Crumpling a Moody's report that showed Michigan 49th in economic performance, Governor-elect Rick Snyder asked attendees at a forum yesterday to be bold as he plans a aggressive agenda to move Michigan's economy forward.

Speaking at a summit co-sponsored by the Business Leaders for Michigan and Center for Michigan, Snyder spoke of needing a culture change, much like League CEO and Executive Dan Gilmartin has been speaking about for the the past two years.  As noted by Snyder, that change is to stop looking in the rear-view mirror and to be positive and inclusive.  The bottom line he said is that we need to win together.

Promising to sprint as he takes office, Snyder also announced yesterday, along with Governor Granholm, that Mike Finney, CEO of Ann Arbor Spark will be taking the reins at the MEDC, while Doug Rothwell, who held the post under former Governor Engler and is now CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, will be MEDC Board chair.

While short on specifics as to the exact course of actions he will take to address Michigan's budget deficit and spur economic growth, Synder's speech was upbeat and passionate.  And, as is the case when new leadership takes office, there is once again a air of enthusiasm and hope that Michigan's worst days are behind us. Come January 1st, the hard work will begin.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail

 

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