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Economic Developers To Recommend Changes In MEDC

The Michigan Economic Developer's Association will announce recommendations focusing on improving the state's economic development efforts. The recommendations will be put forth at its annual meeting Sept. 15-17 in Traverse City.

"With a new administration and a large turnover in the legislature it's necessary that the professionals on the frontline be heard," said John Avery, MEDA executive director. "It will take a well thought out vision and strategic plan to make Michigan competitive."

The comprehensive process began with a survey of the MEDA membership and national and international site consultants. At the same time local economic developers testified in front of the House New Economy and Quality of Life Committee regarding Michigan's success and challenges.

"What came out of the hearings was loud and clear -- that it takes a  balance of both a favorable business climate and appropriate incentives," said State Rep. Ed Clemente, D-Lincoln Park, Chair of the New Economy and Quality of Life Committee.

Over the last several months MEDA survey results were discussed in a series of six focus groups of local economic development professionals to develop well thought-out recommendations.

"It would be beneficial to both gubernatorial candidates if they accepted our offer to dialogue with them about our recommendations." said Dave Schreiber, chair of the MEDA Advocacy Committee. "Local economic development professionals are in a unique position to understand the demands of  business as well as the bureaucratic obstacles to economic growth. Our recommendations will address three key areas, the business climate, state economic development structure and incentives."

The publishing of the recommendations will coincide with the MEDA annual meeting to be held at the Haggerty Center in Traverse City Sept. 15-17.

For further information about the hearings, please contact John Avery at (517) 241-0011 or Dave Schreiber at (248) 858-0792.

(c) 2010, WWJ Newsradio 950. All rights reserved.

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