2007 Jobs Mission: Sweden & Germany!

by: TheConversation

Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 11:34:33 AM EDT

The governor's decision to travel to Sweden next emphasizes her strong commitment to diversifying Michigan's economy by investing in 21st Century industries. Sweden has an amazing focus on shifting their entire energy supply to renewable sources. They've set the bar high for clear, renewable energy which means scores of Swedish businesses are on the leading edge of alternative energy research. And, if Governor Granholm has her way, that research will be done here in Michigan. Exciting new technologies like the next generation of biofuels are being used to heat homes and businesses in Sweden; and those technologies could be researched, manufactured, and used here in the Great Lakes State.

And, if you've been paying attention, you know Germany has already proven itself to be a hotbed of 21st Century economic activity - especially in the area of advanced automotive manufacturing. With dozens of German companies already saying "Yes!" to Michigan thanks to the governor's previous jobs missions, this will be a perfect chance to strengthen existing relationships and use those success stories to build new ones.

This trip, more than any other, will be especially exciting for our state. Governor Granholm, for the first time ever, will be able to pitch Michigan to overseas businesses with some important new tools. The state's competitive new Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and the 21st Century Jobs Fund combined with Michigan's unparalleled quality of life and top-notch workforce truly give our state 'the upper hand.' The MBT and the 21st Century Jobs Fund will give much-needed certainty to potential investors when Governor Granholm addresses the more than 500 companies at the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce meeting during her trip.

Governor Granholm and top MEDC officials will be leaving for Sweden on August 19th. A press release from the governor's office is below. Keep checking back to www.JenniferGranholm.com for more information.

- John VanDeventer, Granholm Leadership Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2007
Contact: Michelle Begnoche
(517) 335-6397

Granholm Traveling to Sweden, Germany to Bring New Investment, Jobs Back to Michigan
Governor's fifth overseas investment mission set for August 19-25

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced she will travel to Sweden and Germany next month to meet with company leaders looking to expand in North America to encourage them to make their investments in Michigan.  The trip, scheduled for August 19-25, will be Granholm's fifth overseas investment mission since 2004.  Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James C. Epolito will accompany Granholm on the trip.

"By going anywhere and doing anything to bring jobs to Michigan, we are bringing an infusion of global companies investing, expanding, and opening their doors in our state," Granholm said.  "Our focus on growing alternative energy and other high-growth sectors and our new, highly competitive business tax gives Michigan real advantages in attracting business from around the globe."

While in Sweden, Granholm will meet with leaders of the country's automotive and alternative energy sectors, including government and company officials, to develop partnerships and encourage alternative energy and automotive companies to do business in Michigan.  The governor is scheduled to deliver a keynote address during the opening session of the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce's Entrepreneurial Days in Vaxjo, a three-day conference with 500-700 attendees expected.  In Germany, Granholm will meet several companies considering expansions in North America to encourage them to choose Michigan.

"Michigan is definitely on the radar screen of international companies looking to establish or strengthen their presence in North America," Epolito said.  "This mission will provide a great opportunity for us to follow through on the groundwork we have laid and bring corporate investments and jobs to Michigan."

Granholm's two previous investment missions to Germany and two to Japan have resulted in more than $302 million in new investments and more than 2,300 new jobs.

Following her missions to Japan in 2005 and 2006, a total of 22 companies stated their intention to expand in Michigan, including DENSO, Konica Minolta, Meiden American, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Tokai Rika for a total investment of $200 million and over 1,000 new jobs.  Her investment missions to Germany in 2004 and 2007 resulted in several companies investing approximately $102 million and creating more than 1,400 new Michigan jobs, including Behr America, Eberspacher, Bosch, Karmann, Mahle, FACTON, Kostal, MBTech Autodie, and AVL.