February 23, 2006 – The latest edition of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth’s (DLEG) cable show “Consumer’s Corner” focuses on Michigan’s cool workplaces. The show is guest hosted by First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern.

In 2005, the State of Michigan teamed up with Crain’s Detroit Business, Grand Rapids Business Journal, and the American Society of Employers to launch the “Cool Places to Work” competition. This competition recognized 60 Michigan businesses and non-profits that have created a work environment that allows people to thrive.

“Together we had a statewide hunt for employers who have created work environments that attract and retain quality workers, especially younger workers. We had a great response, with nearly 300 nominations for companies that offer everything from onsite salons and fitness centers to gourmet meals and free snacks,” Mulhern said. “Our ‘Consumer’s Corner’ guests talk about how cool workplaces benefit not only Michigan workers, but can also help businesses lower worker turnover and improve the bottom line.“

“Consumer’s Corner” guests include:

• Mary Kramer, publisher, Crain’s Detroit Business
• Deb Hanses, Republic Bancorp’s executive vice president of Corporate Human Resources.  Republic Bancorp took first place in the 1,000 or more employee category in Michigan’s cool workplaces contest and has been named to Fortune magazine’s  “100 Best Companies to Work For” list five times.
• Deidre Bounds, managing partner with Brogan & Partners Convergence Marketing, which took first place in the companies with 50 or fewer employees in the Michigan cool workplaces competition.

For more information about the winners and what it takes to be a “cool” workplace, visit www.crainsdetroit.com and click on “Cool Places.”

For more information about “Consumer’s Corner”, visit http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/consumerscorner/ where you will find the show times, dates and topics. If “Consumer’s Corner” is not scheduled in your area, contact your local cable television provider.

The next edition of “Consumer’s Corner” will feature a “best of” show by former DLEG director and “Consumer’s Corner” show host David C. Hollister, who recently left state government to head a mid-Michigan regional economic development organization.  That show will begin airing across the state during the second week of March.