Business News & Notes: MBA earns economic development award

The Midland Business Alliance has received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council for its TalentX workforce initiative.

The organization earned recognition in the multimedia promotion category for communities with populations between 25,000 and 200,000. The award highlights the alliance’s efforts to address workforce needs by promoting career opportunities and helping employers connect with prospective employees.

TalentX uses multimedia storytelling to showcase local companies, careers and the advantages of living and working in Midland County. The initiative supports the alliance’s broader goal of attracting, developing and retaining talent while strengthening the area’s economy.

The International Economic Development Council’s annual awards recognize organizations and programs that demonstrate innovation, effectiveness and a positive impact on their communities. Honorees are selected from economic development organizations serving communities around the world.

The Midland Business Alliance serves as Midland County’s lead economic development organization. It also supports the local business community through advocacy, membership programs, events and workforce initiatives.

Dow and Amcor Partner to Advance Low-Carbon Packaging

Dow and Amcor have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at helping brands and retailers adopt low-carbon packaging while reducing greenhouse gas emissions across their supply chains.

The partnership combines Midland-based Dow’s low-carbon polyethylene, materials science and carbon-footprint expertise with Amcor’s packaging technology, manufacturing capabilities and global reach. The companies plan to identify commercially and technically viable applications, involve supply-chain partners early and provide emissions data to customers evaluating packaging options.

The initiative is intended to help companies address Scope 3 emissions, which arise throughout a business’s value chain and often account for a large share of its carbon footprint. The proposed materials are designed as drop-in solutions, allowing companies to lower emissions without substantial packaging redesigns or infrastructure investments.

Central to the effort is Dow’s Carbon Footprint Ledger methodology, which provides independently assured product carbon-footprint information aligned with recognized international standards.

Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics President Keith Cleason said the partnership will test a new commercial model intended to reduce adoption risks and strengthen demand for low-carbon products. Amcor Chief Sustainability Officer David Clark said the collaboration could help brands turn climate commitments into action.

Fall Parade of Homes Returns to Great Lakes Bay Region

The Home Builders Association of Great Lakes Bay Region will host its Fall Parade of Homes 2026 on Oct. 3, 4, 7, 10 and 11, giving the public an opportunity to tour newly built homes across the region.

Participating homes will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with a special evening tour scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The self-guided event will highlight the work of local builders while showcasing innovative floor plans, interior design ideas, energy-efficient features and current home-construction trends. Organizers say the parade is intended for prospective homebuyers, people considering building or remodeling, and anyone interested in residential design and craftsmanship.

Visitors can use the event’s Parade of Homes magazine to find information about participating properties and plan their routes. The magazine and additional event details are available through the Parade of Homes section of the association’s website.

The Home Builders Association of Great Lakes Bay Region represents residential construction professionals and promotes quality building practices throughout the area. For more information, you can contact the association at 989-793-1120.