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| May 19, 2006 |
Thursday’s meetings and events in Nagoya brought more good news for the
State of Michigan. On our last leg of the trip we continued to build strong relationships
and establish partnerships with companies that will expand or relocate to Michigan.
We were loud and clear with our message: Michigan is a competitive place for companies
to locate, expand, and thrive!
I was up at the crack of dawn to have breakfast with our friends from Toyota Tshusho.
The business leaders had a strong interest in our 21st Century Jobs Fund. Toyota
Tshusho has already partnered with Michigan to grow their business in Southfield
and Battle Creek, and I encouraged them to continue expanding in the great state
of Michigan! The meeting was very promising as they are highly considering expansions
in the near future.
Late Thursday morning, I met with representatives from JTEKT to discuss their
future plans for growth in Michigan. JTEKT is a partnership formed earlier this
year between Toyoda Machinery and Koyo Seiko, and they have announced the company
will expand operations in Plymouth, Michigan. The company manufactures auto parts,
including steering systems, bearings and drivelines. JTEKT business leaders value
the need to diversify and are very impressed by our commitment to invest $2 billion
in growing new, high tech industries in Michigan. I am very excited about the
JTEKT confirmation to expand in our state, which promises more jobs to come for
our ambitious Michiganians!
This afternoon I boarded a flight in Nagoya to head back to Detroit. I spent the
13 hour plane flight catching up with staff on plans for our next jobs trip (and
playing a few hands of hearts). Although I had a busy Thursday in Japan, upon
landing, it will still be Thursday in Michigan… talk about jet lag! No time
for rest, though-- I’ll spend Friday continuing to promote our state and
all it has to offer. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward
to spending a quiet Friday night dinner with my family. Maybe we’ll follow
it up with a good movie!
At the end of my journey, I feel enthusiastic and optimistic about the future
of Michigan. I’m so pleased by the jobs we’ve been able to bring back
from this trip! I am pleased to tell you that we have commitments for more than
400 new jobs and over $84 million in investment from 12 companies. I made some
new contacts and reconnected with old friends – their commitment to Michigan
just cements my belief that not only will we secure a future for Michigan where
we compete, but where we flourish.
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