Whereas , Manufacturing creates nearly 18 percent of Michigan's gross state product, totaling $68 billion - more than any other sector; and,

Whereas , Manufactures produce $41 billion of goods in Michigan, which are exported across the globe; and,

Whereas , Michigan-manufactured products account for more than 90 percent of the state's total exports; and,

Whereas , Manufacturers employ 19 percent of the people in Michigan, or nearly 600,000 individuals; and,

Whereas , Michigan leads the nation for industrial research and development spending based on per dollar of gross state product; and,

Whereas , The state ranks second nationally for overall industrial research and development spending, totaling $16.7 billion; and,

Whereas , Manufacturing is a key source of good paying jobs, with average wages at $50,581; 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, 2008, as Michigan Manufacturing Week.