Rick Snyder says Ann Arbor business leaders can help revitalize Michigan
Rick Snyder, Michigan's governor-elect, told the crowd of 400 at Business Review's Deals of the Year event on Friday that "there's a great opportunity to be a role model."
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Snyder, addressing a crowd of 400 business people at AnnArbor.com Business Review’s 6th “Deals of the Year” ceremony, said Ann Arbor was uniquely positioned to boost Michigan.
“We are a very fortunate community. This is absolutely one of the finest communities in the country and the world, let alone our state,” Snyder said. “I hope to call upon many people in this room and many of the people in our community. There’s a great opportunity to be a role model.”
On a personal note, Snyder said tonight marks the first night in quite some time that he had been on a date with his wife, Sue.
"This is the hometown crowd and I’m honored to say this is the first opportunity that Sue and I have had to go out since the campaign, and we couldn’t think of a better place to do it,” he said.
Snyder takes office Jan. 1 as Michigan’s 48th governor. An Ann Arbor venture capitalist and Republican, he rose from political obscurity to defeat Democrat Virg Bernero in Tuesday’s gubernatorial election by about 18 percentage points.
“This is our one chance to stand up and reinvent our state. I’m absolutely fired up to do that. Those of you that know me know that’s true,” he said. “The hard work will start Jan. 1, but we’re going to stay on the gas for the foreseeable future.”
Snyder said “Deals of the Year” plays an important role in highlighting positive moments in business community.
“That doesn’t happen enough in our state,” Snyder said. “It’s great to have one evening where we gather together to celebrate the positive things we do in our community.”
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.
Comments
Joel A. Levitt
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 11:15 p.m.
Dear say it plain, Let me say it plainly. We the American citizens are collectively the cause of our economic crisis. We use credit cards instead of cash despite the fact that using them increases prices by as much as 5%. We use them because we could not purchase wide screen television sets or other mink toothbrushes otherwise. So, we run up credit card debt which we cannot pay back. Instead, many of us kite our debt, moving our obligations from one card to the next until the grace period runs out, when we switch to still another card. We buy houses that we cant afford, and some who can afford it buy new much larger houses as soon as the children move out on their own. We want the price of our stock investments to increase faster and faster. So, we are pleased when American companies move capital abroad, move capital from our mostly saturated markets to new underserved markets where there is the promise of great corporate expansion. We are pleased with our capital gains, instead of being content with dividends from well run businesses which employ us and our neighbors. Further, we buy goods produced by foreign underpaid sweatshop labor at consequently lower prices, while we are aware that this is costing our neighbors their jobs. And, still further, when the firms in which we have invested destroy our environment, then we resist attempts to prevent this through regulation. We are angry that we are in economic difficulties, and we demand solutions from our governments. But, we avoid the work of the studying that is needed to understand what is happening and to be able to distinguish between solutions and snake oil. And, we avoid recognizing the reality that limits the ability of those in government who are making an earnest effort to improve things. The solution to our problems is that we change. But, first we must recognize that we are the cause of our problems.
David Briegel
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 6:55 p.m.
The stock market rebound and the continuing private sector jobs increase are proof of the Obama recovery! Toyota has created more jobs in Michigan than Snyder ever created anywhere! Let us continue to allow the Banksters to prey upon our society like vultures, printing more "free" money as they need. Let us continue to follow the Walton syndicate as they force all their suppliers to build in China. Let us continue the "free and unfair trade" that is the downward spiral to equal the victors in Ronnie's Cold War as we bring their values to America. You know, child labor, slave labor, prison labor, plundering the natural resources and polluting the environment. Soon the middle class will become desperate enough to welcome those values right here in River City.
say it plain
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 5:04 p.m.
@JoelLevitt, I am not quite understanding your point, but I'm trying to. I don't mean to 'shift blame', and I'm not even sure I understand what exactly we're talking about the blame *for*. But I don't think it's merely blame-shifting to speak about *structural* impediments to creating decent jobs for regular folks in our current economic climate. This includes not only how big-money interests can have huge effect on all sorts of 'policy positions', and how we have come to believe that the only thing that matters is stockholders' portfolios, but also now, with the recent ridiculous supreme court positions regarding corporate 'personhood', even *greater* influence from the people who can afford to buy opinion and spin the rhetoric.
Joel A. Levitt
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 2:14 p.m.
Dear say it plain, You shift the blame referring to money (which gets manipulated at the levels of the Fed and big finance in ways most of us have little understanding of, much less any say about! Who is to blame when we choose to watch TV news instead of reading the New York Times or the Financial Times or the Wall Street Journal or the National Review or etc.? Who is to blame when we vote our feeling of discontent instead of our understanding of causes and remedies? If you shift the blame, then you deny our ability to ourselves do anything to affect our problems.
sbbuilder
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 1:52 p.m.
I thought one of the main messages coming out of Lansing for the past number or years was that we would be turning Michigan into a hot-bed of high tech industries, and we would become a worldwide magnet in the health industry with hospitals galore. Not much was said about creating new jobs for the middle class. It was as though we were going to pull Fred and Alice off the assembly line and plop them into shiny new fusion laser jobs with a little tweaking here and there. The middle class makes stuff. That's what they do. But nobody wants to talk about manufacturing anymore. Why? It's all about 'diversification'. What's that supposed to mean for the average Joe? Go back to college and get a degree in some emerging high-tech field? Or do what exactly? It comes back to manufacturing eventually. That will serve the masses very well, and bring money back into the State of Michigan.
Speechless
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.
The above article is pretty much content-free. It's essentially an extended photo caption. Yet it seems to function like a kind of Rorschach blot, as various commenters above choose to read their own content into it. I'll go ahead and do similarly: Snyder's venture capitalist and business investment strategies could bring noticeable benefits to Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, East Lansing, the New Center section of Detroit — and a few other very select localities in the state where higher tech or life science-based start-ups tend to congregate. Yet this will do next to nothing for the growing underclass sprawled across Michigan's urban and rural regions. Comprised to a considerable degree by a formerly thriving middle class, these folks need a new New Deal at a bare minimum. Otherwise they become a vast army of castoffs living in our midst. They gain nothing through an attempted revival based on providing start-up funds to PhDs who will employ other grads. Let the rest eat cake, I suppose. At this point, it appears that both our newly reactionary state legislature and the governor-elect will strongly rely on the same strategy once 'employed' by an extremely successful businessman who ascended to high national office between 1929 and 1933. Do nothing of consequence for the legions of poor while passively waiting for a business cycle to bail them out of their inaction. Soon, no doubt, it will be good times again, with two iPhones in every wok.
LRF
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 1:12 p.m.
I see there are a lot of sore losers posting comments here. It's time Michigan residents have someone in the top spot to guide the revitalization of the state and I don't think there is anyone available that can do it better than Rick Snyder. Otherwise he or she would have stepped up and accepted the challenge. The voters have made it clear that Virg Bernero was not the one of choice so we need to just wait and see exactly what Rick Snyder is able to do. Ann Arbor just happens to be fortunate to have Gov elect Snyder as a local resident. I hope he will include Jeff Williams and other brilliant minds from the local area to help him get the job done.
AlphaAlpha
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 12:01 p.m.
"There must be someone else to blame, isnt there?" Facetious comment no doubt. The blame game is unproductive. Let us focus that energy on new ideas, new methodologies, new enterprises. "Sounds like a race to the bottom, Michigan will pass on that race." Not at all, on both counts. It's a race to competitiveness, and it has already begun. Not to fear.
cinnabar7071
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.
Mikey2u Rick doesn't start the job for a while, the jobs will come just look at the stock market since Tuesday they believe!
say it plain
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.
Ah, but to @JoelLevitt, one big problem is that the banks *aren't* just "our"'s in some straightforward way, nor are the businesses just "our's" because "we" are stockholders. The majority of the citizens of the US are not stockholders, money (which gets manipulated at the levels of the Fed and big finance in ways most of us have little understanding of, much less any say about!) moves and gets used in ways that tend to maximize benefit for the few who can influence the powers that be. We need to make our politics less influenced by money, and we need to understand as a nation how certain business practices can and do hurt many many americans while *greatly* benefitting a few. To wit, look at these numbers evidencing the complete gutting of the 'middle class' in the US. http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/the-u.s.-middle-class-is-being-wiped-out-heres-the-stats-to-prove-it-520657.html I'd like to see us consider these issues more deliberately.
cinnabar7071
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 11:09 a.m.
"Better state services provided for by increasing the number of state employees, provided for by dramatically lowering the very high wages and benefits, and lucrative retirement packages of state employees. " Sounds like a race to the bottom, Michigan will pass on that race. Thanks but no thanks AlphaAlpha
Mikey2u
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 11:06 a.m.
It's been four days since the election - where are the jobs?
Joel A. Levitt
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 10:44 a.m.
AlphaAlpha and bugjuice, with regard to We are witnessing the continuing slide to the bottom for workers wages, their families and any hope of a middle class life where people can save for retirement, send their kids to college or help their aging parents. Lets blame someone, anyone, just not ourselves. Lets blame the WTO; who are they to try to coordinate production and consumption in order feed, clothe and house the world? Lets blame our governments, DC and Lansing, but we the voters are the governments. Lets blame the banks, but our savings, our CDs, our pensions, our mortgages and our immense consumer debt are the banks. Lets blame business, but we the stockholders are the businesses. There must be someone else to blame, isnt there?
sbbuilder
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 10:37 a.m.
"The only interest business has is making a buck." I wouldn't say it is the only interest, but if you aren't making a buck, you aren't in business. Why the continual whine over profits? Somebody had better be making a profit. And that is good. Very good. Would you dissenters rather have no business development, than some business that makes obscene profits? It often appears as though the very existence of a business is anathema to some of you. I wish Mr Snyder every success in generating as many businesses as possible in our State. And, if that means somehow he increases his own portfolio, then fine.
DonBee
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 10:32 a.m.
Starting businesses and creating improved products will be one of the ways people will make money in Michigan. The lack of start up capital and growth capital has hindered businesses here. We finally have start up capital becoming available, but the growth capital is still shaky. Ann Arbor would be a great place to put a National Infrastructure Research Lab, since most of the outputs would be hard to off shore and we have a great set of engineers in the area. With the issues that the US has with infrastructure (roads, rails, electrical, water, sewage, etc) this is a crying need. Maybe G.E. Snyder and our well placed Congressional Delegation can work together to get it done. We have one of the lowest return rates for Federal Taxes of any state. Maybe it is time to get more back -OR- pay less.
AlphaAlpha
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 10:01 a.m.
Not one suggestion? OK. Here is one for you: start your own business. It would provide some valuable non-academic experience.
javajolt1
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 9:43 a.m.
"Simple answers to tough questions..." Nobody has those. Nobody claimed to have them. A different approach that might work for the tough questions is a reasonable expectation to have. That's what was offered. We'll see.
bugjuice
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.
And how are those 1/2 wage and slashed benefit workers suppose to buy cars, homes and save for retirement and send their kids to college? Or afford groceries? Even Henry Ford had a better idea. Raise workers wages, put more money in their pockets and allow them to stimulate the economy. Instead what we have witnessed for the last several decades is a redistribution of wealth, not from the top down but from the bottom to the top. And the myth that cutting taxes for the rich helps create jobs is a bald faced lie proven by the reality of the current economy, which BTW, began under Bush and the Republicans with their tax cuts, two wars off the budget and the black hole of the Medicare prescription plan that benefited big business and was designed to buy votes from seniors. Not only is the myth of President Obama being a Socialist (he is not) and redistributing wealth from the top down, the lie is that the redistribution actually send money to the rich, kind of reverse Robin Hood. But we know that he was a myth too. Oh I forgot that $2 Chinese calculators actually say it's the fault of those overpaid workers. Probably made by Rupert Murdoch. You guys are in charge now. You told us that you have all the simple answers to the tough questions.
bugjuice
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 9:08 a.m.
I'll leave that up to you and the $2 calculator. It seems to have all the answers and now that it's in charge we can hear all about them. rofl. I bet the nerd has a really nice Chinese calculator. He has no plan except to trickle down and spout soundbite platitudes.
AlphaAlpha
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.
Interesting. What suggestions does the wise one have?
bugjuice
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.
"Unfortunately, states must play the hand feds deal them..." Always playing the blame game.
AlphaAlpha
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.
One task which should be accomplished: Better state services provided for by increasing the number of state employees, provided for by dramatically lowering the very high wages and benefits, and lucrative retirement packages of state employees. Lower the compensation; split the savings: half for hiring more state workers at lower wages, half back to the taxpayers.
javajolt1
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:46 a.m.
"A college town past its prime..." I don't even know what that is. What a silly and reckless statement. Kind of invalidates anything else you're trying to say. "A college town past its prime..." Is there such a thing? I doubt it.
bugjuice
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.
"There are countless regulations to be rolled back", like the ones that hinder oil companies from drilling in the Great Lakes and prevent them to pollute or streams and air. Don't forget that Michigan had an oil spill this year and it isn't cleaned up yet.
AlphaAlpha
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:43 a.m.
"We are witnessing the continuing slide to the bottom for workers wages, their families and any hope of a middle class life where people can save for retirement, send their kids to college or help their aging parents." Much truth in that statement, but the cause of these conditions is driven far more by DC policies, specifically WTO trade agreements, than anything local. Unfortunately, states must play the hand feds deal them...
bugjuice
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:34 a.m.
AThe only reason private jobs will be created is if the private sector can make a buck. They have no interest in "revitalizing michigan" out of the goodness of their hearts. The only interest business has is making a buck. If that means out sourcing jobs and fighting tax increases to help the state repair its infrastructure, then they'll do it regardless of how little revitalizing actually takes place. Snyder is offering little more than trickle down economics, but desperate workers will do almost anything for a job these days and will probably take any crumbs that business tosses their way even after they voted for the nerd. We are witnessing the continuing slide to the bottom for workers wages, their families and any hope of a middle class life where people can save for retirement, send their kids to college or help their aging parents.
AlphaAlpha
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:17 a.m.
"pretending that it is anything other than a college town that passed its prime 20 years ago is a joke" Make no mistake. Our best days are ahead.
Diagenes
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:17 a.m.
The people of the state had the courage to try a new course. They were not satisified with the status quo. They voted for real HOPE and CHANGE. Mr. Snyder has the power granted to him by the people to effectively govern the state. He has a republican legislature that can pass his agenda. In two years we will know if his program is effective. P.S. Listen for the sound of sacred cows being slaughtered. Then you will know if Snyder means business.
Wystan Stevens
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.
The "Elect Rick-city" that surrounds Mr. Snyder has me tingling already. It's been a long time since Michigan last had a Governor from Ann Arbor (Alpheus Felch, 1846-47).
Dr. I. Emsayin
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:41 a.m.
Hope G.E. Snyder brings good things to life. Maybe we'll call it the Michigan Promise. Let's see if we can keep our young people who are fleeing to Chicago and Boston and D.C. in state to help revitalize.
Dante Marcos
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:33 a.m.
Rick Snyder is Meg Whitman without the wig, and with a slightly more ignorant electorate. Let's watch his portfolio grow more big and the cars become less electric.
Joel A. Levitt
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:31 a.m.
Formerly, UM-developed technology migrated to California for want of local funding. The creation of Renaissance Venture Capital Fund is an important step toward curing this situation, and its creators deserve our thanks. I hope that they open participation to our smaller investors.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 12:23 a.m.
hope he has the juice....
Wystan Stevens
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 11:34 p.m.
Heard the commentators on Michigan Radio referring to "Governor Elect Rick Snyder." Now, say that fast enough, and it sounds like "Governor Electric Snyder." An auspicious beginning for a dynamic gubernatorial term?
Nathan Bomey
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 11:22 p.m.
Susan, yes, that's supposed to be "our." Thanks for catching that! I just fixed it.
David Briegel
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 11:15 p.m.
I'm a psychic. Let's see here, I think I smell a lot of Repubilican PORK heading for Ann Arbor! WooHoo! At least it ain't Dem pork!! That would be EVIL!!
Hanz Landa
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 10:22 p.m.
ann arbor? pretending that it is anything other than a college town that passed its prime 20 years ago is a joke. there is no business much less business leaders. how's pfizer doing? borders? see a trend..
johnnya2
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 10:16 p.m.
@runbum03 Already positioning failures as the dems fault. How can it be the dems fault if he has republicans in charge of the house and senate? Also, i would check your republican talking points about the new Ambassador Bridge. It ain't happening.
Susan Montgomery
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 9:36 p.m.
Hope this is a typo - you quote him as "That doesnt happen enough in your state"? Surely he said 'our state"? I don't mean to start a political discussion, just pointing out a typo, I hope, so you can correct it and remove this comment..
runbum03
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 9:34 p.m.
The hard work has already started. The Democrats are already sharpening their long knives. I expect somebody will end up as chopped liver. The "plan" needs to be up and ready to roll out by January 1st and plans "B," "C," and "D" need to be available when the Dems start flashing their knives and jamming up the gears. We need the 10,000 jobs from new Ambassador Bridge. We need the 10s of thousands of jobs from the eight new "clean-coal" power plants Granny killed. We need to end the "energy optimization fees." There are countless regulations that need to be rolled back, etc. I hope the new Governor is up to it.