TRAVERSE CITY — The automotive industry is getting stronger each day and new collaborative initiatives will encourage greater growth, Gov. Rick Snyder today told a group of community and industry leaders focused on regional collaboration.
Snyder made his remarks at the 2012 Center for Automotive Research (CAR) management briefing seminars, an annual gathering of more than 900 auto industry, academic, and government leaders addressing critical issues and emerging trends.
“Since August 2010, Michigan has added more than 23,000 automotive manufacturing jobs, an increase of 20 percent, and the auto industry will produce two times the number of cars it did three years ago. I thank all of you for helping make this happen,” Snyder said. “I’m pleased to see this unique partnership of regional leaders collaborating to promote automotive investment in the Great Lakes region. Working together, we can further build a future of economic strength and security for families across our entire state and region.”
Wednesday’s gathering was Snyder’s first opportunity to meet with the Automotive Communities Partnership, an initiative of CAR to promote regional collaboration that fosters economic development related to the auto industry in the Great Lakes region consisting of Michigan and four states and the province of Ontario.
In his remarks to the group, Snyder discussed several key initiatives focused on building partnerships, leveraging assets and further growing opportunities for businesses in Michigan.
The National Governors Auto Caucus, a bipartisan organization of governors that will promote the robust auto manufacturing industry, has been created. It recognizes that the auto sector is essential to a healthy U.S. economy. The group will seek to explore policy frameworks and developments that impact the industry.
The New International Trade Crossing agreement, which Snyder signed in June with his Canadian partners, allows for the construction, design, and operation of a modern bridge between Canada and Michigan.
A Transportation, Distribution, Logistics, and Supply Chain Strategy initiative is spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., MDOT, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. It will leverage the region’s assets: geographic location, infrastructure, and industrial and operational capabilities. The strategy will be globally focused and will ensure that Michigan companies have the most efficient access to global markets.
The Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative helps Michigan companies find new ways to raise capital, get access to various business services, and connect with each other with business-to-business procurement opportunities. The effort includes the Pure Michigan Business Connect Economic Gardening Pilot Program for second-stage growth companies.
