In January of this year, MDOS began issuing Michigan driver’s licenses and state IDs featuring a new hard card design. There are currently two design versions in circulation.

NEW DESIGN: All enhanced cards requested on or after Jan. 16 and standard cards requested on or after Jan. 23 are produced using the new design.

PREVIOUS DESIGN: All cards that feature the Mackinac Bridge are valid until expiration and are expected to be completely phased out of circulation by January 2029.

In line with national best practices and cutting-edge technology, Michigan changed the look of its driver’s licenses and state IDs to include engraved data and numerous other new security features that will reduce the risk of counterfeiting and fraud. To learn more about these features, please see this one-page summary document.

• The font and color theme have been updated to clearly distinguish from the previous design, and the cards prominently display the Michigan Coat of Arms.
• The names of the five Great Lakes can be seen in multicolored text when the card is held at certain angles. Shading and curved lines in the new design are difficult to replicate, strengthening the integrity of the cards.
• The new cards include a two-line name format that will accommodate more characters than the previous design.
• The state is using a gold Michigan shape with a star in it to indicate licenses and IDs that are REAL ID-compliant.

BARCODES: As part of the card redesign, the magnetic stripe on the back of these new cards has been removed. Updates were made to the configuration of the barcodes that contain the information from the front of the card. Businesses may need to recalibrate their scanners to the new configuration. 

Healthy eating, consistent exercise, and good sleep are pillars of excellent health but don’t underestimate the physiological benefits linked to being kind and generous.

How kindness helps you:

It’s good for the brain ????: Kindness generates a chemical response in our brains by boosting neurotransmitters in our brains like dopamine and serotonin

It’s good for the mind ????: New studies show that the social connection promoted by engaging in acts of kindness is a key predictor of both well-being and recovery from anxiety and depressive disorders.

It’s good for the body ❤️: Another lesser-known neurotransmitter activated by acts of kindness is oxytocin, which is sometimes known as the “love hormone. As oxytocin levels in our bodies increase, blood vessels dilate, inflammation is reduced, and our blood pressure is lowered.

 

MADA is seeking nominations to help us recognize Michigan dealers who not only excel in their professional roles but also demonstrate a commitment to making a tangible difference in shaping the future of our industry and the community. Nominees are leaders within the dealership community, advocates for education, and deeply involved in their local communities.

	The prestigious Time Dealer of the Year Award aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of automotive industry leaders within our community. Dealers nominated for this award embody excellence in both their professional endeavors and community engagement.
	The Northwood Dealer Education Award was developed to honor outstanding automobile dealers and celebrate the unwavering dedication and significant contributions of these leaders to the advancement of education, both within and beyond the automotive industry.

 

Nominations can be submitted using this form until July 19, 2024. Please help MADA honor those who go above and beyond to drive excellence in both business and community service within the automotive industry.

 

Please welcome Mr. James Fackler as the new MADA executive vice president, effective March 1, 2024. James has been the MADA Director of Regulatory Compliance for 18 months and worked in various leadership positions with the Secretary of State’s office prior to that. James has been preparing to take on this new role, following Terry Burns’ 2023 notification to the MADA board that he would be stepping down. We encourage all members to extend a warm welcome to James, contact him with any questions and take this opportunity to share your thoughts and suggestions for the association. Your insights will be instrumental in continuing to shape the direction of our association. Meet James at the Spring Dealer Meeting Dealers and dealership staff are invited to register for the upcoming membership meeting on May 14, where you can meet James, network with colleagues and gain insight on the future of automotive retailing. Our keynote speaker will be Glenn Mercer, an independent automotive researcher with over 35 years of automotive experience. Mr. Mercer has led project work for investment firms, has been an advisor to industry entities (including NADA) a board member for automotive firms, an expert witness in automotive cases and a lecturer on automotive economics in academia. His “Dealership of Tomorrow” presentation will discuss software-defined vehicles, EVs, changing channels (dealers, agents, direct-to-customer), AI in retailing, China (batteries/exporter) and more! MADA Spring Dealer Meeting Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Eagle Eye Banquet Center | Bath, MI (Registration is required)   See more on the event webpage: www.michiganada.org/events-education/spring-meeting

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Virtual Well-Being is an innovative program that features two, live interactive webinars and a guided meditation each week. They are meant to be an added value from BCBSM to support employer groups’ well-being programs.

• Employer webinars
  • Focus on well-being strategy with downloadable content.
  • Held on Tuesdays, noon Eastern (30 minutes).
  • https://www.mibluesperspectives.com/virtual-webinars/employers 

 

• Member webinars
  • Focus on a different well-being topic each week supporting people in living a thriving life.
  • Member webinars include the Drop 5 Virtual Weight-Loss Community. Drop 5 is a free weight-loss community that meets virtually to help participants feel connected with others who are striving to lose five pounds at a time. Drop 5 celebrates scale and non-scale victories
  • Held on Thursdays, noon Eastern (30 minutes).
  • https://www.mibluesperspectives.com/virtual-webinars/members 

 

• Meditations
  • Held on Wednesdays, noon Eastern (two to 15 minutes).
  • Guided meditations available to everyone – whether or not the individual participates with BCBS.
  • https://www.mibluesperspectives.com/virtual-webinars/members