Michigan Receives National Silver Award
Congratulations to the State as Michigan has received a Silver Shovel Award for excellence in economic development and job creation projects by “Area Development” magazine, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation ( MEDC) announced recently.
Each year, the Shovel Awards recognize state development agencies that drive job creation through innovative policies, new employers, infrastructure improvements and investments in new and expanded facilities, a news release said. The awards are given to the states with the highest weighted scores based on number of high-valued added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities, and industry diversity.
“ This award celebrates Michigan’s dedication to improving our business climate and creating good jobs,” said Steve Arwood, chief operating officer of the MEDC. “Our continuous improvement distinguishes Michigan as a great place to live, work and play.”
The MEDC received recognition for the following company projects: Brose North America, New Boston; Clemens Food Group, Coldwater; ZF North America, Inc., Northville; Magna International of America, Mimco Inc., Plymouth Township; Forest River Manufacturing LLC, White Pigeon; Sakthi Auto Group USA, Detroit; MOVE Systems, Grand Rapids; Notions Marketing Corporation, Grand Rapids, Magna Cosma International, New Hudson and ARAUCO North America, Grayling.
“Michigan’s unemployment rate — once the worst in the nation — was one of the best in 2015 and is expected to continue to drop in 2016 and 2017,” Area Development said. “Job growth is largely related to booming auto manufacturing. The state unemployment rate for 2016 is expected to be below 5 percent.”
North Carolina and Georgia also won Silver Shovel awards in the 8 to 12 million population tier.
This marks Michigan’s ninth shovel since the award’s 2006 establishment. Previous Silver Shovels were earned in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015; and a Gold Shovel was earned in 2011.
A full report on the 2016 Shovel award winners is available online at www. areadevelopment.com.
Although the distinction if nice for Michigan we have much more work to do as we, here at the BDC work to create an environment that continues to create high value jobs and capital investment.
