I was up in beautiful northern Michigan today to make a joint announcement with Ford Motor Company at the 2006 CAR Automotive Management Briefing at the Grand Traverse Resort.  It is always a pleasure to speak with auto industry leaders from Michigan and around the globe.  With much speculation about the future of the auto industry in Michigan during this economic transformation, I reiterated to them that there is no vision for Michigan’s new economy that does not include Ford, GM and Daimler Chrysler cars and trucks designed, engineered, and made in Michigan.

I am pleased to announce that my team has put a very convincing package on the table for Ford Motor Company to stay and grow with us in Michigan.  Just this morning, the Michigan Economic Growth Association board approved a Single Business Tax credit worth more than $151 million over 20 years to win the company’s investment.  An analysis shows that the investment would save 42,460 indirect Michigan jobs, in addition to the 13,740 retained directly by the company.  The project is expected to generate more than $62 billion in income for those workers over the life of the credit. This is great news for those 56,000 workers and their families.

On Monday, another great company announced they will expand their operations in St. Clair.  Dana Corporation will invest $7.6 million to upgrade its thermal products manufacturing plant in the Christian B. Haas Industrial Park in St. Clair.  This investment, which includes $6 million in advanced new equipment and $1.6 million to add 28,000 square feet, is expected to result in the creation of 130 new jobs, more good news for our hard working Michiganians!  Dana Corporation took advantage of that creates tax incentives to companies who consolidate in Michigan.

As I continue to work hard to bring jobs to Michigan, both Dana Corporation and Ford Motor Company are evidence that companies are responding to my plan to create “Jobs Today, and Jobs Tomorrow,” while growing Michigan’s economy.  Companies want to invest in Michigan because of our quality workforce and our pro-business climate.

This week’s victories are great.  But there are many more victories to win in this economic battle that lies ahead.  I continue to work my plan, fighting for every job, every worker and every family in the Great Lakes state.  Stay tuned…