Daily Archives: July 17, 2022

From a Top 20 ranking in CNBCs Top States for Business to accolades for Detroit and Mackinac Island as global destinations, Michigans business climate and vibrant communities are driving economic opportunity statewide

Michigan is standing in the national spotlight this week, between the CNBC Top States for Business ranking today and national accolades rolling in for both Detroit and Mackinac Island on Tuesday. With all this national recognition, whether its a strong business climate or having some of the best places to experience across the globe, Michigan is the total package.

In CNBCs 2022 Americas Top States for Business list, Michigan landed the No. 16 spot, remaining a Top 20 state, improving in key categories including Workforce, Cost of Doing Business, Economy, Education, Business Friendliness and Access to Capital.

Last week, CNBC traveled to Michigan to share how the state is continuing to innovate and compete to win the future of vital industries like mobility and electrification. Speaking with CNBCs Scott Cohn, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin Messer, Jr. shared why Michigan is a premier state for businesses to start and grow.

By focusing on long-term growth, Michigans economy continues to grow and thrive. We are excited to see the impact of our bipartisan efforts to spur economic development, create good-paying jobs and invest in every region of Michigan reflected in this weeks national recognition. We will build on this momentum going by continuing to work across the aisle to get things done, bring in more transformative investments and continue delivering on the kitchen-table issues that make Michigan a great place to live, work and play.

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor of Michigan

The annual Top States for Business ranking evaluates 10 broad categories of competitiveness, in part based on issues states have identified as being most important in business attraction efforts. For 2022, CNBCs study covered 88 metrics across the 10 categories. Workforce carried the most weight among categories in this years study, followed by Infrastructure and Cost of Doing Business.

Todays ranking follows a year of intentional efforts to put the state in the strongest possible position to win projects that will create economic opportunity for the next 20 years and beyond, while also delivering relief for businesses impacted by COVID-19. This includes Governor Whitmer signing the bipartisan Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) package into law, creating competitive programs that invest in business retention and attraction to complement Michigans strengths as a state.

Throughout the past year, the state has celebrated a series of transformational investments that demonstrate continued industry growth across the mobility sector, as well as life sciences, food processing and other vital industries. Projects include:

Team Michigan continues to demonstrate to the world our commitment to building a championship economy on behalf of the businesses, families and communities that call our state home. This years CNBC Top States for Business Ranking shows our efforts are being noticed. We have made significant progress over the last few years, namely, rising to the challenge of rebuilding Michigans economy following the impacts of the pandemic and heightened global competition. We will keep working alongside Governor Whitmer and other elected officials, regional and industry partners to put Michigan in the top spot and to ensure all Michiganders on both peninsulas are realizing the full benefit of our thriving economy.

Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC

Michigans CNBC ranking follows several other notable national rankings, highlighting the states achievements in small business growth, job creation and economic recovery.

In addition to these achievements, Michigan cities and a uniquely Michigan vacation spot are also receiving national recognition as top destinations for entertainment, culture, leisure and livability.

With a wide range of recreational, cultural and educational resources not to mention an affordable cost of living Moneyrates.com also named Michigan the fourth-best state to live in nation-wide.

Much of the states economic recovery and momentum can be attributed to Michigans small business growth over the past two years. According to Opportunity Insights Track the Recovery, January 2022 saw small business revenue in Michigan increase by 24% compared to January 2020, while the nation experienced a 6.9% increase over the same period. Michigan also had the fastest small business job growth in 23 years according to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information, adding 170,000 in the first three quarters of 2021.

This weeks national rankings and recognition build on Michigans drive to be a top state for business and travel. From the Motor City to the Jewel of the Great Lakes and all the thriving, hard-working communities in between, Michigan is on the map.

To learn more about why businesses are choosing to invest and grow Michigan visit http://www.michiganbusiness.org/why-michigan

For more Michigan economic development news visit http://www.michiganbusiness.org/news

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the states marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigans economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visitwww.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan tourism information, your trip begins atwww.michigan.org. Join the conversation on:Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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TJI: Michigan Makes Headlines this Week as Top State for Business and Travel - Michigan Economic Development Corporation

However, the new Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) assessment report finds when making policy decisions, there is a too much global focus on short-term profits and economic growth that often undervalue nature.

An independent intergovernmental science and policy body, the IPBES secretariat is provided by the UN Environment Programme, authorized by UNEPs Governing Council.

Approved on Saturday by representatives of the 139 Member States, co-chairs Unai Pascual, Patricia Balvanera, Mike Christie, and Brigitte Baptiste pointed out in the Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature report, that ways of preventing power irregularities and embed nature into policymaking are in short supply.

While economic and political decisions have predominantly prioritized market-based values of nature, such in intensive food production, they do not adequately reflect how changes in the natural world affect peoples quality of life.

Moreover, policymaking overlooks the many non-market values associated with natures contributions to communities, such as climate regulation and cultural identity.

Only two per cent of the more than 1,000 studies reviewed, consult stakeholders on valuation findings and only one per cent of the studies involved stakeholders in every step of the process of valuing nature, they explained.

Living from, with, in and as nature means providing resources that sustain peoples livelihoods, needs and wants, including food and material goods, according to the news release issued with the report.

It also focuses on non-human life, such as the intrinsic rights of fish in a river to thrive independently of human needs, and sees the natural world as a physical, mental and spiritual part of oneself.

The Values Assessment provides decision-makers with concrete tools and methods to better understand the values that individuals and communities hold about nature, said Ms. Balvanera.

Mr. Christie said that valuation is an explicit and intentional process, that hinges on how, why and by whom the valuation is designed and applied.

Following this logic, Ms. Baptiste added that recognizing and respecting the worldviews, values and traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities allows policies to be more inclusive, which also translates into better outcomes for people and nature.

The authors identified four value-centred leverage points to create the necessary conditions for transformative change focused on sustainability and justice.

The pathways range from recognizing the diverse values of nature, to embedding valuation into decision-making and policy reform, to align with global sustainability and justice objectives.

Although each is underpinned by different values, they share principles aligned with sustainability, said Mr. Pascual.

Biodiversity is being lost and natures contributions to people are being degraded faster now that at any other point in human history, said Ana Mara Hernndez Salgar, Chair of IPBES. This is largely because our current approach to political and economic decisions does not sufficiently account for the diversity of natures values.

Go here to see the original:

UN report: Value of nature must not be overridden by pursuit of short-term profit - UN News

Filmmaker and photographer Luke Gilford divulges his first solo exhibition, "National Anthem," at the SN37 Gallery in New York City.

Filmmaker and photographer Luke Gilford divulges his first solo exhibition, "National Anthem," at the SN37 Gallery in New York City.

"National Anthem"By Luke Gilford

Exhibition On View:July 14 - August 28, 2022

SN37 Gallery:204 Front St, New York, NY 10038

SN37 bestows filmmaker and photographer Luke Gilford's first solo exhibition, "National Anthem," at their non-profit multifaceted gallery space in New York City. The influential artist is renowned for his delightful storytelling ability across multiple mediums and his depiction of stunning imagery with a unique narrative vision. Gilford's diverse collection of pieces expands over multiple years spent documenting the various distinct subcultures within the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), the organizing body for the LGBTQ+ cowboy and cowgirl communities in North America. The focal point of "National Anthem" aims to recognize and highlight thriving queer communities in rural areas around the United States and the deep kinship therein.

"One of the great powers of the queer rodeo is its ability to disrupt America's tribal dichotomies that cannot contain who we really areliberal versus conservative, urban versus rural, "coastal elite" versus "middle America," Gilford notes. "I'm honored to share this work on such a large scale in New York City and to celebrate the beauty of this community and what it represents. I'm looking forward to connecting with others who have come to the city from rural places and to hopefully inspire anyone wanting to extend their experiences to include more nature and community in safe spaces."

Printed at an extraordinary scale, the profound characters in "National Anthem" demand to be confronted and, in doing so, refuse the invisibility that neglect and dismissal too often cast upon them. Evoking from his time spent with the members of the IGRA and their neighbors, Gilford found himself appeased by the unexpected open-mindedness he witnessed, which he has described as "the electric charge of belonging."

Through his observations, Gilford translates this through his current exhibition, hoping to spark an interconnectedness among members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Especially those who vacated their hometowns in search of a more welcoming environment, he seeks to construct an essence of communal love and care that he finds so evident in the city.

Accompanying this presentation of images is the reprinted limited edition run of Gilford's popular 2020 National Anthem monograph, available at the gallery. SN37 has made an intentional decision to donate the proceeds of each exhibition to the organization of the artists' choosing; the proceeds from the sale of select work from Gilford's show will be donated to the International Gay Rodeo Association.

About the International Gay Rodeo Association

The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) is the sole organizing body for the LGBTQ+ rodeo communities in North Americaa safe space for all races and gender expressions. The queer rodeo brings in participants from rural regions all over America for structured educational programs and competitions, facilitating opportunities to hone athletic skills, connection and care for animals, personal integrity, self-confidence and support for one another.

Link:

SN37 Artist, Luke Gilford Cast Exhibition Documenting The Distinct Subcultures Of Queer Rodeo - Vman - VMAN

Building great relationships requires trust, honesty, mutual support, and appreciation. From our first conversation with designer and creative powerhouse Gavin Mathieu, there was an immediate sense of connectionone that was rooted in mutual respect and a shared goal: creating something together that uplifts others. This is why were proud to announce the launch of Hardwear, our first capsule collection of clothing and merchandise under the Microsoft brand and in partnership with Gavin.

Raised in South Central LA, Gavin spent years fostering community among creators like himself, including Jerry Lorenzo and Nipsey Hussle, before starting his own successful brand, Supervsn. When you spend any amount of time with Gavin, youre immediately struck by his ability to make everyone in the room feel like family. The warmth and acceptance people feel in his presence is exactly what all of us look for in a community.

Cocreating with Gavin began with a shared philosophy. At Microsoft we often say, You dont work here to look cool, you work at Microsoft to make others cool. And Gavins thinking and history is right in line with that. With a focus on people rather than products, Gavin creates to uplift and empower othersa guiding principle and mission that drives everything we do at Microsoft. Therefore, the collection is reflective of the Normcore style, a lifestyle aesthetic that puts the focus on individuals and not on the clothing they wear.

What Gavin has designed for this collection captures the spirit of our discussions on enabling people to move and create in a way that helps them make the most impact. Gavin believes, humans are at their highest level of self when they create. And we believe that expression should be effortless. This is why Hardwear is simple and designed to reduce any distractions to creativity: its a nine-piece collection of tees, hats, sweats, jackets, and pants. Every piece is intentional, and there is meaning behind each item in Hardwear. Here, Gavin explains why he chose MS Paint as a design element for one of the pieces in this collection: Gavin Mathieu explains how Microsoft inspired him to be a designer.

While cocreation can be messy, this partnership brought with it a sense of ease. Maybe it was because we all leaned into the often complex and sometimes challenging process that happens when creating with passionate individuals, who all have unique suggestions and differing opinions. This collaboration was fueled by openness, vulnerability, and the belief that often the most resonant ideas are built from the inclusion of diverse perspectives.

For Hardwear, our community was a team of people who made strides daily, building each others confidence by having honest conversations and creating space for suggestions and improvements. This campaign tested our comfortability and challenged us at times, but what pushed us forward was seeing the inclusion of diverse voices throughout the process and the unique perspectives on what drives those who want to improve themselves and the world around them, as well as what can distract people from progressing toward their goals.

Its important for us to work with creators who are focused on inspiring communities and making a positive impact in the world, because enabling and empowering people to achieve more is what drives everything we do at Microsoft. And with Hardwear, its as much of the how as it is the what. From the talent of our people to the capsule collection launch, to the diversity of those behind and in front of the camera and our agency partners, cultural nuance and perspective are the key ingredients that make this a collection were proud to share with our own communities.

As we worked on this, Gavin encouraged us to broaden the aperture for who we define as a creator. All of us create. So, check out the collection, but dont stop at the clothes. Understand and carry the message that creativity is not on you, its in you, and it knows no bounds.

Continued here:

Hardwear: Create with Intention - Microsoft Life - Microsoft

It was more than enough to excite any vegan eaterwhether full-time, part-time, or first-time. I took a seat with them to hear about how it all started.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

*****

KQED: When did you each begin your individual journeys as vegans?

Ronnishia: I started my transition into veganism in 2010, 2011. I was an undergrad at Texas Southern University, and we were roommates. I had hypertension blood pressure, so my boyfriend at the time educated me on a plant-based diet, my weight and overall health. I did more research and I started the process. I cut out red meat, and eventually over 10 to 12 years I became full vegan.

Rheema: We were best friends. When she started her transition in college I thought she was crazyshe was eating differently and cut all her hair off. But when we graduated and came home [to San Francisco], we started to learn more about food justice. She challenged me to do a fast with her, so we did it for 30 days. I realized how much energy I had and how good I felt afterward. I was a struggling pescatarian at first, and then around 2012 I transitioned to being vegan.

How did The Vegan Hood Chefs start?

Ronnishia: It started in 2017. We started this journey by wanting to eat healthy. We lived in a food desert as Black folks. Most of our work is in our own communities, which are food deserts, where people arent having conversations around veganism in a culturally connected way. We wanted our families and folks we love to join the conversation about food justice. And we didn't see people like us leading those conversations.

At first, we started a food page on Instagram to raise awareness on what we were eating and cooking. We didnt plan to start a business at all. Then, one of our friends at the time was hosting an event and their caterer backed out at the last minute, so she asked us to do it instead. At the time, we had a partner in culinary schoolmy cousinand we figured we could try to do it together. My day job used a kitchen whenever we needed to cook for kids, so we used that. [That first event] we cooked for 200 people and it sold out. That spread through word of mouth and online and it took off from there. It just filled a need in the community around veganism and eating healthy as a healing practice in Black and Brown communities.

Whats an example of a dish on your menu that is popular?

Rheema: The Sucka Free Poboy is special. Were intentional about naming our items. Its based on San Francisco [Sucka Free City] and how we speak here, but inspired by our grandmothers, who are both from Louisiana. We grew up eating this. Our Po'boy uses oyster mushrooms battered in the way our grandmothers would do it. Its fried, with lettuce, tomatoes, purple cabbage, green onions and topped with our house sauce.

Ronnishia: Also, the bread we use is super awesome. Its from Acme, a local bakery. Our mushrooms are sourced by Far West Fungi!

How does your food reflect your connection to the Bay Area?

Ronnishia: Im from Hunters Point and Rheema is from Lakeview. Its printed on our truck. We have a deep connection to our heritage and culture, but also to The City. A lot of families migrated here from the South to work in the shipyards, so theres a deep relationship to places like Louisiana and Texas. We bring that out in our food with the names and ingredients we choose. We want you to get our experience as Black folks living in San Francisco.

Rheema: Were all over the Bay, too. The beauty of the truck is that we get to honor who we are, but also meet people where they're at. Weve been from S.F. to Richmond to Oakland to Stockton to Sacramento to Santa Cruz to San Ramon to Sonoma County and back. Its dope. Were popping up everywhere. We also did that when we didnt have the truck, but now its about giving more accessibility in our communities. Weve also been partnering with Bay Area businesses like Natrully Herbs in Richmond, a Black-owned collaborative space with smoothies and alkaline foods, which is a step above vegan.

What challenges have you overcome with running an independent business?

Ronnishia: Lack of representation. We started off in this industry without any real knowledge around how to run a food business. Fortunately, we picked that up along the way. But its often difficult for communities of color to have the capital to start a business, even when were being innovative. It makes you doubt yourself. Lacking access to mentorship and support, we had to figure out how we do it all as we go.

Also, its difficult to be a Black woman in a male-dominated industry. It feels like we have to work 10 times as hard to be taken seriously and have the same opportunities. The food industry is fast-paced and changing, so theres always a need to pivot and keep your business sustainable. During the pandemic we were affectedbefore we had a food truckand we had to completely revamp our model from pop-ups and home events to using social media more and engaging our audience. Its hard to find good, reliable staff too. Thats happening all over the food industry right now.

When youre not eating your own food, where do you go to grub on vegan dishes?

Rheema: Our top favorite is Om Sabor, on Grove Street [in San Francisco]. Its Latinx inspired and influenced. They make the best muthafuckin krab sushi and food fusions. The enchiladas there are hella good. They do vegan plates that you can share in groups. Golden Lotus, in Oakland. Comidadejen, Casa Borinquea and Koquito, Puerto Rican-infused places.

Ronnishia: Malibu Burgers in Piedmont is good. We go to Wildseed a lot; they have a delicious mushroom pizza we love. Theres great Ethiopian food like Oasis Cafe in Fillmore. Caf Romanat in Oakland. Vegan Solstice in Stockton, which hosts pop-ups. Vegan Heat, Black-owned, thats a pop-up.

Rheema: Oh, whats our favorite ice cream place called? Kub Nice Cream in Oakland. They have this coconut and key lime ice cream. Oh my gosh. Its hella good. Makes you wanna slap your momma.

What are you cooking up next?

Ronnishia: Were working on a cookbook that should be coming out towards the end of this year. Were working on more online content as wellwe want to tap into creating more video content, to provide resources around how to shop and where to start being vegan. This work is something we really enjoy, and these are the conversations we have with people from our communities who visit our truck. We have a blog we utilize somewhatwhich the Bizerkeley Vegan used to write forbut we havent been able to do that as much lately. Our main mission is to just keep connecting and educating our community, and to cook in as many ways as possible.

Rheema: Were in the Mission a lot. You cant miss us.

Excerpt from:

Sucka Free Soul: The Vegan Hood Chefs Honor Southern Heritage With a Frisco Twist - KQED

A new report finds that North American streets are getting deadlier for pedestrians. Research by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition reveals that, in 2020, over 6,500 people were struck and killed by cars while walking.

That averages out to 18 people a day and a deadly 4.5% increase from 2019.

To make matters worse, the burden is not shared equally among pedestrians.

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Low-income residents, older adults, and people of color are more likely to be struck and killed while walking.

Black pedestrians are twice as likely to be killed than white, non-Hispanic pedestrians. Native Americans faced risks nearly three times as great.

Sadly, these statistics may underestimate the toll, as hundreds of traffic fatalities are reported without race each year.

Here are the ten deadliest metros:

Floridas ranking is interesting considering the state signed a policy fully committing to Complete Streets streets that serve the needs of all users, including cyclists and pedestrians in 2014.

Unfortunately, it seems that these streets arent serving Black and Native Americans. And urban design has a role in these deaths.

Black and Native Americans are more likely to reside lower-income neighborhoods. These neighborhoods traditionally have fewer sidewalks and parks, as well as more arterial roads. This leads to higher speeds and more traffic, which results in a higher number of pedestrian fatalities.

Further, people with low-incomes are more likely to live outside of urban city centers, where housing is less expensive. This means exclusion from the safest and most walkable parts of a city, such as downtown and tourist precincts.

These inner urban areas unlike the outer city are most likely to benefit from lobbying from retailers associations to improve walkability or smart city pilots that increase safety, such as smart traffic lights and street lights. Compare this to outer regions that may not even have sidewalks to begin with.

And while 2020 may have seen fewer drivers on the road because of the pandemic, the roads became deadlier.

According to the report, road design preferences speed over safety. As roads became less congested during the pandemic, driver speeds increased. Faster driving increases the likelihood a pedestrian will be killed rather than just injured.

The report was based on over a decade of data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which also noted that the pandemics impact on car sales correlates with higher pedestrian deaths.

Newer vehicles generally have better crash avoidance technology than older models and have pedestrian detection as a standard feature.

However, the decline in new vehicle sales in 2020 slowed safer vehicle integration on the road. As a result, pedestrians were less protected than they could have been.

The data also revealed that in 2021 deaths caused by passenger cars grew by 36%. Specifically, SUV-caused fatalities increased by a whopping 76%, and thats concerning.

According to the GSHA, intentional road design can reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents. For example:

Besides efforts to address disproportionate road risk, theres also a national effort in North America to address the biggest racial inequity in road design at a local level.

At the end of June, funding applications began for the Reconnecting Communities pilot program, funded by the Presidents Bipartisan infrastructure law. $1 billion in funding will help reconnect communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, detailed that the program aims to redress historic planning decisions that built road infrastructure such as freeways directly through the heart of vibrant, populated, communities:

Sometimes to reinforce segregation. Sometimes because the people there had less power to resist. And sometimes as part of a direct effort to replace or eliminate Black neighborhoods.

This inherently racist infrastructure not only led to higher pedestrian fatalities but also increased air pollution near where people live. It can impact property values and prohibit workers from accessing higher-paid jobs due to long expensive commutes.

In response, the Reconnecting Communities pilot will fund local efforts such as high-quality public transportation, infrastructure removal, pedestrian walkways, and overpasses, capping and lids, linear parks and trails, crosswalk and roadway redesigns, complete streets conversions, and main street revitalization.

Vehicle makers are acutely aware of the need to build safer cars. But we also need equity in urban design.

At least now, theres hard data that maps places where pedestrians are most at risk, and concrete opportunities for solutions led by the communities most impacted. And thats how we build safer roads.

Read more:

Black and Native American pedestrians are killed at higher rates here's why - TNW