April 13, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments to the State Exposition and Fairgrounds Authority Board: 

Pat G. Albright of Coldwater, owner of Albright Swine Farms.  Mr. Albright is appointed to represent Republicans and agricultural interests for a term expiring February 28, 2007. 

Karen Batchelor of Detroit, senior vice president of public affairs for the Detroit Regional Chamber.  Ms. Batchelor is appointed to represent Democrats and the tourism industry in Michigan for a term expiring February 29, 2008. 

Thomas G. Coon, Ph.D. of Williamston, professor and director of Michigan State University Extension.  Dr. Coon is appointed to represent Democrats and agricultural interests for a term expiring February 28, 2006. 

Kenneth J. DeCock of Armada, partner of DeCock and Sons, LLC/Boyka’s Farm Market.  Mr. DeCock is appointed to represent Independents and agricultural interests for a term expiring February 29, 2008. 

Edward Deeb of Grosse Pointe Shores, president and CEO of the Michigan Food & Beverage Association.  Mr. Deeb is appointed to represent Independents and the business community for a expiring February 28, 2007. 

Elaine C. Driker of Detroit, former director of the Detroit Orientation Institute at Wayne State University.  Ms. Driker is appointed to represent Democrats and the general public for a term expiring February 29, 2008. 

Mark T. Gaffney of Dearborn, president of Michigan AFL-CIO.  Mr. Gaffney is appointed to represent Democrats and organized labor for a term expiring February 28, 2006. 

Robert G. Porter of Ferndale, mayor of the City of Ferndale.  Mayor Porter is appointed to represent Democrats and the general public for a term expiring February 28, 2007. 

Thomas L. Valliere of Hope, manager of the Midland County Fair.  Mr. Valliere is appointed to represent Republicans and county fairs for a term expiring February 28, 2006. 

The State Exposition and Fairgrounds Authority Board is a bi-partisan panel responsible for sponsoring the Michigan State Fair and for promoting additional year-round events at the site.  The group is also charged with the development and submission, on a yearly basis, of a rolling 5-year operational plan to the Governor, Department of Management and Budget, and the Legislature.

These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  The appointments stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.