Snyder Announces "Taking Measure of Our Worth" Weights & Measures Week March 1-7, 2012
Contact: Jennifer Holton 517-241-2485
March 1, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - Governor Rick Snyder today proclaimed March 1-7, 2012 as Weights and Measures Week in Michigan. This year's theme, "Taking Measure of Our Worth," recognizes the value of a sound weights and measures program to Michigan's economic health and vitality.
"Fairness in the marketplace is a cornerstone of economic health for consumers and businesses alike. With shrinking budgets and resources being spent on purchasing consumer goods, the impact on an inaccurate marketplace can be significant to both consumers and businesses," said Snyder. "Retailers rely on weights and measures to monitor the marketplace to ensure a fair environment. Manufacturers from automobiles to pharmaceuticals rely on having accurate reference standards to use in their manufacturing process. I'm proud of Michigan's program and appreciate the work that it does."
Housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), the state's Weights and Measures program is responsible for everything sold by weight, count or measure. Inspectors verify everything from the accuracy of gas pumps and grocery scales to the content of the packages consumers purchase.
"Though mostly invisible, our Weights and Measures program is hard at work to make sure Michigan has an equitable marketplace, and that we're protecting consumer pocketbooks," said Keith Creagh, MDARD Director.
On March 2, 1799, John Quincy Adams signed the first weights and measures law in the United States. In recognition of that event, Snyder and MDARD celebrate Weights & Measures Week during March 1-7, 2012.
Consumers with concerns about any advertisement, purchase, service, or transaction based on weight, measure, or count may call 1-800-632-3835 to register a complaint.
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