August 4, 2004

LANSING – At the world’s most significant annual gathering of automotive industry leaders, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said Michigan is pursuing a six-point economic development strategy specifically designed to increase both automotive production and automotive research and development (R&D) jobs in Michigan.
 
“There has always been a focus on automotive plant and production jobs in Michigan, and that remains a critical part of our effort to retain and attract automotive jobs,” Granholm said. “Yet, our state’s automotive strategy must advance both production and R&D jobs if we are to remain the epicenter of this global industry.”
 
Granholm made her remarks this morning at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminar in Traverse City.  Top officials from the world’s automakers and suppliers heard the Governor highlight Michigan’s industry leadership and set a new path to retain and bring more automotive jobs to the state.
 
“This industry employs eight million people worldwide, has a $1.5 trillion annual global economic impact, and every year produces 60 million of the most technically advanced and sophisticated products most people will ever own,” Granholm told the audience.  “Throughout automotive history, Michigan has been a leader, and we are going to keep working to bring new auto investment and new auto jobs to our state.”
 
Granholm’s six-point strategy includes:

• Continue to improve Michigan’s overall business climate, and create incentives focused on automotive manufacturing and R&D activities. 

• Create a continuous, career-long skill enhancement system for automotive workers, and increase the level of educational achievement of Michigan citizens to meet the workforce demands of the emerging high-tech automotive marketplace.

• Develop a targeted approach to capture an increased share of international automotive investment. 

• Make Michigan the international incubator for new automotive business models, new consortiums, and new collaborative partnerships.

• Work collaboratively to drive auto and energy related federal R&D priorities, and create mechanisms to more rapidly connect innovative intellectual property in our universities and companies with the auto marketplace.

• Develop an industry-wide database for automotive research to help Michigan firms remain on the leading edge.

Granholm also detailed the steps her administration has taken to strengthen Michigan’s economy, including dramatically reducing the time it takes to obtain air quality permits for new businesses; establishing a commission on higher education and economic growth to double the number of citizens who obtain post-secondary degrees or certificates; and creating a new one-stop shop that provides a single point of entry online for all state permits and licenses related to business projects. 
 
In her 2004 State of the State address, Governor Granholm announced her plan to make Michigan a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century.  So far this year, the Governor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have announced the creation or retention of more than 23,000 jobs as a result of targeted assistance provided by the MEDC.
 
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life.  For more information on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.michigan.org.