February 19, 2003

In keeping with her commitment to visit all Secretary of State branch offices within a year, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land visited the Highland Park, Hamtramck and Detroit East 8 Mile branch offices today to meet with employees and the public.

“Providing good customer service is one of my top priorities,” Secretary Land said.  “Customers and employees are the best sources of information about what is working well and what improvements are still needed in our branch offices.”

“All of the offices that I have visited have dedicated and talented staff, and a unique set of circumstances.  Our primary challenge as a department will be maintaining core services while the state manages through difficult financial times.”

During her visit, Secretary Land touched on plans to achieve improved customer service in part through advancements in technology and extended branch office hours.  “Technology is rapidly transforming the way in which citizens can do business in Michigan.  Moving more of the Department of State’s services online is a cost effective way to deliver services that is also convenient to our customers.  I am also exploring extending branch office hours through the use of employee flex time.”

Land added that the Hamtramck branch office connects to the community through its memorabilia reflecting Eastern Europe and historic Hamtramck, while the Detroit East 8 Mile branch office features pictures of celebrities promoting reading, which were donated from Literacy Volunteers of America.  Last year, the Highland Park branch office processed over 96,000 transactions, the Hamtramck branch office processed over 80,000 transactions, and the Detroit East 8 Mile branch office processed over 57,000 transactions.

Secretary Land visited the Highland Park branch office, 14301 Woodward Ave., from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; the Hamtramck branch office, 8717 Joseph Campau from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and the Detroit East 8 Mile branch office, 9560 East 8 Mile, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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