All Eyes on Michigan

by: TheConversation

Fri Jul 20, 2007 at 16:29:27 PM EDT

This weekend, governors from states across the country will be meeting in Traverse City, Michigan for the National Governors Association (NGA) 2007 Annual Summer Meeting. It will be a weekend full of meetings for governors, policymakers and business leaders to share ideas, and chart a course for the coming year. And, for Michigan, it will be a chance to showcase our many splendors -- from fresh Michigan corn on the cob and cherries, to the beautiful waters of lake Michigan, to our world class golf courses and activities. And it will be a chance to highlight our innovative responses to economic challenges, including the 21st Century Jobs fund, our rigorous new high school curriculum and the Governors proposed No Worker Left Behind program.

First, there's all the great things about Michigan - and there are a lot of them...

Then, there's all the great things we're doing to meet the challenges of the 21st Century economy. The theme of this year's NGA meeting is "Innovation America." And choosing Michigan as the location for this event couldn't be more appropriate. Governor Granholm has put together an aggressive plan to compete and win in this global economy with innovative solutions that are - to borrow a phrase from the commercials - Pure Michigan. The state that put the world on wheels is transforming. We're diversifying into things like alternative energy and cutting-edge technology that makes use of our competitive advantages over the rest of the world -- particularly in areas like education and training. This weekend will be an opportunity to share our progress with other states and let them know about the innovative solutions and competitive business climate we're fostering here in Michigan. And, of course, it will be a chance for the governor to listen and learn as other states and businesses share their success stories with us.

So, it's a big weekend for Michigan. I'll be in Traverse City and I'll do my best to provide some live updates from the event. And, if I can, even some pictures of all the action. We should all be proud that Michigan has been chosen to host this conference. We certainly won't be afraid to brag a little about our great state and everything it has to offer.

- John VanDeventer