Made in the USA

Okay, given my past attempts to keep Flint Expatriates free from partisan political sniping, I know this is risky. But try to set aside your allegiance to Democrats or Republicans. And shelve your personal feelings — positive or negative — about Jennifer Granholm as governor of Michigan. Let's try and discuss this on its merits.

Made in Michigan

G.M. will make Volt batteries in Michigan, but the automaker isn't saying exactly where.

Lindsay Brooke of The New York Times reports:

G.M.’s announcement comes three weeks after Michigan’s legislature approved tax incentives worth up to $335 million aimed at attracting advanced-battery manufacturers to the state. The credits will be apportioned depending on production volume and other factors. Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm is expected to sign the legislation.

“This is very important, and it’s beyond symbolic,” said Brett Smith, speaking of the plant’s significance. Mr. Smith, assistant director for manufacturing, engineering and technology at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich., explained that it is critical for the Detroit Three automakers to create an infrastructure in the United States for volume production of batteries for electric, plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Michigan on Obama's Agenda

To state the obvious, U.S. automakers are losing a ton of money. They simply can't survive for very long at this rate. But two interesting items that relate directly to what's left of Michigan's auto industry came out of President-elect Barack Obama's news conference today. Jeff Zeleny and Jackie Calmes of The New York Times report:

"The president-elect said he and his advisers would try to find ways to help the struggling automobile industry, and that he hoped to see enactment of an economic-stimulus package either before or soon after Inauguration Day. 'The auto industry is the backbone of American manufacturing and a critical part of our attempt to reduce our dependence on foreign oil,' he said. 'I would like to see the Administration do everything they can to accelerate the retooling assistance that Congress has already enacted.'"

And...

"[Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm of Michigan, one of Obama's economic advisors] is a strong proponent of a stimulus package in the lame-duck Congressional session. Previewing her advice to Mr. Obama, she sent a letter to Congressional leaders on Thursday urging them to finance public infrastructure projects, extend unemployment and food stamp benefits and provide aid to states and the troubled auto industry."

Gov. Granholm visits Flint

Anyone who knows anything about Flint knows not to get too excited when politicians show up announcing the city is turning the corner, on the way up, making a fresh start, or any other vague cliché about economic improvement.

But it does appear that things are getting marginally better downtown, and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm showed up today to tour the newly refurbished Community Foundation Building — former home of Dale's Foods for Health and Baker Drugs — and the soon-to-be open Wade Trim building. Both projects are spearheaded by Uptown Developments.

For the record, the governor described the projects as "cool" and "cutting edge," which doesn't inspire confidence, but let's think positive.

Here are some beginning, middle and end photos of the foundation building at the corner of S. Saginaw and W. First Streets. For video, go here.

(Photo by Jar With Most)

(Photo by sarrazak6881)