The MIRA recently joined the Clean Affordable Renewable Energy (CARE) for Michigan Coalition to fight a reckless ballot proposal that would inject a radical new renewable energy standard into the state constitution. The ballot proposal would require Michigan to produce 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and biomass…
DetailsMIRA is sponsoring a free introduction to a workshop entitled Communications Strategies for Dealing with Bullying in the Workplace. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the MIRA office in West Bloomfield, Mich. Bullies are workplace politicians who want to control and dominate. They create…
DetailsEffective Nov. 1, the tax rate on premium cigars in the state of Michigan has changed. Cigars that cost $1.5625 or more will be taxed at a rate of 50 cents per cigar. Cigars that cost less than $1.5625 each will continue to be taxed at 32% of the wholesale price of the cigars. The…
DetailsThe Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) reminds retailers of special holiday hours. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Do not sell any alcoholic beverages between 11:59 pm (midnight) on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and 12:00 pm (noon) on December 25 (Christmas Day). Normal legal hours resume on December 26 (the day after Christmas). However, the establishment…
DetailsWith all the social activities that accompany the holiday season it is particularly important to closely check the identification of anyone who is purchasing or consuming alcohol. With older siblings home from college or visiting family get-togethers it is tempting for a younger person to try and use someone else’s ID or to ask an…
DetailsSpartan Stores opened two new Valu Land Supermarkets in Warren and Roseville, Mich. last week, MLive reports. The selected locations are dense Detroit suburbs with diverse communities, said Alan Hartline, Spartan Stores executive vice president for merchandising and marketing. Spartan also has Valu Land locations in Lansing, Leslie, Marion, and Clare. “With the economy as…
Details“The proposed cuts in SNAP are unconscionable and would only aggravate the despair and difficulties experienced by low-income people—leaving them without the help they need and deserve—to survive,” writes Terri Stangl of the Center for Civil Justice in Michigan in this op-ed for MLive.com. More than 18 percent of Michigan households receive SNAP/Food Stamp benefits,…
DetailsPurchasing local food continues to be a strong trend according to recent polls of food retailers, food service directors, and chefs. Across the country, more consumers are requesting foods that are produced locally, and retailers are developing new or expanding existing relationships with growers to respond to the demand. Small direct-market growers may have the…
DetailsThe city of Eastpointe, Mich. recently relaxed its sign ordinances to make it easier for businesses to advertise. The new rules incorporate a number of changes, including: Allowing wall signs to encompass up to 15% of the front of a building and up to 25% of the side of a building. Permitting window signs to…
DetailsTwo important changes to Michigan’s prepaid sales tax on fuel will take effect on April 1, 2013. The prepaid sales tax rate on gasoline will be calculated each and every month, rather than quarterly. The new rate will be published by the 10th of each month for application in the following month. For example, the…
Details