NGA Wrap-Up

by: TheConversation

Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 16:54:14 PM EDT

Whew.

First let me apologize for posting this so late - I ended up staying longer than originally planned to help with the "tear down" operation.

This was a weekend that I, and many other people, will never forget. Michigan played host to the National Governors Association 2007 Annual Meeting in Traverse City. The theme of this year's meeting was Innovation America and the main purpose of the event was for the nation's governors to come together and discuss how states can adequately adapt and succeed in the 21st Century economy. Governors shared information on successful strategies and progress they had made in their own states, business leaders explained what they needed from state government in order to foster a competitive business climate, and various luminaries - including former Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor - gave insight on myriad issues ranging from energy policy to education standard to states' rights. The conferences were productive and extremely interesting to watch; you can check them out in C-SPAN's video archives.

But I wanted to give you a little bit of a behind-the-scenes perspective. There are great articles from newspapers across the state that covered the business of the event and we'll get those all up in our news section. I want to give a brief summary of the things that didn't get the MSM's (MainStream Media if you're new to the blogs) attention.

Then there's the natural beauty of Michigan. Of course, priority one was getting through the business of the meeting. But, make no mistake, we did not miss this perfect opportunity to show off our state and highlight all the amazing sights of Northern Michigan. The nation's governors and all our guests were able to climb the sandy slopes of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, watch the sunset from high atop the Old Mission Peninsula, and dine on fresh Michigan trout and warm cherry pie next to a picturesque view of the Grand Traverse Bay. I know of two governors who chose to extend their stay in Michigan after seeing what a beautiful state we are and several others who were making plans for a return visit before the conference was over. With just a little help from the weather, we were able to show the world what Pure Michigan is all about - and it was just as beautiful as in the commercials.

Finally, let me say that this governor knows how to sell our state. Whether she was pushing for manufacturing-friendly federal policy or talking up the Traverse City cherries, she is always working to promote Michigan and its citizens. I had the opportunity to meet many of the nation's governors during the conference and it is clear that there are many amazing governors - Democrats and Republicans - doing amazing work in their states. But I want to tell you how lucky we are to have Governor Granholm fighting for us. There is no more diligent fighter, no more passionate advocate, and no more effective leader in the nation than our governor.

So, this weekend helped me realize what a truly special place this is. Michigan is a place worth investing in. Times are tough in Michigan and we have our challenges. But, this weekend, I saw the Michigan Spirit in action; it's the spirit that keeps us rolling up our sleeves when times are tough and doing what it takes to come out the other side stronger than when we started. And I saw the many things worth investing in throughout Michigan - the wonderful shops and small businesses that fill our state, the millions of workers that power our economy, and the young Michiganders that will build our new economy as we charge headfirst into the 21st Century. It's back to reality as I sit here in Lansing and come to terms with the fact that Michigan still faces an urgent budget crisis. But, as we continue the push for a comprehensive solution to this budget crisis, I have a renewed sense of hope knowing we have a tremendous governor leading the way and an amazing state that is, most definitely, worth fighting for.

And now... pictures! I have asked all the staff from the meeting to email me their pictures so I'll keep adding them as I get them.

In the Directors Room planning for the evening's events. That room always had 1. C-SPAN 2. Fresh Michigan cherries 3. Wireless internet - the three things I need to survive.

A few of the many wonderful volunteers welcoming guests to the opening picnic.

Governor Granholm, NGA Chair Governor Napolitano (AZ), and First Gentleman Dan Mulhern welcome guests on the opening night of the conference.

Governors Granholm and Napolitano talk with members of the media about the agenda for the NGA 2007 Annual Meeting in front of a very cool classic car.

Governor Granholm with a future governor of Michigan?

The governor talks with members of the Interlochen Jazz Band - who gave an amazing performance during the opening picnic!

Speaking of amazing performances, the Young Americans blew everyone away! Their high-energy performance moved several governors to get up and dance and earned a standing ovation from the crowd.

One of the Young Americans meeting with the governor.

Another one of the Young Americans talking with Governor Granholm. These young people were really great.

Michigan Director of Agriculture Mitch Irwin was on hand to greet members of the media and show off the delicious array of fresh fruits, produce, and other goodies Michigan ships across the globe.

The 2007 Annual Meeting gets underway in Traverse City.

Governor Granholm listens as Governor Napolitano kicks off the 2007 Annual Meeting. I still don't know if I was supposed to be taking pictures or not so I had my little digital camera down in my lap. For better quality photos, hop over to the NGA's photo archive from the conference.

Many (but not all) of the NGA Host Staff posing in front of our world-famous Michigan sunset. You can see there were many other governors and guests snapping pictures and admiring the beautiful view. And, when the last sliver of sun disappeared under the horizon, the crowd erupted in applause. It was Pure Michigan.

More pictures (including my shots of the dunes) coming soon!

- John VanDeventer