April 18, 2011
Contact: Sara Wurfel
Office: 517-335-6397
Email: wurfels@michigan.gov
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Mike Jackson and Bill Martin to the Michigan Economic Growth Authority Board of Directors.
The MEGA Board has the authority to promote economic growth and job creation and to redevelop brownfield sites in Michigan. The eight-member board has the power to review, approve and authorize several types of tax credits, including High-Tech and Standard and Rural MEGA Tax credits, Advanced Battery and Photovoltaic credits and Federal Procurement Contracting credits.
"Creating a positive economic environment for more and better jobs is this administration's top priority," Snyder said. "As we retool MEGA, I am confident these individuals will bring a clear vision and help strengthen our focus on economic gardening."
Jackson, of Dearborn, is executive secretary and treasurer of the 18,000-member Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. A 20-year member of the union, he previously served as the council's director of political action for five years. Jackson was recently honored with a Spirit of Detroit award for his charitable activities and outstanding service to the city of Detroit. Jackson replaces Douglas Buckler.
Martin, of Battle Creek, is the CEO of the Michigan Association of Realtors. He previously served four terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, sponsoring over 25 bills that became law. In 1995 Gov. John Engler appointed Martin as Commissioner of the Michigan State Lottery and he was later named Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. He served in the Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He earned a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. Martin replaces Baldomero Garcia.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring April 18, 2015, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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