Radio Address: Granholm Previews Jobs Mission to Middle East
This week’s radio address gives us a preview of the companies and industries the governor will visit on her seven-day jobs mission to the Middle East.
Hello. This is Governor Jennifer Granholm.
This week, I continue my commitment to go anywhere and do anything to create jobs for Michigan as I embark on my seventh international jobs and investment mission - this time to the Middle East.
With my economic team, I will be traveling to Israel and Jordan to meet with CEOs and leaders in alternative energy, homeland security, water preservation technology, and advanced automotive research - all industries that are primed to invest right here in Michigan. In total, our team will travel to three countries, where we’ll hold 48 meetings to meet with as many as 130 companies.
My pitch to these companies is simple: If you want a world-class workforce, if you want flexible and extensive economic development incentives, if you want a great business climate and outstanding quality of life, then Michigan is your place to invest.
My previous investment missions to Germany, Austria, Japan, and Sweden have resulted in 42 companies announcing over $944 million in new investment and the creation or retention of more than 10,600 jobs here in Michigan.
On this seven-day mission, we will lay the groundwork for new jobs and investment, and there is great opportunity for both in Israel and Jordan. Israel is a world-leader in homeland security and water preservation technology development and has a unique mix of industries that closely parallel the industries we want to grow in Michigan.
To maximize Michigan’s unique opportunity to lead the world in alternative energy development, we will meet with a number of companies who can help us meet that goal, including Project Better Place in Israel, a company building battery-powered vehicles. We’ll meet with Powermat, a high-tech Israeli company bringing efficient wireless electricity to surfaces, including walls, tables, floors and desktops; and we’ll meet with Millennium Solar- a Jordanian company that is using solar energy to power all kinds of devices. I will also meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Israel and several other government officials to promote all that Michigan has to offer to companies creating new energy jobs here.
While in Israel, we will also take a close look at that country’s water re-use technology. Water re-use is a major issue throughout the Middle East due to limited water resources, and Israel has developed innovative ways to make the best use of their short supply. So, Michigan’s location on the Great Lakes makes us the ideal partner to Israel on this issue to create technology jobs here as we protect our own water.
And as our automotive industry leaders continue to make tough decisions in the face of an evolving global economy and massive restructuring, it is critical that we diversify our industrial base. As I have said time and again, Michigan’s economic future depends on the jobs we create, retain, and attract, and that is why I will continue to go anywhere, and do anything to fight for every Michigan worker and every Michigan job.
Thank you for listening.
Here are a few of the other companies and officials the governor’s team will meet with while overseas:
They also will meet with senior representatives from companies such as Perrigo, the world’s largest manufacturer of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and nutritional products; Inspire Invest, a venture capital company whose portfolio includes Michigan defense firm Burtek Inc.; Senso Optics, a high-tech, electro-optics company that develops and manufactures products for the homeland security, defense and medical device industries; and Multi Gene Vascular Systems, a clinical-stage biotech company.
Additionally, Granholm will meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Israel and other government officials in both Jordan and Israel. The governor is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on water re-use technology with Israeli government officials on Monday. She will also deliver remarks at the second annual Michigan-Israel Business Bridge Automotive Partnership event, where Israeli automotive suppliers and technology companies, including those in the renewable energy sector, will come together to discuss possibilities for expansion in collaboration with Michigan.
Now more than ever, it is so important that we work to bring new energy and other high-growth industries into the state to help diversify Michigan’s economy. Stay tuned for updates from the Middle East mission!
Blogging from the Middle East: Day One
ABOVE: Shai Agassi showing me the battery in the Better Place vehicle
Shalom from Israel! I write to you from the Middle East where I am on my seventh overseas jobs and investment mission - part of my strategy to go anywhere, do anything to diversify our economy and bring jobs home to Michigan.
After just barely catching our plane, we embarked on a 10-hour flight to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. We were greeted in Tel Aviv by many friendly faces and lots of sunshine! (Sorry for those of you who may be seeing the first snow of the season.) Once we settled into our hotel, I worked off my jet lag with a jog along the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea - a beautiful day for a run. Saturdays are reserved for the Sabbath, which is the weekly day of rest and worship in the Jewish community, so many businesses were closed. There were families enjoying time together on the beach - children flying brightly colored kites, men playing paddleball in the sand, and boardwalk cafes filled with patrons taking in the sunny November afternoon. At the end of my jog, I stuck my feet in the water and really took it all in - the sights, the people, the skyline, and the sea. Last night, our team enjoyed a welcome dinner at Deca, a restaurant in Tel Aviv. The food was delicious: fish falafel, cucumber salad with yogurt dressing, grilled salmon; and the sweet melon crepes for dessert really hit the spot! With a long, tiring journey behind us, we were refreshed and ready to pitch our Michigan story.
ABOVE: Talking with Perrigo Executive VP and President of Perrigo Israel Rafi Lebel
This morning, we were up early for a business breakfast with the Deloitte partners of Israel. They provided a briefing on the possibilities of Israeli alternative energy and homeland security opportunities that Michigan may be able to hone in on. Then we were off to the headquarters of Perrigo Israel for a meeting with Rafi Lebel, Perrigo’s executive vice-president who is also president of Perrigo Israel, and his team. Perrigo is a health sciences company that already has a strong presence in West Michigan. They announced a $25 million expansion last summer that was supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Rafi said they are at capacity in West Michigan and are looking to possibly expand again. We thanked the company for their continued commitment to Michigan and also encouraged their future growth in the Great Lakes State. We have the infrastructure and beautiful lab space already in place, and I let Rafi know that we are ready to help them grow their business and grow new jobs right now. Michigan and Perrigo already have a great working relationship, but this trip is all about continuing to build on our link with business in Israel and attracting new jobs and growth in the future.
ABOVE: Test driving the battery-electric Better Place vehicle
Our next meeting was with Shai Agassi, a brilliant entrepreneur and CEO of Better Place, a company that is working fervently to electrify the car. In January 2008, the Israeli government announced its support for a broad effort to promote the use of electric cars, embracing a joint venture with Better Place. Shai is also building the stations in Israel where batteries for cars can be recharged and is expanding this effort in countries around the world. We want to reduce our state’s and our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, and the advanced battery has the potential to do just that. We talked about future partnerships that might be viable for Michigan, and in Michigan, we know that new energy means new jobs. Later in the afternoon, we met with Inspire Invest, a venture capital firm in Tel Aviv, and this evening, I spoke at an automotive seminar and reception hosted by the Michigan Israel Business Bridge and the Israel Export Institute where I discussed business and research opportunities with CEOs of companies and suppliers that are looking to grow and expand.
Overall, it was a busy day full of promise and prospective jobs for Michigan. Stay tuned for more news on our meetings and travels tomorrow as we head to Jerusalem to continue telling Michigan’s story.
Blogging from the Middle East: Day Two
It was another full day of meetings on my second day in Israel! This morning we made the 70 kilometer trek from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. There were many morning commuters on the road as we made our way through the rolling Judeau hills. As a person of faith, arriving in Jerusalem is a truly incredible experience. The history, beautiful architecture and the olive trees reminds you of the unique history of this place.
Our first meeting was with the Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert. He was very interested in our economic plan and what the future holds for Michigan in the 21st century. He was so pleased to hear that we would be signing a joint declaration of strategic cooperation on water technologies, with Israel later in the morning. Like me, the Prime Minister believes that Michigan has the resources and Israel has the technology to create great synergy on this important issue. The Prime Minister is no stranger to Michigan, having visited friends in the Detroit area many times. He’s even had the chance to take in a Pistons game!
Later in the morning, we joined with Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor to sign a Joint Declaration of Strategic Cooperation, a partnership between Israel and Michigan. This new partnership will include a working group that will focus on innovative technology to increase energy efficiency, improve water quality, and increase water reuse. Like the joint agreement we signed with Sweden to work on biofuels, this holds great potential for new jobs in Michigan.
This afternoon we stopped in for a visit at the Frankel School in Jerusalem. Michigan native, Stanley Frankel operates the school. We were greeted warmly by the children who were waving Israel flags and American flags while singing traditional Jewish music. And I was honored to have a chance to tour Old Jerusalem and lay a wreath at Yad Vashem, the Jewish communities memorial to those victimized by the Holocaust. The ceremony touched us all and reminded us that we must never forget the horrifying experience of the Holocaust, lest it be repeated.
With all that is happening in the economy and as the debate over the future of the auto industry continues in Congress, our time in Israel has been a renewal of hope. Not that long ago, this country faced similar economic challenges to what Michigan is experiencing now. They were reliant on agriculture and needed to diversify their economy. In the last decade, they have honed in on homeland security and defense and water technologies and have strengthened their economy, created thousands of new jobs and lowering their unemployment rate. A reminder that we are on the right path in Michigan. We must continue to work our plan, fight for the future of our auto industry and manufacturing sector and create jobs in places where Michigan has a natural advantage like alternative energy and homeland security. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do …
Stay tuned for more from the Middle East tomorrow…
Blogging from the Middle East: Day 3
Tuesday brought more beautiful weather and a full schedule of company meetings in Israel.
We were up early and at it again pitching Michigan during a breakfast meeting in Jerusalem with technology company Powermat. Imagine being able to lay your cell phone on your desk or put your Ipod on the counter at home to charge them. This cutting-edge company has created an electric mat that will do just that - on your desk, nightstand, conference room table, or even your wall. The company’s goal is to manage energy and eliminate waste, which matches Michigan’s energy goals perfectly. Powermat is collaborating with a hi-tech Michigan-based company and is scheduled for a January announcement in Michigan with the potential to create several hundred new jobs.
From there, we left Jerusalem for an afternoon of meetings in Haifa — a city north of Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean. On our journey, we passed through the Carmel Mountains — a wine-growing region also known for its many artist colonies. Haifa was breathtaking — situated high above the sea. Anyone who loves wine country in California would feel right at home here.
Our meetings in Haifa were with companies in our targeted sectors to diversify our economy. They included Senso Optics, a homeland security and defense company that creates technology like lenses used for airport security, border control, and sensors for day and night vision. And Multi Gene Vascular Systems — a life sciences company that is doing work with gene therapy to remove blockage and open up arteries in the legs and heart. They are looking at having a presence in Michigan in the next 6-12 months. And we met with HBR Labs, a web-based software company that has committed to opening their Michigan operation by the end of this year. These companies and their interest in investment in Michigan means jobs and growth at home.
Our last meeting of the day was with the #1 homeland security and defense company in Israel, Elbit Israel. It’s a $2.4 billion dollar company that makes up 40 percent of all the homeland security and defense-based sales in the country. The company already has a U.S. presence – Elbit North America – and their chairman, Joe Parini who is from Grand Rapids, helped to coordinat this meeting for us. It was a productive meeting, and we had the chance to talk about all of Michigan’s advantages, including TACOM and our auto industry. As Elbit North America considers its next expansion, we’ll continue to make the case for why Michigan is the perfect place for it to be.
Now, it’s off to our final business event in Israel at the home of U.S. Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham. Ambassador Cunningham has graciously offered to host a reception for business and industry leaders as well as a number of Michiganians who are in the country.
Tomorrow, we head to Jordan where we’ll continue to talk about all that Michigan has to offer companies looking to invest and grow internationally.
Blogging from the Middle East: Day 4
Wednesday began early for our team with a 7 a.m. flight to Amman, Jordan for the last leg of our 2008 Middle East jobs and investment mission. As we flew into Queen Alia Airport, the dramatic change in terrain became clear. Where Israel is lush and green sitting right on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, Jordan is desert. Amman, the ancient capital of the Hashemite Kingdom, has sandstone architecture, olive and banana trees, but none of the trees and greenery that Americans are used to. It is a truly beautiful and historic place.
After a briefing at the U.S. Embassy on Jordan and U.S. relations, we were off for meetings with Catalyst Private Equity, a venture capital firm, and Millenium Energy Industries, an alternative energy company that is doing cutting edge work with solar energy. The projects they have underway include a local chocolate factory that is powered by solar energy, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a Jordache Jeans factory — the Millenium executives even had some delicious “solar chocolates” for us to taste from the factory.
Millenium Energy is looking to approach the U.S. market by putting some pilot projects in the states and also possibly expanding with a manufacturing site back home too – we made the case for why Michigan is the perfect gateway to North America. We made sure they knew about our great workforce, our world-class universities and our new energy package which makes it easier for alternative energy companies to anchor and create jobs in our state. The meeting was very promising and I look forward to a future partnership with the company.
I was also honored to be welcomed by His Majesty King Abdullah II. The gracious Jordanian King invited us to the palace where we had the chance to discuss future partnerships between Michigan and Jordan in the areas of alternative energy and water-reuse technology. His Majesty is truly committed to education, focused on a well-educated work force and a knowledge-based economy – like we are in Michigan and we talked of a possible university collaboration.
This afternoon we enjoyed a wonderful traditional meal with Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, President and CEO of the Arab American and Chaldean Council, with her family. The courses never stopped coming — from the wonderful hummus, to falafel, lamb and fish, Spicy Red pepper dip and Garlic dip — it was an unforgettable meal.
This has been a wonderful, encouraging week. We have been welcomed by leaders and dignitaries, business leaders and entrepreneurs. And we have seen the tremendous potential for partnerships and investment that will bring jobs to Michigan. By the end of this week our team will have been in 3 countries, holding 48 meetings, talking with well over 130 companies.
While our team is continuing with their work here, I am ending my trip sooner than planned. I am leaving Jordan tonight to be in Washington, D.C. tomorrow as Congress continues its discussions about critical help for our automakers. The decisions they make will impact jobs and our economy, as well as our nation’s ability to achieve energy independence and to ensure our national security. I’m proud to be part of a great team, including Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow and Congressmen John Dingell and Sandy Levin, to fight for Michigan’s families, Michigan’s economy and Michigan’s future.
Radio Address: Middle East Jobs Mission Review
This week’s radio address wraps up the Mid-East jobs mission, and also talks about the on-going debate in Congress concerning help for the automakers.
This is Governor Jennifer Granholm.
A week ago, I departed on my seventh overseas mission, to bring investment and new jobs to Michigan - this time to the Middle East.
It was a great trip.
My team and I met with companies that specialize in the same kinds of industries that we are working to create here in Michigan - alternative energy, homeland security, medical technology and more.
These companies, like Better Place in Israel which is working on the electric car and Millennium Solar in Jordan which can power entire factories using solar power, are already successful in the Middle East. Now, they want access to the North American market and thanks to our visit, they now know Michigan is the perfect place to make that happen.
We have the workforce and manufacturing expertise that is a perfect fit for these types of companies. Our team made a strong case for Michigan and I believe that in the coming months, we will have a number of exciting jobs announcements.
We also signed an historic agreement with Israel - a joint declaration of strategic cooperation for creating jobs in water technology. Israel and Michigan share a commitment to protecting the world’s water and this first-of-its-kind agreement commits us to collaborating to find new methods for keeping our water clean, using it to create renewable energy, and allowing water re-use for generations to come. But as positive as this jobs mission was, this was a difficult week to be so far from Michigan.
The on-going debate in Congress about help for our automakers is not only critical to the economic health of Michigan and the entire country, but also to our ability to achieve energy independence and maintaining our national security.
That’s why, while our economic team continued its work in the Middle East, I returned earlier than planned to join our outstanding team at work in Washington. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow and our House delegation led by Congressmen Sandy Levin and John Dingell are fighting to protect our auto industry, our families, and our economy, and I am proud to lend my voice to their efforts.
Though it was disappointing to see Congressional leaders postpone action on a much-needed loan for auto companies, I was encouraged to hear their strong commitment to helping them avoid bankruptcy. They recognize, as I do, that far too many families and communities depend on this critical sector. We cannot simply walk away from it.
It’s been a tough week, but the people of Michigan are tougher. This nation is headed toward a new alternative energy economy and Michigan will be at the center of it. We are committed to fighting for a economic future that includes healthy auto companies producing the next generation of vehicles right here in the United States, whether those vehicles are fuel efficient, gas-powered, or battery-powered, or electric-powered, or hybrid.
Thank you for listening.