Griffin policy forum to discuss Michigan’s economic future

The Griffin Policy Forum is returning after a year-long hiatus to discuss job opportunities in Michigan.

The forum, “Michigan’s Economic Future: Is There a Light at the End of the Assembly Line?” will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. Griffin Endowed Chair policy forums are designed to address timely issues including politics, economics and the environment.

“There are a lot of discussions going on these days about our current position as a state,” said panelist Rich Studley, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “I encourage those who attend to be involved in this statewide dialogue to improve communities and our state as a whole.”

Studley will join Michael A. Boulus, executive director of the President’s Council of State Universities of Michigan; Greg Main, president of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; and Stanley Pruss, director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

The panel was selected by Maxine Berman, Griffin Endowed Chair and current director of special projects for the Office of Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

“I wanted people who could bring in different perspectives,” Berman said. “I hope that what (attendees) will learn here is that the state will turn around.”

Michigan will have jobs for young people and it will have greener industry and a vibrant economy, but it will not be the economy it was, she said.

“Those four people on the panel are certainly four of the best strategists,” said Craig Ruff, panel moderator and senior policy fellow at Public Center Consultants. “These folks are working hard to create a strong job environment in our state.”

Lead the discussion

The panelists hope to discuss higher education, environmental jobs and the Michigan Business Tax.

A greater emphasis on higher education could help Michigan attract and retain knowledgeable, creative and entrepreneurship-oriented individuals, something the state has been struggling with, Boulus said.

“I hope (attendees) walk away with, by and large, Michigan’s future is in higher education,” he said.

Michigan has the opportunity to become a leader in green energy and take advantage of national stimulus money by diversifying its economy, Pruss said.

“There’s a huge potential where we can leverage our existing strengths,” he said.

One area that Michigan can use its car industry technology in is wind turbine construction, Main said. There are 8,000 parts required to make wind turbines, and those parts can be easily manufactured by companies that used to make parts for car companies.

“We are also pursuing defense as an option for Michigan manufacturing if they want to diversify out of the auto industry,” he said.

Studley hopes to explain how to make Michigan a more welcoming environment for businesses by improving the regulatory and tax climate.

“I hope that attendees will come away with a level of confidence that Michigan can restore jobs and that Michigan can retain talent,” Ruff said.

The Griffin Chair had been vacant since Gary Peters left in December 2008 to take a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Michigan’s 9th District. Berman, the first woman selected as Griffin Chair, replaced Peters in July.