The latest on the Vaccine Mandate
Last week, we provided a brief overview of the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Since then, a flurry of activity has taken place, so an update is in order:
 
  • The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has developed & published a Federal Vaccine Mandate Toolkit. The toolkit provides links to various summaries, FAQs, deadline details, and lists of various recordkeeping/reporting requirements.

  • Last Saturday, the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay on the federal vaccine mandate. The stay essentially "pauses" the mandate, but does not change the requirements or deadlines. In its response, the Biden administration cited the potential health risk of delaying the mandate. Michigan does not fall under the jurisdiction of this court, and it is unclear whether the stay essentially applies to the entire nation. Nearly 30 states have filed lawsuits. Employers are left wondering what they should do, and when, especially because deadlines are quickly approaching, including establishing policies, recordkeeping, and reimplementing masking requirements.

  • Here in Michigan, businesses are quickly realizing the complexity and difficulty of the federal vaccine mandate. A coalition of chambers and trade associations--Listen to MI Business--is officially opposing the federal vaccine mandate. The Midland Business Alliance has contacted Listen to MI Business to join the growing list of associations in this coalition.

  • On Wednesday, the Michigan Legislature also officially weighed in on the vaccine mandate by filing a brief in federal court, asking that the mandate be halted. The Michigan Senate took this one step further and also approved a resolution stating that the mandate is an example of government overreach.
 
We will continue to monitor and keep our members posted on the federal vaccine mandate, including an upcoming webinar, date and time to be determined.
Here's what you should know...
Global Entrepreneurship Week


  • The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is partnering with community and economic development organizations, financial institutions, and other small business support organizations to work one on one with businesses at the local level. In partnership with Northern Initiatives, they offer training cohorts lasting about 12 weeks, that will provide four strategic learning sessions for trainers.

News

  • SPACE, Inc. has been awarded two task orders valued at over $2 million dollars by the Department of State, Foreign Service Institute. The FSI is furnishing a new four-story educational building being constructed on its campus in Arlington, Virginia. The building will house classroom spaces, meeting spaces, a large multi-purpose room, and café. SPACE will be responsible for completing all the workstations, carrels, and private offices in addition to all support spaces for the new FSI building which is set for completion in Summer 2022.


Events


Innovation

  • Automation Alley, Lean Rocket Lab, LTU Centrepolis, and Pure Michigan Business Connect are hosting Manu-Tech Pitch Day 2021, providing insight into breakthrough technology enabling operational resiliency for our Michigan manufacturing firms. The event will be live-streamed for interested attendees. Registration is required and open through Dec. 8.

COVID-19
MBA Roundup
Accident Fund Dividend Checks Delivered!
One of our favorite days at the MBA is when we can visit some of our members and deliver Accident Fund dividend checks!

Midland Business Alliance President & CEO Tony Stamas visited Ieuter Insurance Group, Bone & Bailey Insurance Agency, Arbury Insurance Agency, My Member Insurance and Burkhart-Presidio Insurance Agency (pictured right) last week.

Midland is lucky to have some amazing insurance partners.
Watch November's WakeUp! Midland
If you weren't able to attend last Friday's WakeUp! Midland program, we have you covered! Tridge Media Productions was there to film the entire program.
Upcoming Events
We always have something cooking! Whether it's a virtual workshop, an After Hours, or one of our larger gatherings,
keep your calendar up-to-date with everything we're offering. Here's what we have coming up over the next couple of months:

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER
Entrepreneurs Welcome at CMURC Next Thursday from 8-10 a.m.
New Members
Farmers Market
2021 Market Days & Hours
The Market is walk-through style at Dow Diamond, located in the large southeast parking lot. It has now transitioned to Saturday-only for the first three Saturdays in November before it wraps up for the season.

Nov. 13 & Nov. 20
9 a.m. – 12 noon
MYPros Luncheon - What to Expect in 2022 - Nov. 16 - 11:30 AM
Community Profile & Membership Directory
The 2021/22 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available online! The print edition is available at the MBA offices and is also available throughout the region. If you'd like copies at your business, call the MBA at (989) 839-9522.