AGP Executive Report

Restaurant Industry: Grand Rapids-based Wendy’s franchisee Meritage Hospitality filed for bankruptcy covering 320 locations, blaming debt-heavy expansion and a drop in Wendy’s marketing effectiveness after a rebate-driven profit model unraveled. Energy Costs: AAA says Michigan regular gas jumped 62 cents in a week to $4.93, with diesel hitting record highs as Iran-war disruptions and refinery issues tighten supply. Agriculture & Food Prices: Michigan farmers are feeling the squeeze as diesel averages $6.81 a gallon, raising harvest and fertilizer costs and threatening broader food-system pricing. Workforce Development: Goodwill Industries of West Michigan and the Muskegon Area ISD are launching a shared workforce training hub starting fall 2026, placing HVAC and Advanced Manufacturing students in Goodwill’s Career Center. Clean Energy & Construction: NorthStar Clean Energy finished a 120-MW Hart Solar project in Oceana County, creating 300 construction jobs and adding power for 21,000+ homes. Data Centers & Policy: Walbridge launched L5 Mission Critical to provide full data center services, while lawmakers push rules that make data centers cover more of their electricity and grid upgrade costs. Consumer Protection: Michigan AG Dana Nessel reached an agreement with Five Below over alleged scanner overcharges and unclear shelf pricing.

Water Safety: Kalamazoo’s boil water advisory could be lifted Monday after follow-up testing found no E. coli or coliform in Sunday samples; crews are flushing the system and collecting more tests, with affected areas spanning most of the city plus parts of nearby townships. Infrastructure & Construction: Jackson County DOT starts two resurfacing projects in Blackman Charter Township on Monday, keeping access for businesses while using outer-lane closures and occasional temporary stops through mid-November. Skilled Trades Pipeline: A Michigan House bill would let high school seniors earn academic credits for verified work-based training—at least 30 hours a week—in manufacturing, construction, and other skilled trades. Industrial Growth: Romulus continues building its airport-driven industrial and commercial base, marketing city property to fill gaps and adding hotel investment as speculative industrial buildings are expected to come online. Energy & Cybersecurity: Federal agencies warn that AI is helping attackers generate faster exploit scripts targeting Siemens industrial control systems, raising the stakes for aging power and water infrastructure. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports Michigan’s gas prices remain volatile, with county-by-county lows and statewide averages still elevated. Policy & Regulation: A federal judge struck down New York’s plan to charge fossil-fuel firms $75B for climate damages, citing federal authority limits.

Solar & Manufacturing Labor: Corning solar workers in Hemlock voted to join the Steelworkers after an intense anti-union campaign, highlighting how Michigan’s clean-energy buildout is reshaping factory jobs. Renewables Permitting: EDP Renewables’ proposed Northern Waters Solar Park near Cheboygan moved closer to Michigan Public Service Commission review after a packed public meeting drew strong opposition. Energy Costs & Supply Chain: Diesel prices hit record highs amid the Iran war’s impact on global shipping routes, with Michigan State University research pointing to higher fuel costs eventually showing up in grocery prices. Trade, Data Centers & Policy: A week of coverage flags mounting political pressure on data centers and power-plant rules, as federal actions and state debates could affect energy demand and costs. Politics With Michigan Stakes: U.S. Senate race coverage spotlights Mike Rogers courting Detroit Democrats and Trump voters as he challenges Abdul El-Sayed, while national security concerns swirl around classified-information access. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Welspun Michigan Engineers won World Bank-funded sewer rehabilitation work in Ahmedabad, underscoring Michigan-linked engineering firms’ global pipeline.

Data Centers & AI Buildout: Oracle’s $300B compute deal with OpenAI is driving major data-center expansion across Texas, New Mexico, Wisconsin and Michigan, with Vertiv and Caterpillar positioned as key “plumbing” suppliers. Local Governance & Housing Costs: Livonia’s Trinity Park is ending income-based rents, pushing seniors toward steep monthly increases tied to utilities, insurance and maintenance costs. Retail Enforcement: Michigan AG Dana Nessel reached a settlement with Five Below over alleged pricing scanner overcharges and missing price displays, including quarterly pricing audits. Energy & Power Projects: Coldwater Solar marked its first year of operations with $1M+ in tax and community benefit payments, and construction began on a nearby 75-MW storage project. Manufacturing/Tech Finance: Fifth Third completed its Comerica merger conversion, bringing nearly 600,000 accounts and 293 branches onto Fifth Third systems across multiple states including Michigan. Agriculture & Food Safety: Michigan confirmed bovine TB in Iosco County cattle herds, while U.S. officials investigate a surge in cyclospora linked to fresh produce. Workforce & Education: Western Michigan University hosted Business Bash to connect students with career paths and industry RSOs.

Data Centers & Power Grid: A Midwest clean-energy push is getting louder as data-center demand could jump sharply, raising the risk of higher costs and grid strain unless new clean power and transmission keep up. Cross-Border Trade: Port Huron’s Blue Water Bridge and the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge both saw fewer crossings tied to higher tariffs and sour Canada-U.S. sentiment. Energy Policy Fight: Washington’s Supreme Court struck down a voter-backed natural gas measure, adding fuel to the national debate over electrification and energy choice. Workforce & Local Business: Allen Park’s Fairlane Green is adding major brands (including a large El Car Wash) as Phase III construction ramps up. Privacy & Transportation: Wisconsin’s DOJ won a preliminary injunction blocking a Trump administration demand for sensitive driver data. Manufacturing & Defense: The U.S. Army is funding IperionX to expand domestic titanium powder-to-part production capacity. Michigan Health Care: Sturgis Hospital’s sudden closure is leaving rural patients facing much longer ambulance trips.

Diesel shock hits Michigan supply chains: Record diesel prices are squeezing trucking and other diesel-heavy industries, with economists warning costs will ripple into consumer prices. Energy costs at the pump: Gas prices in Michigan are climbing again, reigniting debate over whether to pause the state gas tax as drivers feel the strain. Regenerative farming push: Michigan is launching a public-private crop insurance pilot for regenerative practices, aiming to lower premiums for enrolled farmers based on field-by-field risk analysis. Local manufacturing & jobs: A Michigan-based Wendy’s franchise operator filed for Chapter 11 in the state, raising concerns about a major QSR footprint. Conservation with a twist: Oakland University installed Michigan’s first “Beaver Deceiver” to reduce flooding without removing beavers. Outdoor recreation upgrades: Construction began on improvements to Lincoln Township Beach, including new parking, picnic areas, and shoreline fortification. Wildlife management: The DNR is conducting nighttime walleye recruitment surveys to guide stocking and natural reproduction decisions. Community business spotlight: The Mason County chamber honored UACJ Whitehall Industries and other local organizations at its annual awards dinner.

Energy & Costs: AAA says Michigan retail gas is climbing daily, edging toward $5 a gallon, while diesel keeps setting records—up to $6.67 Friday—pressuring trucking, farming, and household budgets. Supply Disruption Risk: A major Midwest refinery outage (Exxon’s Joliet, IL) is raising fears of tighter fuel availability across the Great Lakes region, including Michigan. Jobs Watch: Michigan’s unemployment rate ticked up to 5.0% in August as payroll jobs fell, with manufacturing losses cited. Disaster Recovery Funding: Gov. Whitmer approved nearly $7M in public assistance for communities hit by storms, flooding, tornadoes, and a water main break, using the state’s Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund. Local Business & Services: AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical earned a 2026 Best of Michigan Award for its century-long home services footprint. Agriculture & Food Systems: WK Kellogg is backing regenerative wheat practices with Soil Capital in the UK, aiming to improve soil health and cut emissions in its supply chain. Aviation/Travel: JD Power ranked DTW No. 2 among mega airports for passenger satisfaction in its 2026 study.

U.S. Senate Race: The Detroit News endorsed former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers, praising his military and FBI background and contrasting it with Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s record. Energy & Costs: Michigan’s gas debate is heating up as both Rogers and El-Sayed back suspending state and federal gas taxes amid record pump pain. Electric Grid Innovation: DTE won approval for a net-zero Ann Arbor housing pilot that feeds a virtual power plant using solar, geothermal, and home batteries. Power Reliability: ITC Michigan began low-altitude helicopter inspections of high-voltage transmission lines across several counties through mid-November. Agriculture & Biosecurity: MDARD and the Michigan Invasive Species Program announced a 2027 quarantine banning untreated firewood statewide. Consumer Finance: Michigan’s AG joined a $694M multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory auto lending practices. Manufacturing/Logistics: Estes is investing about $56M to expand cross-border and offshore freight capacity. Aviation Safety: An F-16 crash during training in rural Michigan triggered evacuations and a hazardous spill response. Food & Health Compliance: An FDA inspection in Allegan County found one Perrigo facility operating with “no action indicated.” Local Business: Stickley Family Farm opened for the season with a new gem-mining attraction and an adults-only “Witches Night Out.”

Data Centers & Power Policy: A House bill cleared that would require data centers to pay electricity costs, a direct hit to the “AI boom” cost debate that’s been driving Michigan lawmakers to consider limits. Energy & Infrastructure: Local communities got first Neighborhood Roads Fund payments, including Cadillac and Wexford County, as Michigan’s long-term road plan targets bridges, transit, and rail safety. Auto & Manufacturing Tech: Michigan’s AUMOVIO says it’s expanding mobility tech as software-defined vehicles accelerate, while trade uncertainty keeps pressure on North American production decisions. Fuel Prices: AAA reports Michigan gas and diesel jumped again, with diesel setting a new record—another squeeze for trucking and farm budgets. Agriculture & Biosecurity: MDARD and DNR renewed the “Don’t Move Firewood” push and expanded access to certified invasive-free firewood. Sustainability at Scale: Michigan Stadium rolled out reusable cups for football, aiming to cut waste and build reuse infrastructure. Fresh Food Business: A Detroit seafood startup story highlights how perishable supply chains are getting built locally.

Energy & Costs: Michigan drivers are bracing for more pain as gas prices surge amid the Iran-linked oil shock, with diesel averaging a new record $6.34/gal and regular hitting about $4.64/gal statewide. Auto Industry: Ford filed four fresh recalls covering 225,471 vehicles, including a major F-150 fuel-tank detachment issue; GM meanwhile rolled out a redesigned 2027 Silverado/Sierra infotainment experience that keeps Android Auto and CarPlay. Manufacturing & Materials: Michigan State researchers unveiled a recyclable resin that can dissolve and reuse wind turbine blade material—turning old blades into products ranging from car parts to gummy bears. Food & Health Compliance: Abbott will pay Michigan nearly $470,000 from a $385M infant formula settlement tied to alleged False Claims Act violations; separate FDA checks found no action needed at Pinnacle Fertility (Leelanau) and Blank Slate Creamery (Washtenaw). Workforce & Education: Michigan’s 529 plan, MESP, topped $10B in assets as it cuts its annual fee to 0.01%. Infrastructure & Local Industry: MDARD awarded nearly $500,000 in water upgrades to Allegan and St. Joseph county fairgrounds. Policy Watch: The House passed a Ratepayer Protection Act aimed at curbing electricity-cost spikes tied to data centers. Safety & Logistics: A new Michigan “most dangerous intersections” list flags multiple metro Detroit crash hotspots, including a high-crash roundabout at 18½ Mile and Van Dyke.

Auto & Manufacturing: Ford is heat-testing refreshed 2027 F-150 tech in Arizona, while GM is bringing back Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in a split-screen “projection” layout for 2027 Silverado/Sierra after EV backlash. Labor: UAW workers at Bradford White in Middleville are on strike seeking better pay and benefits. Energy & Utilities: Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant fight continues in court, and regulators are also weighing utility rate moves as diesel and gas prices stay elevated. Battery/EV Industry: The Battery Show North America returns to Detroit Oct. 12-15, spotlighting batteries, EVs, and energy storage. Data Centers & Construction: Walbridge’s L5 Mission Critical launches to serve data center commissioning, operations, and retrofits. Agriculture: CentralStar opens 2027 paid dairy/beef internships in Michigan and Wisconsin; Michigan also reports bovine TB in Iosco County cattle herds. Food & Antitrust: General Mills, Mars, Kellanova and McKee Foods sue sugar producers over alleged price-fixing. Local Business/Community: Michigan Stadium rolls out reusable cups to cut waste on game days.

Auto & Tech Upgrades: GM is overhauling the in-cabin experience for the 2027 Silverado 1500 and 2027 Sierra 1500, bringing a new Android Automotive-based interface that keeps CarPlay/Android Auto visible alongside key truck functions. Industrial Incentives: GM and Bedrock are asking Detroit for $547.93M in public incentives for the RenCen redevelopment, citing rising construction costs and the need for financing support. Labor & Politics: UAW President Shawn Fain told Michigan delegates the union’s priorities are wages, healthcare, retirement security and time off, while also pushing organizing and election engagement. Energy & Environment: EPA moved to approve Indiana’s state-led coal ash program, while Michigan communities and utilities continue to wrestle with energy infrastructure and costs. Food & Agriculture: MDARD urged animal owners to protect against avian influenza as migration season begins, and UP farmers reported weather swings and wildfire smoke impacts on livestock and crops. Water & PFAS: Independent testing near a Cadillac wastewater plant found PFAS and other contaminants, and Gladwin’s wastewater facility is back online after lightning-related disruption. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy data showed Michigan regular and midgrade prices easing in the Sept. 5 week, with notable county-by-county lows.

PFAS Watch: Michigan kicked off PFAS Awareness Week with a statewide push to help residents reduce exposure—starting with private well sampling and safer fish guidance—backed by MPART. Cost-of-Living: Social Security COLA forecasts point to a 3.5%–3.6% bump for 2027, with Michigan retirees watching inflation closely. Construction Equipment: Bailey Equipment Co (Jackson) rolled out a “Work-Ready” standard for pre-owned compact equipment, pairing multi-point diagnostics with a 120-day operational mechanical guarantee. Healthcare Access & Growth: MiLEAP awarded nearly $1.8M to six Michigan colleges to boost adult enrollment via childcare access, flexible options, and credit for prior learning. Veterans Tech: Virtuix sold Omni One systems to the Detroit VA Medical Center for therapeutic evaluation, expanding immersive care across VA facilities. Energy & Costs: AAA reports Michigan gas and diesel hitting record highs, with drivers urged to stretch fuel efficiency. Cross-Border Logistics: Gordie Howe International Bridge logged 270K+ crossings in its first full month, including 34.8K commercial truck entries into Canada. Local Recreation: Delta County’s nonmotorized trails group is fundraising for a Gladstone bike park and seeking a $300K state grant.

Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports Michigan premium and midgrade prices easing in the week ending Sept. 5, with the lowest premium in St. Clair County at $4.74 and the lowest midgrade in Charlevoix County at $4.63. Food & Manufacturing Accountability: Abbott will pay about $385M to settle U.S. claims tied to unsafe infant formula production at its Sturgis, Michigan plant, following the 2022 recall and nationwide shortage. Power & Regulation: A federal appeals court vacated a DOE emergency order that would have forced Consumers Energy to delay retiring Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant, saying the move overstepped state authority. Local Infrastructure: Eaton County commissioners will get an update Sept. 16 on the $60M Bank Intercounty Drain project, including $2.5M in new state funding. Housing Policy: Michigan governor candidates are pitching competing approaches to affordability—John James emphasizes deregulation and local control, while Jocelyn Benson highlights first-time buyer tax credits and energy efficiency. Business & Enforcement: The FTC secured a $12M stipulated order against a Michigan payment processor tied to facilitating merchant fraud. Public Safety & Recovery: Detroit identified at least 101 tornado-damaged properties, with nine facing potential demolition.

Michigan Drone Push: Michigan is testing next-gen drone tech at Camp Grayling while pitching the jobs and factories that could follow Pentagon-backed growth, plus $2M for civilian Advanced Air Mobility projects. Critical Minerals: Elmet Group says it landed a $450M DoD investment to expand tungsten production, including manufacturing work in Coldwater, Michigan. Energy & Courts: A federal appeals court vacated an order keeping Michigan’s coal plant operating, adding pressure to the state’s power transition. Local Industry & Training: Oakland Community College and LEO are awarding college credit for building-trades apprenticeships, strengthening pathways for skilled construction workers. Auto Supply Chain Politics: Trump and Ford are clashing over China ties in the auto industry, spotlighting battery sourcing and national-security concerns. Community & Infrastructure: Six years after a dam failure drained Sanford Lake, the water has returned, bringing back a major local beach festival. Detroit Small Business Spotlight: “Detroit Icon” puts the city’s small businesses on a national stage via a new streaming series.

Auto Labor: Windsor Ventra Assembly workers (UAW Local 251) voted 99% to authorize a strike over wages and cost-of-living demands, raising the stakes for cross-border auto parts production. Manufacturing & Permitting: Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall cleared a revised air permit after design changes, following public review through EGLE’s MiEnviro Portal. Energy & Courts: A federal appeals court struck down the Trump administration’s emergency order to keep Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant running, saying DOE exceeded its authority—another blow to coal’s comeback amid data-center power demand. Tech & Local Economy: Wells Fargo says U.S. data-center moratoriums jumped to 374, with Michigan among states seeing the most local restrictions as communities push back on electricity, grid capacity, and water use. Student Entrepreneurship: University of Michigan students launched Ticko Tickets, a verified app for buying and selling student tickets with identity checks. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports midgrade gas hit a low of $4.35 in Bay County for the week ending Sept. 5, with Michigan averages easing slightly.