DECEMBER 15, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today joined with Jeffery Kleinschmidt, U.S. Olympic Education Center director, and several Olympic hopefuls at the Marquette County PLUS Office to help promote the Olympic fundraising license plate and "Team U.S.A."

The Marquette County PLUS Office, 2025 U.S. 41 W., offers several enhanced services such as extended Wednesday hours and a Self-Service Station for license plate tab renewals.

Land said the proximity of the office to the U.S. Olympic Education Center at NMU made it the perfect venue to encourage residents to purchase an Olympic fundraising license plate and support America's efforts in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy.

"The Olympic Education Center at NMU is the nation's first and only facility devoted to meeting the educational needs of our Olympic athletes as well as their training regimes," Land said. "The center not only helps aspiring and current athletes, but also provides services to those looking to make the transition from competition to a career.

"Each Olympic fundraising license plate sold generates $15 for the Olympic Education Center. And, your generosity doesn't end with your initial purchase. Each time you renew the plate, an additional $25 is earmarked for NMU's Olympic program. I encourage all motorists to buy a plate and ensure that athletes are prepared to 'go for the gold' in Torino."

Kleinschmidt added that preparing athletes for success requires a multifaceted approach.

"We have the best staff available to help in all areas such as training, schooling and tutoring," Kleinschmidt said. "The young men and women who walk through our doors are taught to become not only world-class athletes but also outstanding citizens. I thank Secretary Land for the continued support of the Olympic fundraising license plate program and the visibility and funding it provides to the U.S. Olympic Education Center."

Northern Michigan University President Les Wong could not attend the open house but praised the athletes for their commitment and hard work.

"These student-athletes demonstrate on a daily basis what it means to be dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in both their academic and athletic goals," Wong said. "They are role models for all of us, young and old alike. Michiganders should take special pride in watching athletes they helped get to the Olympic Games compete at the greatest athletic event in the world."

Motorists purchasing or renewing an Olympic plate pay a $25 fee in addition to their regular registration fee. Fifteen dollars of the $25 goes to support NMU at purchase, with the remaining $10 covering the costs of manufacturing and distributing the plate. At renewal, NMU's U.S. Olympic Education Center receives $25.

The Olympic license plate was introduced in June 1995. Since the program began, more than $1.5 million has been raised to benefit the U.S. Olympic Education Center.

For more information about the Olympic fundraising license plate, branch office locations and department services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.

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