Governor's economic agenda is top priority

LANSING - Michigan's First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern has agreed to chair a new initiative designed to encourage Michigan companies to adopt practices that attract and retain highly-talented workers.  These great workplace practices have proven to be profit centers for business.  Mulhern said the project will support Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's economic plan to grow jobs today and jobs tomorrow.

The new initiative, entitled the Next Great Companies Project, will bring together CEOs and business academics to accelerate the spread of great workplaces in Michigan.   Mulhern plans to tap the best minds in the nation and executives with solid records of success to help make Michigan a magnet state. 

"A company that is a great place to work serves as a magnet for economic growth, because it attracts and retains highly talented workers, and that leads to corporate success," Mulhern said.  "It can also be a competitive advantage for existing Michigan companies trying to compete in this tough new global economy."

Granholm said she is pleased that Mulhern is willing to take on this new project.
 
"We are diversifying our economy to create jobs of the 21st century, and we need to incorporate what has worked so well to fuel economic growth in other regions of the country," said Granholm.  "We need more Googles in Michigan."  Google was recently voted the #1 Best Workplace by Fortune Magazine. 
 
In addition to his continued public service, Mulhern will be expanding his private career as a leadership consultant.  Mr. Mulhern has authored a book titled, Everyday Leadership: Getting Results in Business, Politics and Life.  The book, published by the University of Michigan Press, hits bookshelves March 1 and offers insight and inspiration for "everyday" leaders, whether they are CEOs, principals, pastors or parents. 

Mr. Mulhern will also take his leadership message to the airwaves when he begins hosting a daily one-hour radio show by the same name, "Everyday Leadership with Dan Mulhern," on the Michigan Talk Network.  The show will air from 6 to 7 p.m. weeknights starting in March and will be heard on affiliates across the state, including WJIM 1240 AM in Lansing.
 
Mulhern will continue to serve as chair of the Michigan Community Service Commission and will also continue his efforts to promote mentoring through the Mentor Michigan initiative. Under his leadership, the number of Michigan mentors has grown to over 11,000 from less than 4,000 just four years ago.  Mulhern will donate a dollar from every book sold to support the work of Mentor Michigan.