June 22, 2006

AvTech and Bell’s Brewery expand, creating and retaining over 150 jobs
 
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today joined local officials in honoring AvTech Laboratories and Bell’s Brewery for choosing to locate and expand in Michigan.  Granholm made her remarks in Kalamazoo at the first quarterly Catalyst Awards Luncheon hosted by Southwest Michigan First.

“An excellent workforce and an excellent business climate helped AvTech and Bell’s Brewery decide to stay, grow, and create jobs right here in Michigan,” said Granholm.   “Attracting entrepreneurs and helping small businesses flourish is a key component of my Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow plan to transform Michigan’s economy and create thousands of new jobs for our citizens.”

AvTech, a Kalamazoo contract research firm for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, is investing more than $6.5 million to expand, creating 50 new jobs in Michigan.  The company was founded in 1990 by four employees and has since expanded to over 45 professional staff.

Bell’s Brewery has grown from a home-brewing supply shop 20 years ago into a more than 60-person operation and one of the fastest growing micro-breweries in the Midwest.

“We have the nation’s most aggressive economic plan, and I’m working it every day to ensure that companies like AvTech and Bell’s find a competitive business environment and skilled workforce,” said Granholm.
          
 “These are true success stories.  I am honored to join with the Kalamazoo community to say thank you to AvTech Laboratories and Bell’s Brewery for your continued commitment to this community and our state,” Granholm said. 

A key component of the Governor’s comprehensive economic plan is the 21st Century Jobs Fund that is helping grow hundreds of new high-tech companies like AvTech in Michigan.  The fund will allow the state of Michigan to invest more than $2 billion in emerging sectors that promise tremendous job growth – alternative energy, the life sciences, homeland security, and advanced manufacturing.  This new investment will create thousands of jobs that won’t be outsourced and that will give everyone the opportunity for a quality life in Michigan.  This year, at least $100 million will be competitively awarded to commercialize new technology and bring exciting new products to market.

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