JUNE 14, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is ensuring that more customers across Michigan have access to modern, convenient service options by expanding the number of PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers.

PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers continue to grow in popularity since Land introduced them in 2004 as a focal point of her Branch Office Modernization Program. They offer services beyond those in traditional offices. Customer benefits include expanded Wednesday hours and Self-Service Stations for license plate tab renewals. SUPER!Centers also have Saturday hours and other special services.

"We listen when customers speak," Land said. "And they are extremely enthusiastic regarding the timesaving choices offered in our PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers. The program's initial rollout proves that we can deliver 21st century conveniences efficiently and cost-effectively. We're excited to build on that success."

There will be two phases of office openings. The 2007 phase will be completed later this summer. A second phase begins in 2008. The offices will be created with existing resources and do not require additional funding. Staff and resources will be reallocated as needed, resulting in office consolidations in certain areas.

Land created 23 PLUS offices and 5 SUPER!Centers during the original rollout.

She launched the initiative after gathering input from customers and employees at every branch office during her first eight months in office.

Updating the branch office network lets the Department of State better target its resources through a regional approach that recognizes changing population patterns and other variables. It also is complemented by Land's emphasis on technology and the growth of online services.

The initiative invests in people and services rather than "bricks and mortar." That helps to preserve employee jobs, which is especially critical in tight budget times.

"We're following a long-range plan that positions us to be as customer-focused and efficient as possible," Land said. "Thanks to this strategy and the work of our outstanding team, we are not only preserving quality service but enhancing it as well."

PLUS office and SUPER!Center services include:

• Expanded hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. SUPER!Centers also have Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to noon.
• The availability of ATM-style Self-Service Stations for tab renewals.
• On-site document certification at SUPER!Centers.
• The ability to pay at the counter with a Discover credit card.
• The option of buying a copy of your driving record on site.
• Specialized services such as instant titles.

The offices also are used to test new services. For example, document certification assistance and the Digital 10 video network that informs customers and employees were piloted in SUPER!Centers before being expanded to other offices.

A list and maps of areas receiving the offices are at www.Michigan.gov/sos. The Web site also has more information about Secretary of State office locations and services.

Michigan Department of State
2007 - 08 Branch Office Modernization Program

County List
2007 Phase (uses existing office space)

• Delta County - The Escanaba branch office will become the Delta County PLUS Office.
• Jackson County - The Jackson North branch will become the Jackson County PLUS Office.
• Macomb County - The Richmond office will consolidate into the Chesterfield branch to form the North Macomb County PLUS Office.
• Oakland County - The current Central Oakland County PLUS Office in Pontiac will become the Oakland County SUPER!Center. In addition, the Ferndale office will consolidate into the Oak Park branch to form the Southeast Oakland County PLUS Office.
• Saginaw County - The Saginaw South office will consolidate into the Saginaw Northwest branch to form the Saginaw County PLUS Office.
• Van Buren County - The South Haven branch will consolidate into the Paw Paw office to become the Van Buren County PLUS Office.
• Washtenaw County - The Milan office will consolidate into the Ann Arbor office to become the Washtenaw County PLUS Office.
• Wayne County - The Harper Woods office will consolidate into the Detroit Mack-Alter office to form the Detroit-East PLUS Office.

2008 Phase (requires new office space)

• Calhoun County - The Battle Creek and Marshall offices will consolidate to form the Calhoun County PLUS Office.
• Genesee and Oakland counties - The Fenton office in Genesee County and the Clarkston branch in Oakland County will consolidate to form the North Oakland County PLUS Office. In addition, the Milford and Waterford offices in Oakland County will consolidate to become the West Oakland County PLUS Office.

Related Links
> Map of Branch Plan (Statewide)
> Map of Branch Plan (S.E. Michigan)
> More Information on PLUS offices
> More Information on SUPER!CENTERS