LANSING – Michigan topped at least 47 other states in the 2011 Area Development Gold Shovel Award business competition that recognizes states that drive job creation through innovative policies, new employers, and investments in new and expanded facilities.
?This recognition demonstrates our ability to grow business and adds to our momentum as a state,? said Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Michael Finney. ?And, as we ramp up our talent enhancement, entrepreneurial and economic gardening efforts and greatly improve our tax climate, we will become an even stronger force to deal with.?
Michigan topped Silver Shovel winners Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Indiana and South Carolina were the other two Gold Shovel awardees.
The news follows improved first quarter 2011 employment projections, U.S. Labor statistics showing metro Detroit and Muskegon were national leaders for improved employment rates between early 2010 and 2011, as well as progress toward Governor Rick Snyder?s goal of making state business taxes simple, fair and efficient.
The Shovel Awards recognize states that drive job creation through innovative policies, new employers, and investments in new and expanded facilities. Each of the 50 states is invited annually to submit information about its top-10 job creation and investment projects. Only those projects that actually began the previous year are considered.
MEDC submitted the following company projects: BioDri, Blissfield; Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, Flint; Dow Kokam, Midland; Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingles, Midland; Ford, (several); Four Winns, Cadillac; Johnson Controls-SAFT, Holland; LG Chem/Compact Power, Holland; TSC Michigan, Northville; and Whirlpool, Benton Harbor/St Joe.
Michigan was previously honored by Area Development with Silver Shovels in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010.
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