Wow…how time flies.  It’s hard to believe it is already September!  I’m excited to write to you on this Friday, just a couple of days before one of my favorite celebrations of the year, the annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk and Run.  On Monday, 300 runners and 20 teams of youth and their adult mentors will take to the bridge to participate in this fabulous annual event.  I hope all Michigan residents have something enjoyable planned for this holiday weekend; we have so much to offer in the Great Lakes States this time of year.
 
Today, I was in Albion to tour and talk with workers at Albion Machine and Tool Company (AMTCO).  For nearly 80 years, this tool and die shop has manufactured products for food processing, automotive, plastics, and aerospace companies. And like most tool and die makers, AMTCO has endured its share of struggles as our economy transitions.  But they are positive proof that if you adapt, you can succeed.  They, and a dozen other tool and die shops, have joined together in the Great Lakes Tool and Die Collaborative.  This collaborative is one of 19 Tool and Die Recovery Zones in Michigan – one part of my economic plan to strengthen our manufacturers as we diversify our economy.
 
I toured the facility and was very impressed with the innovative and remarkable work they are doing there.  I also spoke with workers about how important their business is to Michigan’s future.  It was a great conversation.  Albion really represents all that is exciting about Michigan’s future.  Just a couple weeks ago, I was there to help celebrate the opening of an ethanol plant – part of my plan to diversify the economy into cutting edge technologies.  A college town, Albion is working to prepare students for success in a global economy and, as home to great manufacturers like AMTCO, Albion understands the need to fight for fair trade policies.
 
I continue to feel optimistic about the future of Michigan, excited for companies like AMTCO who will succeed with my economic plan at work.  I wish you all a safe and happy Labor Day weekend…