From: Whipple, Deb (GOV)
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 6:11 PM
Subject: What the governor is talking about today
What the Governor’s Talking about Today
Monday, July 19, 2010
 
Governor Says GE Aviation Growth in Michigan Continues Strategy to Diversify Economy, Create Jobs
 
This afternoon the governor visited GE Aviation facilities in Cascade Township near Grand Rapids following the company’s announcement last week that 200 new engineers will be hired to create high-tech electronics for the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. (COMAC) joint venture with China-based Aviation Industry Corporation.
 
GE Aviation is making a significant investment in aerospace technology infrastructure in Michigan, supporting the development and manufacturing of advanced jet engines and avionics systems.
 
Under the COMAC joint venture, the Cascade Township facility will produce electronic controls for the 150-seat C919 airplane to be built as modular units, designed to replace dozens of stand-alone computers currently in use on the planes.  The C919 is expected to use up to 15 percent less fuel, but one of its biggest advances is expected to be the modular electronics under development.
 
Key messages:
 
•  This further commitment to Michigan by GE Aviation Systems supports the development of a growing sector in Michigan’s economy and opens a door to the world’s fastest-growing aviation market.
 
•  GE’s aviation business continues to expand in West Michigan.  Last month on the recommendation of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) approved an amendment to Johnson Technology’s existing MEGA award to secure an investment of $50 million in the company’s Norton Shores facility, creating 90 new jobs over five years.  Johnson Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GE, specializes in precision vanes, shrouds and hangers that are used in the “hot” section of the aircraft engine.
 
•  GE currently employs approximately 2,400 people in Michigan.  The Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center in Van Buren Township (western Wayne County) will be GE’s single largest global center of IT talent.
 
Governor Designates Andrew S. Levin as Acting DELEG Director
 
The governor today announced the designation of Andrew S. Levin as acting director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).  Current DELEG director Stanley “Skip” Pruss will retire effective July 23.
 
“Andy Levin will continue Skip Pruss’ groundbreaking efforts to make Michigan a leader in the emerging green economy,” the governor said.  “Andy is a proven leader who has overseen the No Worker Left Behind initiative that has become a guidepost for national workforce policy, helping workers get long-term training that can change their lives.”
 
Levin has been deputy director of DELEG since February 2007.  He currently oversees operations of the Bureau of Workforce Transformation, Michigan Commission for the Blind, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Commission on Disability Concerns, Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives, and the Bureau of Employment Relations.  In October 2009, the governor appointed Levin as Michigan’s first chief workforce officer.
 
Pruss said Levin has helped create a more efficient, capable and strategic state workforce agency within DELEG by eliminating the outdated bureaus of workforce programs and career education and replacing them with the Bureau of Workforce Transformation. He also led efforts to create Michigan’s Green Jobs Initiative, produce a rigorous report on green jobs, and establish the Academy for Green Mobility.
The governor praised Pruss for his dedicated public service career.
 
“Skip has provided leadership in helping lay the foundation for Michigan to become the nation’s leading state in the emerging green economy,” the governor said.  “He has served the citizens of this state with the highest distinction, and I thank him for his excellent service in protecting and promoting Michigan’s resources.  He has helped pave the way for Michigan’s future through green jobs creation and ensuring that businesses have a highly trained workforce.  I wish him only the best.”
 
Governor to Visit Benton Harbor Tuesday Afternoon

The governor will be in Benton Harbor Tuesday afternoon for an announcement on a Whirlpool Corporation investment in the city and to visit Harbor Habitat for Humanity’s 100th build site.
 
Prior to the governor’s visit to Benton Harbor, she will address the Michigan Economic Growth Authority meeting in Lansing where a number of economic development and job-creating projects will be up for approval.
 
Among the projects under consideration is a Whirlpool proposal to invest $86.8 million to build a new business campus in downtown Benton Harbor.  The project is expected to retain up to 2,336 total jobs, including 868 directly at the company. 
 
This summer the governor and First Gentleman Dan Mulhern, along with 40 members of their extended family, have participated in the MIFAMILY Builds initiative sponsored by Michigan Habitat for Humanity.
 
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