July 13, 2007

LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today previewed events next weekend in Traverse City, where governors from across the country will come together to discuss plans and policies for the future.  The theme of the 2007 National Governors Association Annual Meeting is Innovation America, and discussions will focus on innovation and competitiveness in the global economy.
 
"I'm thrilled at this opportunity to showcase to the nation the best that Michigan has to offer," Granholm said.  "As a state that is already utilizing innovation to address our unique economic challenges, Michigan is the perfect place to explore how innovation can ensure economic competitiveness."

As vice chair of the Economic Development and Commerce Committee, Governor Granholm will co-chair a session that will look at how state economies can remain competitive in today's global marketplace.  Session participants will include Rey Morè, chief quality officer of Motorola, Inc., and Mark Peterson, director, external business development at Proctor & Gamble.  Granholm emphasized the importance having a forum for governors from states around the country facing similar challenges to collaborate and share best practices to ensure economic success. 

At this session, and throughout the meeting, Governor Granholm will talk about the innovative measures that have already been put in place in Michigan as part of her economic plan to transform the state's economy.  These measures include the 21st Century Jobs Fund, rigorous new high school curriculum standards, the Michigan Promise scholarship, and the newly signed Michigan Business Tax. 

While there is work still to do, Michigan is on the right track according to a study by the Kauffman Foundation released earlier this year that ranked Michigan 19 in the nation in preparedness for the new global economy.  Michigan has moved 15 spots in the ranking since 1999 - more than any other state.

Governors will also spend their four days in Traverse City looking at strategies to address national issues that include global climate change, internet safety, and health information technology. 

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 web site 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 Web site.

Publishers Note:  The text of today's address is attached.