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King Carl XVI Gustaf to Recognize Granholm in Stockholm Thursday for Fostering Relations between Michigan, Sweden
October 19, 2010
Governor to receive Swedish Order of the Polar Star
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm on Thursday will be recognized by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf with Sweden's Insignia of First Commander, Order of the Polar Star for her work in fostering relations between Michigan and Sweden to promote a clean energy economy. The honor will be bestowed on the governor at the Royal Palace in Stockholm during an afternoon ceremony.
"In our pursuit to diversify Michigan's economy and create jobs we have forged a strong and fruitful relationship with Sweden, a country known for its leadership in clean energy," Granholm said. "Our mutual work to use clean energy technologies to create jobs is having a dramatic effect and so this award recognizes not just me, but everyone who is committed to making Michigan a leader in the clean energy economy."
His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf will present Granholm with the honor at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, the king's official residence. Among those scheduled to witness the ceremony will be U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Matthew Barzun, the governor's parents Victor and Shirley Granholm, Swedish Consul General for Michigan Lennart Johansson, and Greg Main, President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The Order of the Polar Star was created in 1798 and is now awarded to foreigners and members of the Swedish royal family for services to Sweden.
In September 2008, Granholm hosted His Majesty for an official visit to Michigan. During the visit they co-hosted a conference on climate change in Dearborn and presided at the groundbreaking of the state's opening of the first Center of Energy Excellence, a clean energy collaboration between Swedish Biogas International, Kettering University and the city of Flint.
While in Stockholm the governor will be participating in a panel discussion about sustainable cities at the annual VINNOVA conference in Stockholm. VINNOVA, the Swedish governmental agency for innovation systems, is the state department that aims to promote growth and prosperity throughout the country. Granholm will also deliver a speech at the conference about Michigan's strategy for developing the clean energy sector.
Granholm's investment mission to France and Sweden is the governor's 11th overseas investment mission since 2004. Her previous missions to Austria, Belgium, Germany, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Italy and Sweden have resulted in 48 companies announcing over $1.8 billion in new investment in Michigan and 20,699 (9,244 direct) jobs created and retained.
For additional information please visit: www.kungahuset.se
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