Task Force Created To Revitalize Lansing's Auto Industry

LANSING -- The Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area was ranked No. 1 in job growth for Transportation and Utilities, Manufacturing, and Goods Producing by the Urban Institute's MetroTrends report that was released last month.

This report came as no surprise to those in the Lansing community, who know the region is a hub for the automotive industry.

In an effort to continue to support these sectors, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the region's economic development agency, has formed an Automotive Industry & Property Taskforce to work with key partners, General Motors and Racer Trust.

The goals of the task force will be to ensure an environment that is most conducive to bringing more automotive opportunities to our region and to develop a plan to redevelop the Racer Trust properties, once owned by General Motors. These properties located in land-locked urban areas, have the potential to be redeveloped and the Taskforce will be working on a plan to maximize this area for redevelopment.

"Intense diversification of efforts continues for LEAP as evidenced by our agreement to run the Lansing Regional SmartZone," said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. "The economic engine of our region is big enough for us to also work on the critical advance manufacturing arena, including making cars. It's no secret that the auto industry is a tremendous asset to our region. Not only do we have a great relationship with General Motors, many distributors and manufacturers are located in our community. It is a priority to continue to support this industry."

More about LEAP at www.purelansing.com.