Business

There is a long tradition of teenagers and young adults getting summer jobs to save up some money while school is out of session. It has seemingly become more difficult to land one of these jobs. That’s where SummerWorks comes in. Through partnership and collaboration, the SummerWorks summer youth employment program works with area employers to find paid internships and mentorship to area young people. It can go beyond a few summer dollars and be a pathway to self-discovery, an educational path and/or a career. WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre talked with program manager Kathleen Clancey about the program and how your kids and grandkids can get involved.

Ypsilanti has been selected as one of six communities participating in Recast City's Recast Leaders Program, a new Southeastern Michigan cohort focused on strengthening local economies through small-scale manufacturing and product-based businesses. Lee Van Roth was joined by Recast City founder/CEO Ilana Preuss to discuss why Ypsilanti was selected for the program and what this work could mean for local businesses and residents.

As technology evolves, more businesses are using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones. To keep up with industry demand, Ypsilanti Community High School (YCHS) is training students to become federally licensed drone pilots and business owners. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Business growth and how to achieve it was the main topic Tuesday as Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson addressed the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

As we begin to settle into the new year, the economy in America, and right here in Washtenaw County, is facing some uncertainties. On this month's edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," we explore the issues and potential local impacts. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Andy LaBarre from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber and Eastern Michigan University Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. Amanda Stype for a look at the business year ahead.

Startup businesses fostered by Ann Arbor SPARK saw financial growth this year amid a turbulent economy. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

State Representative Reggie Miller wants to put an end to local officials signing non-disclosure agreements when discussing potential business developments. As WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports, she’s introduced legislation to ban the practice.

Prospective business entrepreneurs can get a head start on turning innovative ideas into a robust business strategy at Washtenaw Community College’s Winter Startup Bootcamp. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor has more.

The holiday shopping season is well underway. For many small business owners and retailers, the month of December can determine whether they finish the year in the black. That’s where the notion of “Think Local First” can make a difference. How will it turn out in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti this year? WEMU's David Fair and A2Y Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre find out in their talk with Ypsilanti DDA director Elize Jekabson and Ashley Schafer, the Executive Director of Main Street Ann Arbor.

The Michigan Senate voted Tuesday to expand a program to repurpose land that’s not being used anymore—like old factories or office buildings. Colin Jackson has more