Business Watch

A proliferation of large farms means the retail price for marijuana is lower than it was even decades ago, when the drug was illegal.

Hospitality workers say rude customers, financial uncertainty and staffing shortages are taking a toll. Now a few restaurants are funding mental health counseling for staff who struggle with the added tensions of the pandemic.

Genemarkers is one of at least a dozen companies in the state that rapidly switched to pandemic testing in 2020. After a 10-fold revenue gain, the Kalamazoo company is using what it learned in the pandemic to fuel more growth.

The state’s unemployment agency says it’s on target for sending IRS tax forms to workers by the end of February. But some workers face the prospect of having to declare benefits as reportable income even though they may later have to return the money.

So many cities have opted out of pot that small towns are key to growth of the industry. That’s caused some heartburn in Lawrence in Van Buren County, but the revenue and jobs are tough to pass up.

The international link between Detroit and Windsor is the busiest trade route between the U.S. and Canada. The protests halted auto production as essential supplies — from auto parts to food — languished, prompting concerns by Michigan officials.

Auto production slowed this week as the so-called ‘Freedom Caravan’ continued its blockade of the Ambassador and Blue Water bridge crossings to Canada over COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Traffic slowdowns started Monday at the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, then the ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests expanded to the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. Now Michigan officials worry about further supply chain tightening and potential economic impact.

Jobless workers received notices they have to repay benefits, sometimes $20,000 or more. But many applied in good faith, and now won’t face restitution due to federal waivers.

A shortage of U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers left sailors stranded and caused several cargo delays affecting Great Lakes ports. Federal officials are looking for a solution by March.

Michigan cheered news in January that it will get a $2.5 billion battery plant in Lansing to supply electric vehicles made by General Motors. A similar plant nearly ready to open in Lordstown gives a glimpse into what that could mean.

Cooperatives aren’t common, but they are a way to increase business ownership. In southwest Detroit, six of them are growing and advocates hope dozens follow them.

The state is giving the automaker about $800 million in incentives for the projects. GM says thousands of jobs will follow as it builds capacity to make electric vehicle batteries and EV trucks in its home state.

State officials are expected to vote on an incentive package for General Motors as it plans to add capacity in the state for its electric vehicle production. The move could create 4,000 jobs.

The South Korean manufacturer seeks $525 million in incentives for an expansion that will create 1,000 jobs. It’s one of the first projects seeking to tap the state’s SOAR fund.

Once ranked 49th in growth, the state is now 29th. If Michigan wants to crack the top 10, it needs to address vehicle electrification and ongoing labor shortages, a report finds.

Gwen Frostic created a business around her wildlife art that survives 21 years after her death. A new owner will get a chance to own this piece of the state’s history near the Lake Michigan shore.

The pace of fraud has slowed, officials were told on Thursday. However, it remains unclear to what extent the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has fixed its problems or identified which cases amounted to crimes.

The U.S. Supreme Court said the Biden order overreached in covering every large business, regardless of risk. Healthcare workers are a different matter, the court decided.

Soon, the applications will be ready, and businesses or property owners can start to apply for the money. State leaders say it’s a way to lure ‘transformational projects’ to the state.