January 12, 2007

Granholm highlights companies investing, creating jobs in Michigan

LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today encouraged citizens to visit the 100th North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.  While there, visitors can see firsthand some of the exciting advances being made in the automotive industry that are playing a role in transforming Michigan's economy.
 
"Thanks to our rich automotive history, Michigan is perfectly positioned to lead the nation's efforts to develop alternative energies, ending our dependence on foreign oil," Granholm said.  "A primary focus of my economic plan is making sure the next generation of technology development - hybrid engines, biofuels, and fuel cell technology - are designed and produced right here, creating jobs for Michigan workers."
 
Granholm encouraged NAIAS visitors to stop by the state's economic development booth, which highlights 12 high-tech companies in Michigan.  These companies, including Adaptive Materials of Ann Arbor, FANUC Robotics in Rochester Hills, and Noble Polymers in Grand Rapids, have already chosen to create jobs in Michigan because of our outstanding workforce and competitive business climate.
 
With more than 275 automotive R&D engineering and tech centers calling Michigan home, the state is already the automotive R&D capital of the world.  But Granholm and the state's economic development team are continuing to work aggressively to bring additional high tech research and development companies to Michigan.  As part of this effort, a portion of the $2 billion 21st Century Jobs Fund is being targeted at this growing sector.
 
Some of the Michigan products being featured at the NAIAS include hot and cold cup holders from Tellurex that run on alternative energy and the Chevrolet Volt, with a hybrid engine powered by technology developed in partnership with two Michigan companies, Cobasys and A123 Systems, which is the parent company of TJ Technologies.
 
"These companies, and the jobs they are creating, are a critical part of Michigan's transformation story, and they are building the foundation of the Next Michigan."

The governor's weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state through an affiliation with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  The address will also be available on the Governor's website on Mondays as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers. 

Broadcasters Note: Governor Granholm's radio address can be accessed through Sunday evening exclusively through the Members Only page of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters website. 

Publishers Note: The text of today's address is attached.