Whereas, More than 800,000 of Michigan’s workers are directly employed in manufacturing activities; and,

Whereas, The state has one of the world’s greatest concentrations of research and intellectual talent, with 500 research and development facilities; and,

Whereas, With 832 new facilities in 2002, Michigan has ranked one of the top three states for new or expanded corporate facilities for five consecutive years by Site Selection magazine; and,

Whereas, The average weekly income for manufacturing employees in Michigan is $794, which is 13 percent more than the state average wage; and,

Whereas, Michigan is the nation’s top producer of autos and trucks, with a manufacturing base that includes half of the top 150 parts suppliers to the United States; and,

Whereas, Manufacturing accounts for more than $79 billion of Michigan’s gross state product; and

Whereas, Manufacturing creates state wealth by adding value to raw materials through the application of people skills and investment in tools, energy and technology; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of May 11, 2003, as Michigan Manufacturing Week in Michigan.