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MEDC leader says Michigan is positioned to be "climate winner"

Quentin Messer Jr. talks with an audience member during the GVSU Fireside Chat panel discussion.
Amanda Pitts
/
Grand Valley State University
Quentin Messer Jr. talks with an audience member during the GVSU Fireside Chat panel discussion.

The head of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation visited Grand Valley State University sharing the state’s vision for future economic policy and implementing educational investments.

“We are living in a state that has unprecedented potential and opportunity.”

Quentin Messer Jr. is Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO, President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund.

“Michigan has the number one thing that companies, universities, people look for, it has great human capitol.”

Messer explains Michiganders need to spread the word knowing that the state’s best days are ahead of it. He says over the next decade or so, Michigan is going to become what he calls a ‘climate winner.’

“With the rise of extreme weather, it is going to make certain parts of the world, and certain parts of North America, increasingly difficult to inhabit. Michigan is going to be a winner. We have to set up the business environment to be welcoming of people from all across the world.”

In preparation, Messer says it’s imperative to create a state of lifelong learners. Residents on a continuous education journey whether it’s higher ed or attaining credentials. The MEDC is taking a regional approach supporting entrepreneurs and higher education.

Patrick joined WGVU Public Media in December, 2008 after eight years of investigative reporting at Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV8 and three years at WYTV News Channel 33 in Youngstown, Ohio. As News and Public Affairs Director, Patrick manages our daily radio news operation and public interest television programming. An award-winning reporter, Patrick has won multiple Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter/Anchor awards and is a three-time Academy of Television Arts & Sciences EMMY Award winner with 14 nominations.