Delivered by Bob Sliva, Vice President & General Manager
Over the last decade, Michigan has been challenged economically more than any other state in the nation. But Michigan is fighting back! Today, our state is at the dawn of a new frontier. The businesses and jobs that will drive Michigan’s economy into the future are no longer limited to the automotive industry.
The recent announcement that the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant would be redeveloped into a renewable energy manufacturing park, creating upwards of 4,000 new jobs, is proof positive. Other diverse areas of growth in Michigan include defense contracting, the film industry, life sciences research, and start-up technology companies. Michigan is changing and so is its perception amongst key decision makers and CEOs.
The success Michigan is experiencing is due in large part to creative tax credits, diversification funds, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s “Pure Michigan” tourism and its “Upper Hand” business marketing campaigns. These award winning creative efforts have generated excitement and awareness of the advantages of locating and doing business in Michigan. We must keep the momentum going. Funding for these efforts need to be protected and should be controlled by the MEDC, not the state legislature. Without it, Michigan will be in danger of losing its business edge in this highly competitive global marketplace.
Broadcast: September 18 - 21, 2009
