From: Hernandez, Angelita (GOV)
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 5:00 PM
Subject: What the Governor's Talking about Today

Importance: High

Attachments: TPs 7-20-10.doc

What the Governor’s Talking about Today

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

 

Governor Commends U.S. Senate for Supporting Extension of Unemployment Benefits

Today the governor issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate vote on extending unemployment benefits:

 

“On behalf of the tens of thousands of Michigan workers whose unemployment benefits recently expired, I commend the U.S. Senate for supporting an extension of these benefits.  After weeks of Republican obstructionism, today’s vote paves the way for people who are unemployed through no fault of their own to have the resources they need to help make ends meet.  I want to thank those senators, especially Senators Stabenow and Levin, who fought for this extension.
 
“I appreciate the previous efforts of the U.S. House to extend these benefits and urge final action to send this bill to President Obama for his signature.”

 

Governor Announces 6,272 New and Retained Jobs for Michigan

The governor today announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping 14 companies grow in Michigan and backing one brownfield redevelopment project.  Combined, the 15 projects are expected to create or retain 6,272 jobs (1,530 direct new jobs) and generate $177.5 million in new investment in the state.
 
Whirlpool Corporation was among the companies approved for incentives today by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) board.  The company plans to invest $86.8 million in real and personal property to consolidate its world headquarters into three compatible locations, including a new office facility in downtown Benton Harbor.  The project is expected to retain up to 2,336 total jobs, including 868 directly at the company. 

 

Key messages:

 

 

Whirlpool Plays Key Role in Benton Harbor’s Rebirth, Governor Says

This afternoon the governor joined company and local officials to celebrate Whirlpool Corporation’s announcement that it will build a new global headquarters campus in Benton Harbor.  This will be the third of three main campuses that comprise the company’s headquarters operations in the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area.

 

Whirlpool plans to invest approximately $86.8 million to consolidate several business locations in the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area.  State incentives offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) helped Whirlpool choose to stay in Michigan over competing cities such as Chicago and Atlanta.

 

Whirlpool’s announcement follows the public debut of the 530-acre Harbor Shores development on Lake Michigan that straddles both Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.  The development, built where several old industrial plants once stood, features a marina, riverwalk, commercial and retail space, condominiums, townhouses and a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.  The MEDC and Michigan Economic Growth Authority also played significant roles in the Harbor Shores development with incentives for brownfield redevelopment.

 

Key messages:

 

 

Governor Celebrates Harbor Habitat’s 100th New Home in Benton Harbor Community

The governor today visited Harbor Habitat’s 100th build in the Benton Harbor community and said volunteering to help build a home for others offers a rewarding opportunity.
 
At the build site, the governor presented a tribute congratulating Harbor Habitat and its volunteers for their hard work and for making a difference in their community and the lives of Michigan citizens.
 
This summer the governor, First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern and members of their family from around the country gathered for a family reunion and used the opportunity to volunteer on a Habitat for Humanity build.
 
The First Family has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Michigan and other Habitat affiliates across the state to elevate the need and importance of community service.  The MI Family Builds Michigan initiative will not only help Habitat to build quality, affordable homes, but also demonstrate how community service can help speed Michigan’s recovery from the recession and the mortgage foreclosure crisis.

 

For more information on the MI Family Builds Michigan initiative, visit www.michigan.gov/mifamily

 

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