Despite COVID-19 pandemic, local business works to provide more jobs
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan’s jobless rate was going down. In July, it was 8.7%, which was more than a 6% decline from June, according to the state’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget.
The founder and president of Double O Inc., Mike Otis, said the pandemic wasn’t stopping him from continuing with his mission of hiring those in need.
Otis said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s first shutdown temporarily halted business for the window and door commercial glazing company, but Otis said thankfully some ongoing projects with businesses deemed essential were able to continue.
Some employees were laid off because they asked, but Otis said all 34 employees came back on May 7.
Since then, Otis said he had hired more than ten new employees.
“We chose intentionally to move to a neighborhood that was the most economically challenged in Grand Rapids. Even when unemployment was 3%. That neighborhood was rated at high as 35-50% unemployment rate. Our objective is to provide jobs to people in the area,” said Otis.
Otis said more people are looking for jobs, and he said Double O Inc. would continue adapting to help keep current and future employees and customers safe.
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