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.
# # #