After a stormy Wednesday, it was nice to see the sun shining in Southwest Michigan today - even if it was just for a few minutes. I was in Kalamazoo this afternoon to honor two companies that have chosen to grow in Michigan, AvTech and Bell’s Brewery, at the first quarterly Catalyst Awards, hosted by Southwest Michigan First.

AvTech, a Kalamazoo contract research firm for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, is investing more than $6.5 million to expand, creating 50 new jobs. What great news for Michigan! AvTech was founded in 1990 by four employees and has since expanded to over 45 professional staff. Bell’s Brewery has grown from a home-brewing supply shop 20 years ago into a more than 60-person operation.  One of the fastest growing micro-breweries in the Midwest right here in Michigan— what a tremendous accomplishment! These are true success stories. AvTech and Bell’s Brewery are great examples of businesses that are committed to their community and our state. I was honored to be a part of this special day.

These are just two examples of success stories that are writing themselves here in Michigan. My 21st Century Jobs Fund, just one piece of my comprehensive economic plan, will help grow hundreds more high-tech companies like AvTech in our state. The fund will allow the State of Michigan to invest more than $2 billion in emerging sectors that promise tremendous job growth—alternative energy, the life sciences, homeland security and advanced manufacturing. The fund will create thousands of jobs that won’t be outsourced and that will give everyone the opportunity for a quality life in the Great Lakes State. By summer’s end, at least $100 million will be competitively awarded to commercialize new technology and bring exciting new products to market, so stay tuned…