Winter has come early…  I’m writing from the road today on this chilly October afternoon where we are just trying to stay warm!  I have been traveling around the state again, talking with citizens about my comprehensive economic plan to create jobs today and jobs tomorrow.

I was in Saginaw bright and early to join members of my Cabinet for the Cities of Promise tour.  In addition to Saginaw, other “Cities of Promise” include Hamtramck, Muskegon Heights, Pontiac, Flint, Benton Harbor, Highland Park and Detroit.  This innovative, five-year program allows state agencies and local officials to collaborate in order to focus resources in eight urban Michigan cities with the highest poverty rates.  To kick off the tour, I was proud to make some great announcements that will benefit Saginaw residents.

Our Department of Environmental Quality announced a $1 million Brownfield redevelopment grant to revamp a former industrial site in Saginaw so that a new company can grow there, creating an $8 million investment and new jobs for our Michigan workers!  Our Department of Transportation team also announced a $2.69 million award to reconstruct streetscape and improve safety on Johnson Street (where the Dow Event Center resides).  And I joined Agriculture Director Mitch Irwin to announce three Agricultural Innovation Grants to Saginaw area companies, including Michigan Sugar, Pigeon Cooperative Elevator, and the Chestnut Growers Inc.  These companies will use the fund to spur growth in the agricultural industry, creating new jobs in mid-Michigan. We continue to provide Saginaw with the tools they need to attract fresh business and more residents to their community.

I was also thrilled to be a part of the grand opening ceremonies of the second Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee this afternoon.  This second plant opening is a great example of how a new economy and new ways of doing business are already taking root in Michigan.  The Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance is a one-of-a-kind partnership between DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi to build engines that will be used in a variety of vehicle models.  The two facilities down in Dundee employ more than 500 people and will produce 840,000 fuel-efficient engines each year.  WOW, talk about a great team working together!

Here in the Great Lakes State, my team continues to work collaboratively at every level of government to provide services efficiently, including streamlining permitting, putting Michigan businesses first, and investing in the things that matter most, like education and health care.  I will continue to fight.  I hope you all have a great weekend, and GO TIGERS!