It’s another beautiful week in Northern Michigan! Before heading to Mackinac Island for the Detroit Regional Chamber annual policy conference, there was work to be done in the Upper Peninsula. Tuesday, I met with Native American leaders in Hannahville to sign an economic accord that will create 1,000 non-gaming jobs in Michigan over the next five years.
 
The economic accord, between the State of Michigan and 12 federally recognized Native American tribes in our state, will create jobs in the Hannahville area that are high-tech and light-manufacturing jobs to utilize the existing workforce. I am thrilled that jobs will be created for a community in need.
 
I also had the pleasure of visiting with our friends in the Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 506 in Escanaba.  I had the opportunity to visit their training center where they are working to ensure that the UP workforce has the skills they need to compete in this global economy.  Job training is a key element of our economic plan and I’m always thrilled to meet the men and women who are making it happen.
 
Now, its off to Mackinac Island where I will visit with nearly 2,000 business leaders from across our state … its an exciting time in Michigan and I can’t wait to talk with them about our economic plan – the most aggressive, comprehensive plan in the nation – stay tuned ...