September 8, 2006

Governor cites United Solar Ovonic and Toyota Technical Center as further evidence her economic plan is working

LANSING – In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today pointed to announcements made this week that highlight how her comprehensive economic plan is working to transform Michigan’s economy.  This week, the first round of 21st Century Jobs Fund awards was announced, United Solar Ovonic announced it will expand in Greenville, and Toyota Technical Center USA broke ground on its new research and development facility in Washtenaw County.
 
“My Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow economic plan is an ongoing effort to transform Michigan’s economy, and we’re starting to see that it’s paying dividends for companies, communities, and workers all across our state,” Granholm said.
 
Granholm said that as leaders across the country talk about the need to diversify their states’ economies, Michigan is taking action.
 
This week, the first round of awards from the 21st Century Jobs Fund was awarded to 61 companies, entrepreneurs, nonprofit and research institutions.  The $100 million will be used to develop cutting edge technologies and create more than 3,000 jobs right here in Michigan.  In return for the state’s investment, these companies are committed to building, growing and expanding in Michigan.
 
Over the next 10 years, the 21st Century Jobs Fund will invest $2 billion to diversify the state’s economy and create jobs that will keep our kids here in Michigan. 

But the Jobs Fund is just one part of Governor Granholm’s economic plan.  As a result of the governor’s dedication to go anywhere and do anything to bring jobs to Michigan, United Solar Ovonic and Toyota Technical Center will be creating more jobs for our workers.
 
United Solar Ovonic announced this week it will build a second plant in Greenville.  The plant will produce high-tech solar panels creating another 200 jobs in the community.  Toyota Technical Center today broke ground on its state-of-the-art R&D facility in York Township.  Toyota will hire 400 workers as part of this expansion.

“Toyota’s decision to build their R&D headquarters here helps secure Michigan’s position as the global leader in automotive research and development,” Granholm said.

The governor’s weekly radio address is released each Friday morning 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.