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Our apologies: the previous version of the newsletter contained a couple of typos. Please see the corrected numbers for total population and number of workers in the "Black History Month by the Numbers" section below.
February 2022 | Top Stories:
Black History Month by the Numbers | DTFC Program | Centrepolis Accelerator | VTM Meetings Conference | Black History Month in Oakland County | 2022 Consumer Electronics Show | General Motors | Kivnon | Workhorse | NOHLC Celebrates 50 Years | Spring Invasive Species Summit | What is CISMA? | Childcare Job Fair | Veterans Resource Fair | Hire Vets Medallion Awards | Purple Hearts Presented to MI Soldiers | Camp Corral | MVTF Emergency Assistance | Funding for At Risk Vets | Off-Base Transition Assistance
A Message from Ingrid Tighe
Oakland County Economic Development Director
Dear Colleagues,
It’s hard to believe it is already 2022! I hope your year so far has been successful, prosperous and full of new opportunities. We may only be two months in, but Oakland County already has exciting successes, new programs and events we cannot wait to share with you.
This February, Oakland County Economic Development celebrates Black History Month. We are highlighting business resources, exciting opportunities and Black-owned businesses making history on our Advantage Oakland Facebook and Twitter. We encourage you to follow the discussion and learn about our programs.
We are also proud to announce three major company successes, General Motors, Kivnon and Workhorse, as well as successful events such as the Region’s Largest Childcare Job Fair and the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show.
Quality of life and preserving the natural beauty of Oakland County is another important mission of Oakland County Economic Development. So, we are spotlighting the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, which is celebrating 50 years of preserving land, water and wildlife in Oakland County, as well as bringing awareness to CISMA’s great work in controlling invasive species in Oakland County.
Our successful Oakland County Veterans Resource Fairs are continuing in 2022, with the first being held this month. In addition to this, we are sharing several great opportunities for Veterans from the local, state and federal levels.
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Data Corner |
 This map shows the percentage of the total population that reported their race as Black or African American alone or in combination in the 2020 Census at the state, county, and census tract-level data.
Black History Month by the Numbers
To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week nearly a century ago. The event was first celebrated during the second week of February 1926, selected because it coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist/writer Frederick Douglass (February 14). That week would continue to be set aside for the event until 1976 when, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, it was expanded to a month. Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National Black History Month.
Black or African Americans by the numbers in Oakland County:
170,753* – The number of Black or African American residents in Oakland County (13.3% of the county’s total population). That figure increases to 14.8% when including respondents who identify as Black or African American and some other race(s).
79.0%* – The percentage of Black or African American Oakland County residents age 18 years or over. The share of Black or African American residents under the age of 18 fell from 26.3% in 2010 to 21.0% in 2020.
33.5%** – The share of Black or African American-headed households with an annual income of at least $75,000; 15,528 of those households have an annual income of at least $100,000.
$918 million*** – The annual value of sales/shipments/revenue of the nearly 700 Black or African American-owned employer firms in Oakland County. There are more Black or African American-owned firms in Oakland County than any county in the state except Wayne County.
11,119*** – The number of workers employed by Black- or African American-owned firms in the county. These firms also contribute more than $288.2 billion in annual payroll into the local economy.
Interactive resources and related information:
*U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census
**U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2019)
***U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Business Survey (2017)
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Business
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Oakland County’s Diversification Through Federal Contracting Program
Oakland County’s Diversification Through Federal Contracting (DTFC) is here to support your business in its journey to launch or grow in the government contracting space. We offer assistance throughout the process.
Below are free, upcoming virtual trainings on the following topics:
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Oakland County Visited the Centrepolis Accelerator
The Oakland County Economic Development team toured the Lawrence Technological University Engineering Department and Centrepolis Accelerator, and learned about their various engineering programs and hands-on training available.
The Centrepolis Accelerator also works with entrepreneurs and small businesses. Their focus is on helping companies with growth and adoption of Industry 4.0 technology.
To learn more, visit: CentrepolisAccelerator.com/
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Join Oakland County's Pavilion Space in Torino, Italy at the VTM Meetings Conference: March 30-31, 2022
VTM Torino is a mobility technology event that brings together the vehicle and transportation community, from vehicle makers and tier suppliers to mobility decision makers, disruptive technology entrepreneurs and solution providers. We have limited space for companies in the industry to attend with us at special pricing. We are also hosting a pre-conference briefing webinar. Questions? Contact: John Wolf-Meyer at wolf-meyerj@oakgov.com or (248) 251-5905
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Oakland County Celebrates Black History Month
It’s Black History Month, and we are highlighting business resources, exciting opportunities and Black-owned businesses making history on our Advantage Oakland Facebook and Twitter. We encourage you to follow the discussion.
Are you a Black-owned business seeking capital for renovations, equipment or working capital? Oakland County recently launched the Revolving Loan Fund Program, administered by CEED Lending, which provides gap financing to businesses negatively affected by COVID-19, primarily small businesses owned by minorities.
Ingrid Tighe, Director of Economic Development, Attended the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show
Last month, Ingrid Tighe, Director of Economic Development, and John Wolf-Meyer, Senior Business Development Representative joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other regional partners at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). They took all precautions to safely meet, build and promote the unique and innovative ecosystem of Oakland County businesses, as well as network across the state.
Check out CES Highlights here: ces.tech/Videos/2021/CES-2021-Program-Highlights.aspx
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Company Success: General Motors
General Motors announced that the automaker will invest $4 billion in its Orion Township, Michigan, plant to bolster electric vehicle production.
"We're thrilled that the partnership with General Motors, Michigan, Oakland County and Orion Township is still thriving and geared toward the environmentally sustainable vehicles of the future," said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. "This investment reinforces the confidence General Motors has in the Orion plant, the abundance of skilled workers in southeast Michigan and the appeal of Oakland County as an attractive place to locate advanced technology manufacturing."
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Company Success: Kivnon
Oakland County congratulates Kivnon on its new U.S. North American Headquarters in Farmington Hills. The Oakland County Economic Development team was proud to play a role in this project success by helping with site location and workforce needs. Kivnon is a leading autonomous guided vehicle supplier in Spain and is growing rapidly in North America. It specializes in automation and mobile robotics that design, manufacture and implement automated guided vehicles.
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Company Success: Workhorse
Workhorse, headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, with manufacturing in Union City, Indiana, will open new commercial vehicle technical and leadership operations in Wixom, Michigan. They intend to hire 50 engineers and another 20 other positions over the next two years. Their mission for pioneering the transition to zero-emission in commercial vehicles aligns with Oakland County’s own sustainability mission.
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Community
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The North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy Celebrates 50 Years of Preserving Land, Water and Wildlife in Oakland County for Current and Future Generations to Enjoy
In 1972, the Independence Land Conservancy was formed as a nonprofit corporation to acquire land or scenic easements through gifts or purchase, preserving water resources, swamps, woodlands, open spaces and plant and animal life. This Conservancy was one of the first in Michigan.
Local developers donated the first two properties, and in 1975, the Conservancy became the first conservancy in the State to purchase land. The parcel became a memorial in honor of a local couple’s son who died during the Vietnam War.
With later expansion into Springfield Township, it was the first time for the organization to get a new name. In 1998, the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy (NOHLC) was formed. The strategic plan was to concentrate efforts on preserving natural feature corridors and specifically the headwaters areas.
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“We protect land and water for all living things,” says Sue Julian, NOHLC executive director. “To date, we have protected 1,534 acres in 60 preserves in Northern Oakland County. We maintain seven public preserves with demonstration gardens, walking trails and educational signage.
“Our staff and volunteers inspect 59 properties each year,” continues Julian. “These protected wetlands feed clean water into the headwaters of four rivers. The impact is significant for current and future residents, businesses and visitors.”
The seven preserves open to the public for hiking and nature study include the Davis Lake Overlook in Davisburg; the Kimball Sanctuary, Oakhill Hollow, Voorheis-Beardsley and Suzanne Knorr in Clarkston; and Holly Lakeview and Waterworks Wetlands in Holly.
“With our expansion into protecting more waterways outside of Oakland County, we are changing our name again this month to the Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy,” says Julian. “The great blue heron represents the connection between land and water, and we welcome continued support from the community as land and financial donors and volunteers during this transition.”
To learn more about donating or volunteering, visit the website at nohlc.org. You will also find fun and informative information like how to make a turtle nest protector or a seed ball of native plants, and you can listen to common Michigan frog and bird sounds, like the spring peeper frog and the red-winged blackbird.
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Spring Invasive Species Summit Scheduled for March 19
The Spring Invasive Species Summit will be online again this year, Saturday, March 19. Open to anyone interested in maintaining healthy ecosystems in their community, the 15-minute Summit presentations run 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Topics and speakers include:
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“Pathways & Origins of Invasive Species,” Erica Clites, Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA)
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“Stopping Invasive Species in their Tracks,” Shikha Singh, Jackson Lenawee Washtenaw CISMA
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“Protecting Michigan's State Park Forests,” Heidi Frei, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
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“Stopping Aquatic Hitchhikers,” Eric Diesing, Clinton River Watershed Council
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“Keeping Hobby Plants & Pets out of Waterways,” McKenzi Waliczek, Lake St. Clair CISMA
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“Widespread Invasive Identification & Management,” Gadi Krasner, Saginaw Bay CISMA
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“Reporting Invasive Species,” Matthew Lindauer, Central Michigan CISMA
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“Go Beyond Beauty: Avoiding Ornamental Invasive Plants,” Shelly Stusick, Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network
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“Supporting Pollinators & Wildlife with Native Plants,” Melissa Kivel, Friends of the St. Clair River
The Summit is presented by southeast Michigan CISMAs and funded by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Master Gardener credits will be available, pending approval.
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What is a CISMA?
A Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) is a partnership of federal, state and local government agencies, tribes, individuals and various interested groups that manage invasive species (or weeds) in a defined area.
The Oakland County CISMA provides identification services as well as recommendations for treatment of invasive species. Removing invasive species is the first step to establish a healthy ecosystem; restoration of the area with native species is also needed.
To learn more, visit: OaklandInvasiveSpecies.org/
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Workforce
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Oakland County Participates in Region’s Largest Childcare Job Fair
Oakland County Michigan Works! partnered with four other Michigan Works! agencies from across southeast Michigan and the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to host the region’s largest virtual childcare job fair this week.
Nearly 100 licensed childcare providers participated in the event, including 30 from Oakland County. According to the Michigan Department of Education, as of last September there were more than 4,700 openings for full-time childcare staff in Michigan, as well as a similar number of part-time openings.
Jennifer Llewellyn, director, Oakland County Michigan Works!, said this virtual job fair matched people interested in caring for and educating children with a number of childcare providers, including private employers and school districts with early childhood programs.
“Childcare centers across the region are struggling to find talent,” Llewellyn said. “At the same time, we know that there are high school students, college students, and adults seeking fulfilling and meaningful career opportunities in their communities. This can be a first step in achieving this goal.”
Brooke Rains, Resource Center Director, Child Care Network, added “jobs at childcare facilities can provide pathways to long-term careers in education and related fields.”
The southeast Michigan event was the first of four regional childcare job fairs being held across the state during the month.
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Veterans
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Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair – February 24 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon
On Thursday, February 24, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, a Veterans Resource Fair will be held at the American Legion Post 377 in Clarkston. All Veterans, active duty, guard and reserves—and their families—are invited to attend. Resources will include: VA claims assistance, housing counseling, career planning, training programs, Meijer gift cards, dental services, food boxes, and more.
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U.S. Department of Labor Now Accepting Applications for 2022 Hire Vets Medallion Awards
The U.S. Department of Labor announced recently that it is accepting applications for the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award. The award is presented annually to employers that meet standards for excellence in the recruitment, hiring and retention of America’s military Veterans.
To complete the application process, employers must verify that their organization meets award requirements, pay the application fee and comply with the rules promulgated by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act. Employers must apply by April 30, 2022.
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Gov. Whitmer Presents Purple Hearts to Michigan National Guard Soldiers
On January 23, Governor Whitmer presented the Purple Heart to soldiers of the Michigan National Guard (MING) for injuries sustained January 8, 2020 during an Iranian ballistic missile attack while deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
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Camp Corral 2022 – Registration is Now Open
In partnership with Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Camp Corral provides free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences for children of wounded, disabled or fallen military service members and Veterans.
To qualify for Camp Corral, children must also be between the ages of 8 and 15 on the first day of camp.
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MVTF Emergency Assistance Now Available to Eligible Peacetime-Era Veteran
For the first time in its 75-year history, the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) will provide emergency assistance to eligible peacetime-era Veterans 65 years and older under a new pilot program.
The assistance helps Veterans overcome unforeseen situations causing a temporary or short-term financial emergency or hardship that a grant will resolve and for which the applicant can demonstrate the ability to meet future expenses. Covered expenses under the 65+ Program include utility bills, home repairs and rent and mortgage assistance.
Veterans interested in applying for the 65+ Peacetime Program should contact the MVTF county committee serving the county they reside in or fill out and submit the emergency assistance form available on the MVAA's website. Veterans can call 1-800-MICH-VET to be connected to their county Veteran representative.
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U.S. Department of Labor Announces Funding Opportunity to Help Veterans at Risk of or Experiencing Homelessness to Return to Workforce
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a funding opportunity for organizations to provide training and employing services to Veterans combating homelessness.
Administered by the department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, the grants will fund projects across the country at a maximum of $500,000 annually, for a total of up to $1.5 million over a three-year performance period.
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US Department of Labor Launches Pilot Program to Provide Off-Base Transition Assistance to Veterans and Spouses Seeking to Join Civilian Workforce
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Veterans’ Employment and Training Service will extend its traditional Transition Assistance Program curriculum beyond the active military installations it currently serves to at least 50 locations in at least 20 states. This is to expand their efforts to improve employment-related outcomes in areas where large Veteran populations face high rates of unemployment.
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