SVSU's Harry Leaver Is Upbeat About Tri-City Area Economy
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Harry Leaver, Executive Director, Center for Business & Economic Development, Saginaw Valley State University.
"What a Great Time To Be in Mid-Michigan!"
That's Harry Leaver's definitive statement about the local economy.
Mr. Leaver's job at Saginaw Valley State University is economic development. He is Executive Director of the Center for Business & Economic Development (CBED), and is responsible for six areas at SVSU: Independent Testing Laboratory, Center for Rapid Prototyping & Innovation, Center for Manufacturing Improvement, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Office of Continuing Education, and the Saginaw Valley Research & Development Corporation.
CBED is the connection between the University and the community, providing business and community leaders with ready access to the expertise and resources of faculty and students. Mr. Leaver's thoughts in a recent newsletter provide insight about the economic state of the region. We decided an expert in the development field could say it better than we can so we devote this column to Harry's views. Here's what he wrote:
"We seem to be bombarded by a disproportionate amount of negative press and not many positive messages coming our direction."
"When I say 'What a great time to be in Mid-Michigan,' I am looking at it from the standpoint of some of the exciting developments occurring in our region. Let's note some:
* Hemlock Semiconductor (Dow Corning Corp.) has completed a $150 million expansion and has announced a $1 billion expansion in Saginaw that is currently in the planning phase. They have also indicated another $1 billion expansion is likely to be announced within the next year.
* A new power plant that has been announced in Midland representing another $1 billion investment.
* A new clean coal burning plant has been announced (by Consumers Energy) to be built in Bay County representing another billion dollar investment. (See "The Inside Story of Why Friday Was Michigan's Biggest News Day in Decades," MyBayCity.com Sept. 16, 2007.)
These are great examples of the marvelous happenings in our region. In addition, the upstream and downstream supply chain impacts of these investments may have an equal to or greater impact than the investments themselves.
"So when I pick up the paper and read so many tales of woe, I ask myself, "why does anyone choose to dwell on the negative when so many incredible activities are going on around in the region?"
"The really neat part is that these announcements give us time to start planning and make sure we are prepared for them as they develop. Many businesses worry about not being able to see market opportunity very far out on the horizon, but we can clearly chart our course for the next 3 to 8 years with these major projects. I cannot wait to see what other exciting announcements are coming!
"P.S. Individuals can look at the new career opportunities and businesses can start thinking about strategies to be part of the action. Let us know if we can help you strategically align your business."
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