LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that she will travel to Israel and Jordan November 14-20 to meet with business leaders to encourage them to invest and grow in Michigan.

This will be the governor's first trip to the Middle East and her seventh overseas investment mission since 2004.  Granholm will be joined by Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James C. Epolito.

"These missions are part of my go anywhere, do anything strategy to grow Michigan's economy by encouraging international companies to invest in Michigan," Granholm said.  "Our focus on expanding high-growth sectors and our new economic development tools give us real advantages in winning new investment and jobs from companies around the globe."

While in Israel and Jordan, Granholm will meet with leaders of the countries' advanced manufacturing, alternative energy, homeland security/defense, venture capital, and water treatment technology sectors, which include government and company officials, to develop partnerships and encourage companies to do business in Michigan.  Israel is a world-leader in homeland security and water preservation technology development.  Granholm said the region's mix of industries creates opportunity for valuable partnerships and new jobs in Michigan.

"Israel has a mix of industries that closely mirror the new industries we want to grow in Michigan," Epolito said.  "We think there are rich opportunities to partner and create jobs here."

Epolito will join Granholm in Israel after first traveling to Dubai for similar discussions with business and government leaders in that country.

Granholm's previous investment missions to Germany, Austria, Japan, and Sweden resulted in 42 companies announcing over $944 million in new investment and more than 10,600 jobs created and retained here. 

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