From: Porter, Paulette (GOV)
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 4:16 PM
Subject: What the Governor's Talking about Today

What the Governor’s Talking about Today

Friday, October 15, 2010

 

Governor Continues Investment Mission in Europe

The governor continued her investment mission in Europe today with a visit to the Paris Auto Show where she met with executives to tout Michigan’s place at the forefront of vehicle electrification and advanced battery manufacturing.  She also met with executives from Dassault Systemes which has operations in Auburn Hills along with its Delmia subsidiary.

 

The biannual Paris Auto Show, one of the oldest and largest in the world, featured the new generation of electric, hybrid and zero-emission vehicles along with the traditional lineup of exotic cars.  This year, Ford unveiled its new Ford Focus ST.  Chevrolet has introduced three models at the show: the Aveo hatchback, the Cruze hatchback and the Orlando, a compact minivan. Also on display were the Chevy Volt and its European counterpart, the Opel Ampere.  The governor spoke at the Forum in the New Energies Pavilion. 

 

The governor met with executives from Dassault to discuss future Michigan business opportunities.  Dassault, one of the world’s largest IT systems companies, specializes in 3-D applications to enhance real-life living spaces and everyday products.  The company also produces CATIA design software used by major original equipment manufacturers and all major Tier One suppliers in Michigan, and a diverse array of software products used in applications ranging from aerospace to computer games.

 

Dow Kokam, the Midland-based advanced battery manufacturer, recently acquired Societe de Vehicles Electriques, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault that develops liquid-cooled, high-performance battery packs and energy management systems.  The partnership significantly increases Dow Kokam’s supply capability of advanced, vehicle-ready battery systems and provides an immediate footprint in Europe’s rapidly growing electric vehicle market.

 

Also today, the governor spoke with Charles Churet, CEO of the French-based BSR Group, whose subsidiary Revocoat is acquiring Detroit-based Coat-It Inc.  She encouraged local expansion of the sealants firm and stressed the importance of adding to the 60 Michigan jobs which will be part of the global organization.

 

Key messages:

 

 

New Recreation Passport a Bargain for Michigan Residents

For just $10, the new Recreation Passport allows state residents entry to all 98 state parks and recreation areas in Michigan, said Rebecca Humphries, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.  Humphries made her remarks in delivering this week’s radio address on behalf of the governor.   

 

“The Recreation Passport just became available October 1,” Humphries said.  “It replaces the Motor Vehicle Permit, the window sticker that previously allowed entrance to state parks.  The Recreation Passport is actually $14 less than the old Motor Vehicle Permit, and for a motorcycle it costs only $5.”

 

Humphries said everyone who wants to enter a state park or recreation area now needs a Recreation Passport, and obtaining one is easy. 

 

“When you renew your license plates, there’s a check-off box on the renewal form for the Recreation Passport,” Humphries said.  “Just check ‘yes’ and you’ll receive a sticker to apply to your license plate indicating that you have the passport.  The Recreation Passport will be valid for the duration of your license plate registration.”

 

Key messages:

 

 

To listen to the radio address, click on the following link: 

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Gov271Full_335487_7.mp3

 

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