LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today created the Michigan Office for New Americans and named Grand Rapids community leader, entrepreneur and immigrant Bing Goei as its director. The office is designed to help propel Michigan’s comeback by attracting and retaining highly skilled immigrants.
“Bing is a proud Asian-American and Michigander who is living the American dream,” Snyder said. “His experiences as an immigrant and as a job creator will benefit our entire state. We want the world to know that Michigan is a welcoming state. We value the cultural diversity, professional contributions and entrepreneurial skills offered by foreign-born residents. Encouraging legal immigration will create more jobs for families and enhance the quality of life across Michigan. We’re pleased that Bing will be a leader in driving this important initiative.”
Goei will be chief adviser to the governor and state departments on the formulation and implementation of Michigan’s immigration policies, programs and procedures. His appointment is effective immediately.
“I applaud the governor’s vision for a revitalized Michigan and his appreciation for the role that immigrants can play in accelerating our state’s comeback,” Goei said. “Michigan is at the forefront in reaching out to immigrants, and I look forward to building on that success.”
Goei immigrated to Michigan from Indonesia via the Netherlands with his family in 1960. He rebuilt the Eastern Floral company and serves as its CEO. The company has become a Top 50 Teleflora florist and now has six West Michigan locations. His passion for entrepreneurship and diversity led him to create the International Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, a business incubator offering low-cost space to young, minority and female entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids.
Goei has received numerous honors as an Asian-American entrepreneur, and has been involved with many community organizations, including current service on the TALENT 2025 leadership council and the West Michigan Asian American Association board of directors, and past service with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. He was the first president of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber board of directors to be elected to a two-year term.
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