March 25, 2003

In keeping with her commitment to visit all Secretary of State branch offices within a year, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land visited Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Three Oaks, and the Niles branch offices today to meet with employees and the public.

"These visits help me identify what is working well and what improvements are still needed in our branch offices," Secretary Land said. "As providing good customer service is one of my top priorities, the input from customers and employees is invaluable."

"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 Department of State’s services online is a cost effective way to deliver services that also offers convenience to our customers. I am also exploring extending branch office hours through the use of employee flex time."

Last year, the Benton Harbor branch office processed nearly 66,000 transactions, the St. Joseph branch office processed almost 117,000 transactions, the Three Oaks branch office processed more than 43,000 transactions, while the Niles branch office processed more than 95,000 transactions.

Secretary Land visited the Benton Harbor branch office, 355 Gray St., from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; the St. Joseph branch office, 2640 S. Cleveland, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; the Three Oaks branch office, 6992 US-12 West, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.; and the Niles branch office, 110 E. Main St., from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

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