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Snyder to auto leaders: Industry getting stronger each day
August 08, 2012
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - The automotive industry is getting stronger each day and new collaborative initiatives will encourage greater growth, Gov. Rick Snyder today told a group of community and industry leaders focused on regional collaboration.
Snyder made his remarks at the 2012 Center for Automotive Research (CAR) management briefing seminars.
"Since August 2010, Michigan has added more than 23,000 automotive manufacturing jobs, an increase of 20 percent, and the auto industry will produce two times the number of cars it did three years ago. I thank all of you for helping make this happen," Snyder said. "I'm pleased to see this unique partnership of regional leaders collaborating to promote automotive investment in the Great Lakes region. Working together, we can further build a future of economic strength and security for families across our entire state and region."
Today's gathering was Snyder's first opportunity to meet with the Automotive Communities Partnership, an initiative of CAR to promote regional collaboration that fosters economic development related to the auto industry in the Great Lakes region consisting of Michigan and four states and the province of Ontario.
In his remarks to the group, Snyder discussed several key initiatives focused on building partnerships, leveraging assets and further growing opportunities for businesses in Michigan:
National Governors Auto Caucus: A bipartisan organization of governors that will promote the robust auto manufacturing has been created, recognizing that the auto sector is so essential to a healthy U.S. economy. Continuing in Michigan's proud auto heritage, Snyder is one of the founding governors alongside Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri and Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee. Each year, auto manufacturing generates $500 billion in paychecks and $70 billion in tax revenues, and the group will seek to explore policy frameworks and developments that impact the industry.
New International Trade Crossing agreement: The agreement, which Snyder signed in June with his Canadian partners, allows for the construction, design and operation of a modern bridge between Canada and Michigan.
The construction and operation of the NITC will:
- Create a demand for thousands of jobs related to the project.
- Open new global markets for farmers, entrepreneurs and manufacturers across Michigan.
- Allow Michigan to maximize federal matching funds for use on highway projects across the state.
- Provide additional capacity to meet long-term demands as the economy grows.
- Minimize the likelihood of an economic disaster should the other crossings sustain a lengthy shutdown.
Transportation, Distribution, Logistics and Supply Chain strategy: This initiative is spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Department of Transportation and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. It will leverage the region's assets: geographic location, infrastructure and industrial and operational capabilities. The strategy will be globally focused and will ensure that Michigan companies have the most efficient access to global markets.
Pure Michigan Business Connect: This initiative helps Michigan companies find new ways to raise capital, get access to various business services, and connect with each other with business-to-business procurement opportunities. The effort includes the Pure Michigan Business Connect Economic Gardening Pilot Program for second-stage growth companies.
Five new services were recently added under the Pure Michigan Business Connect umbrella including several financing tools for small- and medium-sized businesses and community redevelopment projects, a new business-to-business network and increased exporting opportunities for Michigan businesses.
The CAR management briefing seminars is an annual gathering of more than 900 auto industry, academic and government leaders addressing critical issues and emerging trends in an atmosphere designed to build relationships. In addition to meetings on automotive strategy, the event includes sessions focusing on topics such as global manufacturing, tooling, connected vehicles, advanced powertrain, purchasing, sales, skilled workers, designing for technology and benchmarking.
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