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Michigan Matters: Small Businesses Riding Out The Pandemic

Southfield (CBS Detroit) - Small business is the economic engine of our state as they employ more people and help communities in so many ways. They've also been forced to adjust and dig down deep as leaders confront the nuances of the Covid-19 crisis.

Pashon Murray, Founder, Detroit Dirt;  Andrew Blake, President of  Blake's Family of Companies; Vera Ambrose, CEO at Ambrosia Gourmet Catering; and Jeff Simek, General Manager of RCO Engineering in Roseville, took time out from hectic schedules to talk with Carol Cain, Senior Producer/Host of CBS 62's "Michigan Matters," about their companies.

Pashon Murray
Pashon Murray, Founder of Detroit Dirt

Murray, a millennial who was concerned about the environment, started her company in 2010. She shared how this crisis has changed her focus and the future.

Andrew Blake
Andrew Blake, President of Blake's Family of Companies

Blake, who runs Blake's Hard Cider and Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, talked how his family-owned business shifted gears to include making hand sanitizer needed for the crisis.

Vera Ambrose
Vera Ambrose, CEO of Ambrosia Gourmet Catering

Ambrose, a Michigan State graduate, decided to add more scones – which have proven incredibly popular  with customers --  to her product offerings. She also talked how the times have impacted her catering business.

Jeff Simek
Jeff Simek, General Manager of RCO Engineering

Simek, discussed how RCO Engineering, which operates in the aerospace, defense and auto sectors, began making PPE products including plastic face shields and cloth face masks, for the pandemic.

The four talked about challenges they have faced and insights into how they are dealing with the changing environment.

Watch MICHIGAN MATTERS, Sunday at 11:30am on CBS 62

 

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