March 12, 2003

In keeping with her commitment to visit all Secretary of State branch offices, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land visited the South Haven, Paw Paw, Portage, Kalamazoo West and Downtown branch offices today to meet with employees and the public.

"I am pleased to visit these Southwest Michigan branch offices and meet with our customers and employees," Secretary Land said. "These branch visits are key to identifying 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. "Technology is rapidly transforming the way in which citizens can do business in Michigan. Moving more of Department of State’s services online is a cost effective way to deliver services that offers convenience to our customers. I am also exploring extending branch office hours through the use of employee flex time."

Last year, the South Haven branch office processed nearly 68,000 transactions, the Paw Paw branch processed almost 80,000 transactions, the Portage branch processed over 161,000 transactions, the Kalamazoo West branch processed nearly 180,000 transactions and finally the Kalamazoo Downtown branch processed just under 85,000 transctions.

Secretary Land visited the South Haven branch office, 1210 Phoenix Rd., from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; the Paw Paw branch office, 1037 E. Michigan Ave., from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.; the Portage branch office, 5202 S. Westnedge, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; the Kalamazoo West branch office, 5316 W. Main St., from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and the Kalamazoo Downtown branch office, 310 North Rose St., from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

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