As the temperature continues to drop and we prepare for another Michigan winter, there will be days when we look out of our windows and marvel at the beauty of this place we call home. There will also be days when we look out of the same window and see a cold and gray place. To help you through those days, take a moment to listen to Jeff Daniels sing Michigan, My Michigan. I find this song a helpful reminder of all of the many reasons we are so fortunate to live here.

I thank each and every one of you for the service you offer to this great state. I thank the students, the volunteers, our amazing Michigan workforce, our entrepreneurs, our business leaders, our artists and our sportsmen. I especially thank our soldiers and guardsmen who are always ready to respond to the needs of our state and our country with a level of loyalty and courage that has been an example of Michigan resolve for generations. I thank each of you for sticking through the days of slush and blizzard with the same dedication and strong work ethic that can only be defined as Michigan bred.