Michigan Takes Home Gold in National Biz Competition

Michigan Takes Home Gold in National Biz Competition

LANSING – Feeling golden? Michigan topped at least 47 other states in the 2011 Area Development Gold Shovel Award  business competition.  

“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 A. 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.  

A full report on this year’s Gold and Silver Shovel award winners will be published in the May issue of Area Development and posted online at www.areadevelopment.com.  

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.