June 23, 2006

Companies Across State Committing to Michigan

LANSING – In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today underscored that her comprehensive economic plan is encouraging companies across Michigan to locate here, to expand here, and to create jobs here.
 
“Employers are choosing Michigan for lots of reasons,” Granholm said.  “We have an outstanding workforce, a competitive business climate, and a clear commitment to invest in workforce training and education.  They know that we are committed to their success.”
 
Today, Granholm is touring Hemlock Semiconductor near Saginaw, an alternative energy company in the middle of a nearly $400 million expansion that will create more than 400 new jobs in that community in coming months.  She is also traveling up the road to Bay City to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the latest expansion of the high-tech manufacturing firm Carbone of America.
 
Earlier this week, two companies in Kalamazoo, AVTech Laboratories and Bell’s Brewing Company, received special recognition for their commitment to Michigan.  AVTech Labs is a high-tech research firm that works with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.  In the coming months, AVTech will double in size, clear evidence that the state’s commitment to the life sciences corridor and diversification is paying dividends.
 
Other companies that have chosen to invest in Michigan include Keebler, United Solar Ovonics, and Whirlpool.
 
In her radio address, Granholm said her administration is working hard for businesses in Michigan.  Governor Granholm has the most comprehensive, the most aggressive, and the biggest economic plan of any state in the nation.  The six billion dollar plan to create jobs today and jobs tomorrow is investing in our people to grow and transform Michigan’s economy.
 
“From a $2 billion fund to create 21st century jobs to our $600 million in tax cuts for manufacturers to our world-class workforce, Michigan has an outstanding strategy to help businesses grow and succeed,” Granholm said.  “But I know there’s more to do.  That’s why I’m moving forward, working our plan, going anywhere and doing anything to bring jobs to Michigan.”

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.