Statewide climate tour comes to West Michigan
MEDC's chief growth officer, Hilary Doe, and her team made their first stop Monday at Brewery Vivant, where staff brew and cook with solar energy from 192 panels installed on the roof above. They also compost and recycle with local partners to achieve near-zero landfill waste and aim to have at least 50% of their menu's proteins, produce, grains and dairy be locally sourced.
Kent County skips landfill, moves forward with new method of waste management
'We have such a diverse agricultural economy in the state that when you can be inspired by what's growing right now … those little constraints create an opportunity to be innovative or just really focused on how we can connect people to their local environment. I think that serves as inspiration for the team,' said Kris Spaulding, owner and founder of Brewery Vivant.
Federal funding cuts could hurt lakeshore conservation efforts
'Sustainable practices, in fact, really help Michigan's economy. It's a growth driver. We're helping create new jobs with these sustainable industries, for example, and our local small businesses are implementing these practices to great effect and bringing more customers through their doors,' Doe said.
Other stops included a microgreens farm that grows food indoors year-round, a fashion reuse company turning textile waste into new products, and a landfill-free label manufacturer.
The MEDC projects about 160,000 clean energy jobs will be created over the next decade.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Yahoo
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's goal to land a semiconductor factory in Michigan faces a setback
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's goal to land a semiconductor plant in Michigan before she leaves office will have to wait after a company that had its eye on a site near Flint changed course, according to the governor. Whitmer blamed the setback on national economic conditions in a July 16 statement. "Because of massive economic uncertainty at the national level, an advanced manufacturing company we were working with to bring a huge project to Michigan has decided not to move forward with plans to construct a semiconductor plant anywhere in the United States," Whitmer said. "Their board came to this decision amid national economic turmoil, which is at risk of worsening amid threats of even higher tariffs." The company was looking at Genesee County's Mundy Township for the project, according to Whitmer. The location near Flint is the state's last large available site of more than 1,000 acres and one of the last so-called megasites in the U.S., according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Sandisk had its eye on the site and agreed not to pursue other locations while working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to come to Michigan, according to documents related to the project provided by MEDC. The company declined to comment. The MEDC has referred to effort to lure Sandisk to Mundy Township as "Project Grit" and proposed a massive subsidy package for the company that included over $1.1 billion from Michigan's Critical Industry Program, which provides state funds to select companies that create jobs in the state, according to a letter of intent between the agency and the company. The agency also proposed state and local tax abatements and additional state funding for workforce development and site readiness, among other state support. In 2024, Michigan economic development officials approved a $250 million grant to prepare the site for an advanced manufacturing project. That came on top of $9.2 million in previously approved site readiness funding for the area. The governor vowed to press forward. "We will continue to compete with other states and countries to bring cutting-edge factories home to Michigan so we can create economic prosperity for workers and communities and lead the next century of advanced manufacturing," she said. But Whitmer added that economic headwinds nationally will make that task more difficult. Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, pushed back hard on Whitmer's claim that national economic conditions are to blame, describing the latest news in the quest to land a factory at Mundy Township a "failure." "President Trump's bold leadership is making it easier and more attractive than ever to create jobs in America. We simply need state leaders who are focused on making sure Michigan is the best possible place to build and grow," Hall said in a July 16 statement. Michigan Politics: Campaign crypto? U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar's investment pays off big-time ... so far State Sen. John Cherry, D-Flint, called Sandisk's decision "deeply disappointing" in a statement. "This project represented a generational opportunity to restore Genesee County's legacy as a manufacturing powerhouse and to position Mid-Michigan at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry," he said. Cherry said the company pointed to an uncertain economic climate "driven in large part by the Trump administration's chaotic tariff policies" in making its decision not to pursue a semiconductor factory. Whitmer explained why landing a semiconductor plant is a top priority for her during a May 30 keynote address at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference. "Being able to make chips top to bottom in America will allow us to stay on the cutting edge of AI. Whoever dominates this technology from design to production will dominate the 21st Century," she said. She set a timeline for securing a semiconductor plant by the end of 2026. Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits, and her successor will take office Jan. 1, 2027. Whitmer said in a Feb. 23 interview that economic development plans in Mundy Township were among the items on her federal agenda as she advocates for Michigan priorities in Washington, D.C., though she wouldn't say at the time whether the project would depend on landing federal funding. Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@ or 313-296-5743. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer: Goal for Michigan semiconductor plant faces setback Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
Michigan wants to retain college grads. Here's where the 4 we followed go next
Editor's note: This story is part of a series tracking the experiences of four graduating seniors at four different Michigan universities. It is a partnership between the Detroit Free Press, Michigan State University student reporters and the American Communities Project. As Michigan looks to grow its population, one demographic the state isn't leaving behind is university students. "One of the things we know is that we're a net importer of students — lots of folks chose to stay or come to Michigan to attend Michigan universities — and it's incumbent upon us to show them the many reasons to build their futures here," said Hilary Doe, the state and nation's first Chief Growth Officer. Her office, established in 2023, is working on a few ideas related to keeping young talent in Michigan. They've hosted field trips that expose students to some of Michigan's vibrant communities and stunning natural beauty in hopes that they start thinking about a life in the state, and road shows to areas with lots of graduates from Michigan universities. Her colleagues at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Talent Action Team have a Michigander Scholarship that connects students to positions in key industries. The state has opened the challenge up to cities with its Make MI Home grant program, where cities can come up with their own plans and get grants to encourage people to grow roots in Michigan. But Doe's office and these programs are new; many of today's college students started school before they existed. The Detroit Free Press partnered with Michigan State University and the American Communities Project to follow four seniors at four Michigan universities as they graduate and make big decisions about their futures, including where they go next. At the beginning of her college career at Washtenaw Community College, Rania Umer felt like she was treading water. Raised in Kuwait, the American education system was completely unfamiliar to her, and even with a strong academic background, she was adjusting to more than just lectures and exams — she had to overcome the shock of a whole new system. Umer transferred to Wayne State University with a 3.01 GPA but walked across the graduation stage with distinction — and a sense of confidence. 'That sort of jump is something that has shown me that I am capable. I can do this because, just before I transferred, I started having doubts in myself,' Umer said. 'I started having doubts in my abilities and thought, 'Do I have imposter syndrome? The whole time — what happened?' ' Now, as a graduate of the Honors College, Umer finds herself on solid ground. 'Graduating with distinction, being able to get into the Honors College — they were all things that brought back the beliefs I used to have about myself,' she said. 'I think that in and of itself is very important to me. It's integral to me because it's a huge part of who I am.' That self-assurance didn't come from a single success, but rather from years of steady growth — academically, emotionally, and professionally. After graduation, Umer is taking a gap year to study for the LSAT and apply to law schools. For her, the goal isn't to rush but to choose the right path with care. This summer, she'll intern with the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office. She has previously interned with the Michigan House of Representatives. Through those experiences, Umer hopes to explore different areas of law and find the field that best fits. So far, administrative law — grounded and logical — has caught her attention. Umer is graduating without student debt — something that was important to her because, as a Muslim, she avoids taking on interest-bearing loans. With the support of her family, scholarships, and a Pell Grant based on household income, she was able to pay for school out of pocket. While many of her peers are chasing immediate milestones or salaries, Umer is focused on clearing the next academic hurdle. 'For the upcoming year, I just want to get my LSAT done, get my law school application done,' she said. 'There is no sort of milestone I want to reach — it's just getting school out of the way.' Her advice to others is shaped by the journey that brought her here. 'Don't be afraid to take on something, even if it seems scary,' she said. 'If there's an opportunity that feels different or daunting — that's probably the one you should go for.' From doubting herself as a newcomer to the American education system to stepping into the legal world with purpose, Rania Umer has learned to trust the process — and her own potential. With graduation behind her, Michigan State University alumna Hannah Schreiber is setting her goals to pursue her dream of becoming an advertising professional in the Windy City. 'I'm planning to move to Chicago once I have a job secured,' she said, 'It's been my dream to work there and I'm really excited to take that next step.' Though she hasn't accepted a position yet, she's actively applying for account management positions and staying optimistic about the process. 'I'm feeling good about what's ahead,' she said, 'in the creative industry hiring trends happen close to the start date, so I've just been staying ready and keeping an eye on opportunities.' Schreiber credits her time at MSU with helping her develop confidence, hard work and growth. Looking back on who she was when she first started on campus, the transformation is clear. 'Freshman me would be so proud,' said Schreiber, 'I've grown so much. I'm more confident in myself, clearer about my goals, and more willing to take risks.' She took full advantage of opportunities to improve her skills at MSU, from her coursework to studying abroad. 'If I could recommend any program to a student, it would be studying abroad. Specifically, the ADPR à la Mediterranean program,' said Schreiber, 'It broadened my perspective on the global impact of creativity.' Beyond academics, the relationships she formed at MSU have left a lasting impression. She credits her professors, mentors, and the friendships she has made. Her post-graduation vision is clear: She wants to grow in her field, work with a passionate team and make an impact through creativity and strategy. 'I want to land a role at an agency I love, and just keep learning and growing. I'm excited to see what's next," she said. As Mia Cotton capped off her final semester at the University of Michigan, she took a moment to remember her days at the university and in Ann Arbor. 'It's very bittersweet,' Cotton said. She is sad about her friends leaving after school is over, because she will be taking a gap year before starting a master's degree. As a Flute Performance major, she had a final recital, which her family came up to see. Her final recital was in honor of her mom, and she thought it was a great opportunity to show what she had been practicing and her accomplishments She decided to stay in Ann Arbor because of the connections she has made through the school. 'Music is very network-based,' Cotton said. She wouldn't have the same connections if she moved back to her home state of Texas, she said. Cotton said her solo concert made her realize how much she had grown from her first semester to her performance as a senior. More: How a rare copy of Declaration of Independence ended up in a Michigan museum The university 'left me with a better vision of myself and my future,' Cotton said. She mainly attributed this to an instructor who was her biggest cheerleader and showed her that you can pursue music as a career. 'It's cool to look back now,' Cotton said. Moving far away from her home state gave her a new independence and made her develop a new support system. When looking back on her years, the only thing she wished she had done differently was venture out and check out more of the university outside of the music program, including some campus events and organizations. 'It is really easy to say I need to practice this many hours a day,' Cotton said, and almost all of her classes were in the music building. Mohamed Diouf already walked in graduation last semester, but needed a few more hours of flight training to complete his degree in Aviation Flight Science at Western Michigan University. By joining the program, Diouf decided to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. Growing up near the airport in Dakar, Senegal, he would always watch the planes over his city and wonder what it would feel like to fly one of them. More: Flint hits milestone for pipe replacement, city says the work continues This spring, he celebrated an important milestone by passing his commercial check ride. This final examination consisted of a ground discussion and flight portion and was a requirement to receive his multi-engine pilot license. 'I'm just glad that I passed,' he said. Diouf experienced a few unexpected delays during his degree. First, the weather did not allow him to fly much during the winter months. Then, his check ride had to be rescheduled multiple times. He is now eager to finally launch his career. 'I'm ready for a new journey,' he said. But before leaving Kalamazoo, Diouf needs to enroll in one more training program to obtain a single-engine add-on rating. Completing this will enable him to fly aircraft with a single engine, which is essential for the next step in his career. The add-on should not take him too long: Two months, a few more flights, one more check ride. The exact timing will depend on the weather and scheduling a check ride, again. Once he passes, Diouf wants to pursue an accelerated, two-week program to become a certified flight instructor. Maybe in Colorado. Maybe somewhere locally. He envisions starting his career as a flight instructor at a university program for a few years. This will let him gain even more experience in the air before joining a regional airline, and eventually, pursuing his goal of becoming an international pilot for a major airline like Delta or United. Diouf is looking forward to progressing in the aviation industry, although he has heard about current hiring implications. 'The airlines are cautious right now. They are more conservative with the things they do,' he said. But he is not worried that this is going to affect him in the long run. 'Eventually, things are going to get better,' he said. In terms of salary expectations, Diouf could not complain. 'It's really good right now,' he said. While the pay as a flight instructor might be a little lower initially, he foresees himself making anywhere between 80K and 100K working as a copilot for a regional airline. For now, Diouf is looking forward to a little break. 'I'll definitely need to maybe take a week, just go on vacation and not do something related to aviation,' he said. Once his lease in Kalamazoo ends, Diouf plans to move in with family in Detroit, but only temporarily. He will figure out where his next career step will take him from there. Overall, Diouf is excited to embark on a new journey as he continues to live up to his childhood dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. With this in mind, he is glad to have joined the program, despite the delay. 'It took quite a while, more than I expected, but I have no regrets. It's still the path I want to take,' he said. Read more in this series: At Michigan State University, large student body finds a campus steeped in tradition Most U-M students aren't from Michigan, but find a robust campus community in Ann Arbor For Wayne State commuters, a trip downtown promises campus, city life Ready for takeoff: How Western Michigan University trains the next generation of pilots After their final spring break, these 4 university seniors prep for post-college life Do you have feedback on this article or project? Contact Detroit Free Press State Government & Politics Editor Emily Lawler: elawler@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 4 Michigan college grads on where they go next
Business Wire
24-06-2025
- Business Wire
Torc Announces New Engineering Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Further Fuel Autonomous Vehicle Innovation
BUSINESS WIRE)--Torc, a pioneer in commercializing self-driving class 8 trucks, today announced the establishment of a new engineering center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As Torc continues its path toward commercialization in 2027, this strategic expansion will further accelerate the company's productization efforts and tap into the region's rich automotive and technology talent pool. As part of its effort to open the Ann Arbor location, Torc worked closely with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to secure incentives to support the expansion into Michigan, as Torc plans significant hiring in this region to grow its team and technical talent capabilities. Torc's Ann Arbor site will help drive critical product milestones. A diverse range of engineering roles will be based in the office, including expertise in machine learning, software, hardware, and systems engineering, alongside positions in product engineering, safety, and other key functions. "This strategic location is a natural fit for Torc as we continue to advance our autonomous technology,' said Jamie Swaim, Chief People Officer at Torc. 'Ann Arbor's proximity to the Detroit automotive industry and a wealth of high-tech talent, combined with the exceptional concentration of high-caliber universities and colleges, makes it an ideal environment for our growth and productization strategy. This new center will complement the strong engineering talent we already have across the nation." The new office, located in northeast Ann Arbor, will encompass approximately 32,000 square feet and will feature multiple collaboration spaces and hardware in the loop labs. 'We are pleased to support the continued growth and expansion of Torc, whose project is a testament to the strength of our state's mobility industry and Michiganders' superior skills,' said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. 'My congratulations and gratitude to Torc; we are honored to earn this investment. We look forward to celebrating your future success and that of the People, Places, and Projects who will benefit from your presence in the great state of Michigan.' Torc's decision to establish a presence in Ann Arbor underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and teamwork through strategic talent acquisition and collaboration within key technology and automotive ecosystems. For more information on Torc, please visit About Torc Torc, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a global leader and pioneer in trucking. Founded in 2005 at the birth of the self-driving vehicle revolution, Torc has over 20 years of experience in pioneering safety-critical, self-driving applications. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing autonomous trucks for long-haul applications in the U.S. In addition to its Blacksburg headquarters and engineering offices in Austin, Texas, and Montreal, Canada, Torc has a fleet operations facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, to support the company's productization and commercialization efforts, as well as a presence in Ann Arbor, MI, to take advantage of the autonomous and automotive talent base in that region. Torc's purpose is driving the future of freight with autonomous technology. As the world's leading autonomous trucking solution, we empower exceptional employees, deliver a focused, hub-to-hub autonomous truck product, and provide our customers with the safest, most reliable, and cost-efficient solution to the market.
