Dear Colleagues:

I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you the best during State of Michigan Employee Appreciation Week, May 1-5.  Throughout the year, you diligently serve the people of Michigan, and I feel it is important that we formally and officially thank you for your dedicated service. 

While your department director and I are often the visible symbols of state government, we are keenly aware that we are only parts of larger teams that help get things done and make our mission real.  Our team is strong because of the individual contributions you make, and I appreciate your efforts to continually enhance the excellence and integrity of our work. 

In honor of all state employees, we will host three employee receptions at the following locations.  I look forward to meeting you on one of these days:

-  Monday, May 1 - Cadillac Place in Detroit:  1:30-2:30 p.m., Main Floor, Exhibit Hall
-  Thursday, May 4 - State Capitol:  12:30-1:30 p.m., Governor's Ceremonial Office, 2nd Floor
-  Tuesday, May 30 - Michigan's Upper Peninsula:  time and place to be determined.

Also, as a small token of appreciation, several special offers have been made available especially for you:

.  Marshall Field's is honoring state employees with a 20% discount coupon, valid May 3-7.  You can download the coupon at:  http://www.michigan.gov/employees. 
.  State employees are invited to attend the Upper Peninsula State Fair on August 16 - free of charge - on "Honored Citizens Day."  Just show your state ID for admittance for yourself and up to three other members of your family.
.  The Michigan State Fair in Detroit will also welcome state employees - free of charge - on opening day, August 23.  Just show your state ID for admittance for yourself and up to three other members of your family. 
.  Keep checking the www.michigan.gov/employeesWebsite for details about State Employee Appreciation Day at a Lugnuts game on July 22 at Oldsmobile Park in Lansing.

I know that receptions and discounts can never thank you adequately for your dedicated service to the citizens of Michigan and the impact you make on our state as public servants, but please know that your efforts are very much appreciated not only during this special recognition week but throughout the year as well.  

Warm regards,      
Jennifer M. Granholm    
Governor