May 31, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced the following appointments and reappointments to the Council for Labor and Economic Growth:

George E. Bennett of Suttons Bay, retired. Mr. Bennett is appointed to represent additional members for a term expiring April 30, 2010.  He succeeds Kenneth Meshigaud who has resigned.

Paul C. Bergan of Eau Claire, regional director of career and technical education for Berrien County Intermediate School District.  Mr. Bergan is appointed to represent individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities for a term expiring April 30, 2011. He succeeds E. Sharon Banks whose term has expired.

Thomas E. Kimble of Clarkston, executive council member of AARP of Michigan. Mr. Kimble is appointed to represent business for a term expiring April 30, 2011. He succeeds Ralph Bedogne who has resigned.

Cindy L. Warner of Traverse City, general manager of Northpointe Food Ventures and senior vice president of global technology services for Salesforce.com.  Ms. Warner is appointed to represent business for a term expiring April 30, 2011. She succeeds Christopher P. Fitch whose term has expired.

Wilma D. Abney of Southfield, director of compensation, organization planning, and human resource strategy for DaimlerChrysler.  Ms. Abney is reappointed to represent business for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

Antoon P. Brusselmans of Plainwell, vice president and regional leader for the United States and Canada for Pfizer, Inc.  Mr. Brusselmans is reappointed to represent business for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

David L. Eisler of Big Rapids, president of Ferris State University.  Mr. Eisler is reappointed to represent individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

Doyle A. Hayes, Sr.  of Kentwood, president and CEO of Pyper Products.  Mr. Hayes is reappointed to represent business for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

Mitzi L. King of Rochester Hills, associate director of human resources at AT&T Michigan.  Ms. King is reappointed to represent business for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

Shelly Z. Norman-Hill of Detroit, vice president of the Youth Development Commission.  Ms. Norman-Hill is reappointed to represent individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities for a term expiring April 30, 2011. 

Sharon Parks of Holt, vice president for policy for the Michigan League for Human Services.  Ms. Parks is reappointed to represent individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

Daniel J. Phelan of Jackson, president of Jackson Community College.  Mr. Phelan is reappointed to represent individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

Mitchell L. Tomlinson of East Lansing, chief executive officer of Peckham, Inc and vice-chair of the council.  Mr. Tomlinson is reappointed to represent business for a term expiring April 30, 2011.

J. Michael Zelley of Grand Blanc, president of The Disability Network.  Mr. Zelley is reappointed to represent business for a term expiring April 30, 2011. 

The Council for Labor and Economic Growth serves as the state's workforce investment board required under the Federal Workforce Investment Act.  Additionally, the council is charged with assessing trends and issues, developing strategies, and acting as an ongoing strategic advising body that encourages and stimulates innovative public and private responses to workforce challenges.  Members work to develop policies and help implement programs that shape a flexible 21st century workforce that meets the needs of Michigan's businesses and allows them to successfully compete in the global marketplace today and in the future.  The council is an action-oriented board with the ability to recommend changes and ensure their implementation. 
 
These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

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