21st Century Jobs Fund is Lure for Investment in Michigan

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today reiterated her commitment to “go anywhere and do anything” to protect and create jobs in Michigan.  The Governor was in Massachusetts today where she met with a variety of venture capital firms to discuss the advantages of investing in Michigan companies. 
 
“Michigan has an aggressive, comprehensive plan to create jobs and diversify our economy, and with tools like the 21st Century Jobs Fund in place, it is easy to sell all that our state has to offer to companies looking to create jobs or invest resources,” Granholm said.   

The Massachusetts trip is just the latest in a series of meetings the Governor has had in recent days to sell Michigan to potential job providers and investors.  Earlier this month, Granholm spoke with representatives from high-tech auto manufacturers during the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) conference in Detroit.  The Governor was also recently in Chicago where she met with a number of the world’s leading bio-science companies considering locating or expanding in Michigan.

“Governor Granholm is just plain tireless in working to bring jobs to Michigan,” said James Epolito, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  “It may not be immediate, but we expect great news to come from these business trips.” 
 
In Chicago, Detroit, and now Massachusetts, the Governor talked about the tools and incentives Michigan has made available to companies that want to move jobs to our communities or to invest in Michigan-based businesses.  In particular, Granholm discussed the $2 billion 21st Century Jobs Fund, a critical component to Michigan’s effort to diversify the economy.  Already, more than 500 companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs have applied for funding through the Fund.

“Our relentless pursuit of jobs is paying off as we continue to go anywhere and do anything to grow our economy,” Granholm said.

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