From: Whipple, Deb (GOV)
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 4:35 PM
To: 'gov_palsf@listserv.michigan.gov'
Subject: What the Governor's talking about this week

Importance: High
What the Governor’s Talking about This Week

Friday, Aug. 14, 2009

 

Lt. Governor Visits GM Advanced Battery Plant Site in Brownstown Township

Lt. Governor Cherry joined General Motors President and CEO Fritz Henderson and other GM, state and local leaders in Brownstown Township on Thursday to celebrate GM’s selection of a Michigan location for the nation’s first high-volume U.S. automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility.  The company will invest $43 million to produce lithium-ion battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt and other extended-range electric vehicles.

 

The GM event followed last week’s announcement by Vice President Joe Biden that 12 Michigan projects, including three by GM, were awarded more than $1.35 billion in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy to support advanced-battery and electric-vehicle manufacturing and development.

 

Talking points:

 

 

Select Michigan Farmers Markets Coming Up Aug. 20 in Detroit, Sept. 17 in Lansing

People who want the healthiest, freshest, best-tasting fruits and vegetables should buy ones grown right here in Michigan, said Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture.  Koivisto made his remarks in delivering this week’s radio address on behalf of the governor.

 

Koivisto said locally-grown food is healthier than food shipped long distances because many fruits and vegetables can lose up to half of their nutrients in just five days.  He also noted the important role Michigan agriculture plays in the state economy.

 

Talking points: