January 20, 2006

LANSING – In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today highlighted a two-week informational tour being held around Michigan to tell businesses about the $2 billion 21st Century Jobs Fund she recently signed into law.  The Jobs Fund will help business leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs conduct new research, develop new technology, and create new jobs in Michigan.
 
“We’re making every effort to reach out to the business community about the 21st Century Jobs Fund,” Granholm said.  “If you are a business anywhere in Michigan that wants to succeed in the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, alternative energy or defense technology, we want to do business with you.”
 
The 21st Century Jobs Fund is part of the Governor’s comprehensive Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow plan to grow Michigan’s economy by attracting new business, helping new companies get off the ground, and diversifying the economy.  Business leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs attending the information sessions will learn how they can access the $400 million in Jobs Fund investment money available in 2006. 
 
Earlier this week, Granholm announced that Advanced Photonix, a California technology company, is moving its headquarters to Ann Arbor and consolidating its California and Wisconsin operations there.  The company is an example of the type of business in Michigan the Jobs Fund will promote.
 
“It’s a perfect example of how we’re recruiting businesses from around the nation and the world,” Granholm said.  “It’s also an example of our unparalleled commitment to grow high-tech jobs of the future.”  
 
For more information, high-tech business leaders and entrepreneurs can visit www.michigan.org to find a complete listing of the cities on our jobs tour, and general information about the Jobs Fund.

The Governor’s weekly radio address is released each Friday at 10:00 a.m. 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.