November 2014

You Have a Role in Michigan's Turnaround!

On November 4th, we will choose a Governor and legislative leaders to guide our state and support the Michigan Turnaround Plan (MTP). The MTP is a blueprint with real solutions to make MI a Top Ten state for jobs, incomes, and a healthy economy.

Thanks to Governor Snyder and our legislative leaders, much of the MTP has been addressed. 

• State government finances are more stable 
• Changes to our tax system have reduced the burden for small businesses and entrepreneurs 
• Long-term debt has been reduced 
• Unnecessary regulations have been eliminated
• Jobs, personal income and population are on the rise 

We've made great gains, we still have work ahead to make MI a Top Ten  state. It's important we choose leaders who will keep our great state  moving forward.  

 We examined the voting records and responses to our questionnaire to determine candidate support for the MTP. Click  here to see where the candidates stand on the Michigan Turnaround Plan. 

Michigan agriculture driving job creation and economic opportunity across the state

MLive.com | October 28, 2014

On the Greening of the Great Lakes report, Tim Boring, vice president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, said the ongoing growth of MI agriculture industry holds additional potential to boost our state's economy. "Michigan's agriculture sector is growing fast and employs about one in four people across the state, and those good jobs aren't just on the farm," said Boring. "They're in manufacturing, logistics, sales and many other areas.  The advanced technology we're using today to monitor crop health, anticipate plant needs and guide equipment in the field has placed a huge demand on high-tech skills in agriculture."Read more. . .

Michigan Lags in Transportation Funds

The Pew Foundation reports that Michigan is in the bottom quintile receiving federal transportation funds and second lowest quintile generating its own funds for transportation. MI roads are in worse condition than other states and we get less funding to support our infrastructure. Read more. . .

Detroit: 11th Fastest Increase in Workers with Advanced Degrees

Only ten large metros are experiencing an increase in workers with advanced degrees faster than  etroit.  A report by Cleveland State University also ranks Detroit 15th overall for the percentage of its' workforce with an advanced degree.  The finding points out the need for more educated and skilled talent - not one or the other.  Read more. . .

Grand Rapids & Detroit: Ranked in the Top Ten for GDP Growth

Grand Rapids and Metro Detroit also ranked in the Top Ten among large metros for GDP growth over the past few years according to a report in New Geography. The booms in tech and energy are well-known. But the surprise in the survey of per capita GDP growth is the revival of auto manufacturing, which benefits both from technological improvements and lower energy costs. Among the larger metro areas, the key winners have been Grand Rapids-Wyoming (fifth, 7.8%) and Detroit (tied for ninth, 7.2%). The analysis reinforced our own benchmarking which shows that Michigan's GDP per capita lags many peers.  Read more. . . 

Core City Migration Uneven

A new report by the Center for Community Progress reinforces other data we've reported that there is no national pattern to the migration of young college-educated adults to core cities. The study found that Magnet Cities scattered geographically across the nation are doing well in attracting millennials and middle-aged peers. However, there is no clear pattern among Sunbelt and Legacy Cities. Some are actually doing worse in attracting this demographic than ten years ago.  While a dozen big cities are seen as "cool" to the young to live in, few are appealing to the middle-aged and fewer are attractive to those over 45. Read more. . .

Local Government Finances Improve

Local governments reporting that they are better able to meet their jurisdictions fiscal needs as the economy improves.  The University of Michigan poll indicates larger jurisdictions tend to report more favorable fiscal conditions than smaller ones, but 24% overall are still facing severe fiscal hardships. Read more. . .

Ford Continues Job Creation Momentum, Adds 850 More Jobs at Historic Rouge Center to Build New F-150

October 13, 2014

Ford Motor Company today announced the addition of 850 new jobs at its historic Ford Rouge Center, comprised of the Dearborn Truck, Dearborn Stamping and Dearborn Diversified facilities. The new jobs will support production of the all-new 2015 F-150 launching in a matter of weeks.

"As customer anticipation for the all-new F-150 continues to build, today we are bringing on 850 new jobs to help meet the market demand for the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. "The new truck sets new standards for the future of tough - right down to how it's built."  Read more. . .

U.S. reports economic growth at 3.5%

Detroit Free Press | October 30, 2014

The U.S. economy grew at a solid annual rate of 3.5% in the July-September quarter, propelled in part by the biggest jump in military spending in years. The Wall Street Journal said the continued steady growth was fueled by U.S. businesses and consumers, despite the growing concerns about economies overseas.

State approves $50M for skilled tradespeople

GRBJ.com | October 28, 2014

Michigan is planning to spend $50 million to help community colleges across the state meet demand for workers in the skilled trades. Gov. Rick Snyder said today that the state's 28 community colleges have good training programs to fill in-demand jobs, such as welders and technicians, but their expensive equipment tends to be dated. Read more. . .