant Program Delivered Big Wins for Rural Communities, tell us about that?

A big win last month, IONETIX set to invests $25.75M in Delta Township Facility, Creating 53 High-Tech Jobs and Advancing Lansing’s MedTech Leadership, what else should we know about this?

What have been some other highlights from the first half of 2025, perhaps the recent Benchmarking report?

What else is on the horizon for the Lansing area?

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
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Completion of LEAP’s Small Town Enhancement Grant Program Delivered Big Wins for Rural Communities
Program created lasting impact for small towns and communities across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties

LANSING, Mich. (June 18, 2025) — The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), proudly announces the successful completion of its first ever Small Town Enhancement Grant Program, which invested nearly $90,000 across five rural communities in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.

Launched in early 2024, the program empowered small towns to breathe new life into community spaces that define local identity and economic potential. With projects now complete, the results speak volumes—showcasing how targeted investments can foster pride, encourage gathering, and create lasting impact.

“We believe that thriving, beautiful places are a cornerstone of economic growth,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “This program proves that with the right support, our small towns can build spaces that preserve their charm while embracing the future.”

“Everyone was really excited to hear the bell ring again,” said Becky Austin, Vermontville village clerk when referring to the town’s historic bell tower dating back to 1862. “This building has always been a gathering place. It means so much to our community to see it restored and honored.”

The project was celebrated with a community ribbon-cutting in November, capping off a journey that began with LEAP’s traveling “Small Town Road Show” and check presentation earlier in the summer.

Over in Maple Rapids, local favorite Phillips Cider Bar & Pizzeria received a long-overdue facelift, restoring the façade of the 120-year-old building while maintaining its vintage appeal. The revitalization is already helping reenergize the small town’s downtown corridor.

“We’ve had people stop by while local contractors were still finishing the job—just to say how excited they were,” said Gregg Smyth, owner of Phillips Cider Bar & Pizzeria. “This grant helped us invest in the town we love. There’s new energy here, and it’s just the beginning.”

The project was unveiled during a November ribbon cutting that drew crowds and cemented the site’s renewed role as a centerpiece of the community.

Other completed projects include the City of Ovid, which enhanced Main Street with new banners; the City of Leslie, which installed a new community pavilion; and the Village of Stockbridge, where a $25,000 grant transformed a vacant patio area next to Village Hall into a walkable community space designed for relaxation and connection.



About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all — working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.

Michigan Business Beat | Keith Lambert, Lansing Area Economic Partnership  mid-2025 Update

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