March 3rd, 2025

We at IBF Detroit want to ensure you’re getting the most accurate information regarding the new Earned Sick Time Act and want to share the following:

• If you have 10 or fewer employees, this law won’t apply to you until October 2024.

• If your business hired its first employee after February 21, 2022, it has three years from that hire date before it must comply.

• If you have more than 10 employees, your compliance deadline is February 21, 2024.

• You don’t have to track sick time accrual if you don’t want to—business owners can choose to front-load sick time instead.

• Employers aren’t required to include overtime pay, holiday pay, bonuses, commissions, tips, or gratuities when calculating an employee’s normal hourly wage

• Employers are able to ask questions regarding the leave, to make sure it qualifies under ESTA.

For more information, please visit the Small Business Association of Michigan’s FAQ on the Earned Sick Time Act here.

In partnership with Eastern Market, we will be hosting the first Community Conversations gathering of 2025 on Monday, March 17th. Our panelists, Stephen Roginson of Batch Brewing Co and April Anderson of Good Cakes and Bakes will be joining us to discuss this and other policy changes and the challenges that service industry business owners may face in the near future. Please join us! More info below.

** Event registration will close TWO days before the event listing!

*** Event attendance link will be shared via email by Eventbrite! 

 March 10: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chow-amuse-mental-health-course-tickets-1253556534339?aff=oddtdtcreator

 March 25:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chow-amuse-mental-health-course-tickets-1255133952439?aff=oddtdtcreator

 March 31:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chow-amuse-mental-health-course-tickets-1255137984499?aff=oddtdtcreator

Michigan Cottage Food Law Workshop with MSU

Learn how to prepare and sell foods to the public under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law. This two-hour workshop combines education about the Michigan Cottage Food Law and the food safety aspects of preparing and selling cottage foods safely and successfully. Michigan Cottage Food Law allows residents to manufacture foods in home kitchens and storing those products at home. Topics include preparing, packaging, labeling, storing, and transporting cottage foods. 

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Inspector will be available for the Q&A portion of this workshop.

MSU Product Center joins us to cover the business aspects of the Michigan Cottage Food Law.

Participants that attend the full program will receive a Michigan Cottage Food Law/ Food Safety Certificate.

This is a free workshop, taught by MSU Extension Food Safety Educators and MSU Product Center Educators.
Join us online via Zoom using your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or any device with internet access.

Dates:
Wednesday - March 5, 2 - 4 p.m. ET
Tuesday - March 18, 6 - 8 p.m. ET
Thursday - April 3, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET
Monday - April 21, 6 - 8 p.m. ET
Tuesday - May 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET
Monday - May 19, 2 - 4 p.m. ET
Tuesday - June 17, 6 - 8 p.m. ET

Cost: FREE

Click here to register!

Register here! Regístrate aquí

TODAY is the last day to apply for Essential ingredients!

Click here to apply for the Foodservice Edition

Click here to apply for the CPG Edition

Youth Culinary Instructor Wanted

We are looking for a passionate and experienced culinary instructor to lead engaging and fun cooking classes for high school students as part of our youth programming at the Stoudamire Wellness Hub (4401 Conner). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in culinary arts and a demonstrated ability to work with young people in an educational setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and teach a flexible and engaging curriculum tailored to high school students, accommodating varying levels of culinary experience and personal preferences.

• Lead interactive and hands-on cooking lessons that promote teamwork, creativity, and learning.

• Ensure a safe and supportive environment, encouraging students to experiment and build culinary skills.

• Adapt class content based on student feedback and interests to maintain an enjoyable and challenging experience.

• Work with the youth programming team to track attendance and student progress.

• Promote healthy eating habits and culinary education.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in culinary arts or a related field.

• Previous experience working with youth, preferably in an educational or mentorship role.

• Ability to create a welcoming, fun, and inclusive learning environment.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Ability to adapt to diverse student needs and experience levels.

Program Details:

• Classes will run for 3-6 weeks (pilot) with the potential for longer-term engagement.

• Flexible schedule to accommodate students’ availability.

• Classes will take place at Eastside Community Network, located at 4401 Conner.

How to Apply:

Please send a resume, a brief cover letter outlining your experience with both culinary arts and working with youth, and any relevant portfolio or references to Caitlin Crutcher by March 14th.

We look forward to finding a dynamic instructor to join our team and inspire our youth through the art of cooking!