MMA Web site to feature job openings
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Michigan Manufacturers Association will launch an industry-specific jobs portal Web site to highlight available manufacturing jobs around the state.
MiManufacturingJobs.com will debut on Labor Day, Sept. 1, to allow employers and workers to seek job applicants and opportunities, along with information on temporary student employment and internships.
Despite job losses in manufacturing, MMA officials said the industry projects labor shortages for skilled trade positions, and there are presently more than 250 positions available in the state.
Affordable housing series is available
TRAVERSE CITY -- A series titled "Housing Affordability Strategies and Resources"designed to help area communities develop affordable housing options is available through the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.
The council worked with Community Housing Choices to create the series that outlines steps that businesses, local governments, developers and other parties can take to increase affordable housing options in the area. It includes information on zoning, accessory dwelling units, land bank authorities, housing trust funds and employer-assisted housing.
"The strategies included in the housing affordability series can help communities as they work to create safe, decent, affordable housing for all income levels," said Sarah Lucas, regional planner for NMCOG.
The information is available at www.communityhousingchoices.org and by contacting Lucas at (231) 929-5000.
Agencies eligible for disaster loans
TRAVERSE CITY -- Private, nonprofit agencies in several northern Michigan counties are eligible for low-interest disaster loan assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Nonprofit organizations that sustained damage from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from June 6 to 13 in Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford counties are eligible for physical and economic injury disaster loans from the SBA.
Organizations can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other business assets.
Interest rates are as low as 4 percent with terms up to 30 years.
The program covers various nonprofits including food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums and libraries.
Nonprofits in the adjacent counties of Benzie, Crawford, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties are also eligible for economic injury disaster loans to meet working capital needs including operational expenses.
Application forms are available from the SBA's Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-877-8339 or on the SBA's Web site.
The deadline for seeking physical property damage loans is Sept. 12, while the economic injury applications are due by April 14, 2009.
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