Today, I am writing from magnificent Mackinac Island!

This week, the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Policy conference took place on the Island. I met with nearly 2,000 business leaders from across the state to discuss our Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow plan for Michigan.

Each day, our business leaders are hard at work shaping the future of Michigan. This week we came together to talk about yesterday’s accomplishments, today’s successes, and the victories that will be won tomorrow. I reiterated to our business leaders that we have the most comprehensive, aggressive jobs plan in the nation. It’s a six point plan to create jobs today and jobs tomorrow that will ensure that every citizen in Michigan has the tools they need to be successful in this 21st century global economy.

Businesses are encouraged at all that Michigan has to offer; including a skilled workforce, a competitive business climate, unmatched research and development opportunities, a tremendous quality of life, a streamlined permitting process, and incentives like the 21st century Jobs Fund which is already in motion.

I was excited to report the success stories of companies who have taken advantage of our 21st century Jobs Fund to our industry leaders. For example, Advanced Photonix, an advanced electronics company, moved from California to grow in our state. TJ Technologies, a high-tech company that developed a long-life battery, which powers a new line of cordless power tools, has also chosen Michigan. And United Solar Ovonic, an alternative energy technology company is expanding its operations in Greenville from their home in Auburn Hills.

These revolutionary companies chose Michigan because they know that the Great Lakes State has a competitive atmosphere where businesses can expand, grow, and flourish. I will continue to spread the word about Michigan: We are OPEN for business!