LANSING (Jan. 25, 2023) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) today released the following statement in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2023 State of the State Address, applauding her commitment to economic development and talent development.

Statement of MMA President & CEO John J. Walsh

We appreciate Governor Whitmer’s recognition of the need to attract, nurture and maintain manufacturing investments in Michigan. Manufacturing is in Michigan’s DNA but we must effectively compete to ensure further industry investment to maintain Michigan’s position as the manufacturing state.

With looming uncertainty in the global economy caused by lingering COVID-19 concerns, a fragile supply chain and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, MMA agrees with Governor Whitmer and legislative leaders that the top two paths to competitiveness are economic development and talent development.

Through the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund, Michigan has successfully attracted $13.75 billion in transformational capital investment that will create nearly 13,000 jobs and position Michigan for future economic success. We are encouraged that Governor Whitmer’s support for this successful program remains strong.

On talent development, the state set a new high for investment in training with $55 million in Going PRO Talent Fund allocation and $55 million in the Michigan Reconnect program. In addition, Michigan has created more Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) career tech programs in high schools than any other state in the nation. We look forward to working together to continue to develop and attract world-class talent right here in the Great Lakes State.

If Michigan can build on our growing reputation as a state ready for investment and growth, and avoid debates that undermine our competitiveness for jobs and investment, we will continue to overcome the many challenges facing our state and be lauded as a global leader.

For more information or to schedule a call with MMA President & CEO John Walsh, contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley at 517-487-8530 or mckinley@mimfg.org.

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Contact Delaney McKinley

Executive Vice President of Operations
Call 517-487-8530
E-mail mckinley@mimfg.org