Fantastic photos from Maine and my new job

Happy Election Day!

This is just a teaser from the two photo albums you can view from my trip to Maine. The first has the bulk of the photos.

I was lucky to stand atop Cadillac Mountain twice, once to watch the sunset and another to see it rise. The clouds that were present for the sun's setting, were gone for the magnificent sunrise. Talk about a view I'll never forget! You can view the photo album of the sunrise.

While I was in Maine, I had some delicious seafood, saw some beautiful sights, breathed in the wonderful Atlantic air, stayed clear of politics and the Internet, and most importantly got rested up.

Part of my timing has to do with a small announcement that I'm pleased to share with you today. I have hung up my consulting hat and now am the Online Campaign Coordinator for Progress Michigan, a non-profit communications team that serves the entire progressive community. My first order of business is to put together an incredible website that I look forward to sharing with you and the rest of the state soon. You can visit our sister organization in Colorado, Progress Now and Progress Now Action, to get a bit of a preview.

I know you'll all be voting today, so I won't bother reminding you, but feel free to stop by MichLib and throw in your support for your favorite candidate or ballot issue at our special Election Day Coffee Talk. Have a happy Election Day!

Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #3

China - one of our biggest global competitors.
China - A place that Tricky Dick sent and created thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars.
China - The place that Dick DeVos' Amway calls home.
Michigan - Where Jennifer Granholm is bringing thousands of jobs and millions of dollars to.
Michigan - The place where Jennifer Granholm calls home.
The difference is clear.

Dick DeVos = China

Jennifer Granholm = Michigan

3. Dick DeVos has a clear record on lobbying for unfair trade practices with China, hurting Michigan jobs and workers.
The facts speak for themselves - Dick DeVos isn't working for the people of Michigan, but those of China.

"One CEO firmly in the China camp is Amway's Dick DeVos -- though that's not surprising given the millions he has bet on Beijing." (Business Week, 9/14/98)

Official records through the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives showed the Amway Corporation, while Dick DeVos was President, lobbied for U.S. trade with China, including Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status. (Amway Lobbying Report, 2/14/01)

On February 23, 2000, while Dick DeVos was President of Amway, Steve Van Andel, Chairman of Amway, testified before the Senate Committee on Finance in support of the PNTR.

The China Daily reported Amway Corp was "working hard to ensure the US Congress grants China Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status. The act is needed to pave the way for China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO)."(China Daily, 1/30/00)

Dick DeVos chose China, NOT Michigan. On May 17, 2006, the Detroit News published a letter from the former Amway President himself. In the letter, Dick DeVos said his company invested $200 million in China. (Detroit News 5/17/06)

Today, there are more Amway jobs in China than the company’s home state of Michigan. Alticor’s Media Blog admitted DeVos’ China investment ended with 4,300 jobs in China. (Alticor Media Blog, 4/13/06)

Today, Amway no longer considers itself an American company, admitting that it "…considers itself an Asian company, with nearly 70 percent of its sales coming from the region."(Detroit Free Press, 10/22/04)

3. Jennifer Granholm has worked tirelessly to bring jobs back to Michigan.
In 2005 and 2006, Governor Granholm made 2 trips to Japan, and brought back over 1,000 jobs and $200 million in investment for Michigan.

Eighteen Japanese companies chose to invest in Michigan after meeting with Governor Granholm:

Konica Minolta Holdings purchased newspaper printing plate manufacturer American Litho in Grand Rapids. Konica plans to invest $13.3 million in expanding their facility to create 70 new jobs.

Meiden American, a heavy electrical equipment manufacturer, is planning to expand its Michigan presence by investing $10 million to open a new facility.

Shikoku Cable Company plans to invest $250,000 to expand its sales operations in Novi. The company manufactures coaxial cable for the satellite and cable television industry.

Taichi-S, an automotive seating manufacturer, is planning to invest $700,000 to expand its existing engineering facility in Farmington Hills.

JTETK, a partnership formed earlier this year between Toyoda Machinery and Koyo Seiko, nnounced the company will expand operations in Plymouth. The company manufactures auto parts including steering systems, bearings and drivelines.

Takao Metals, which currently has an engineering facility in Wixom, has recently begun construction on a new facility in Canton to expand engineering and light assembly operations. The parent company of Takao America will invest $10 million.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, which currently has an office in Sterling Heights, will locate a new facility in Wixom this summer. The company produces heavy equipment, including engines and power systems.

Mitsui Chemical, one of the world’s largest producers of chemical products, has announced the company will consolidate production at its Adrian facility this summer. The consolidation will generate approximately $6 million in investment and move jobs from the company’s Indiana plant.

Hitachi Automotive, one of three core member companies of the Hitachi Group, a leading maker of powerful, corporate transaction oriented mainframes as well as semiconductors, PCs and other information system and telecommunications technologies will grow in Michigan. Hitachi is located in Farmington Hills and employs 130 people.

Sekisui Chemical is a diverse company with a range of products from housing and agriculture to medical, electronics and automotive. Its Voltek division is located in Coldwater where it employs 170 individuals and generates sales of approximately $60 million.

Nippon Antenna is undertaking a site search for a new R&D facility in Michigan. The company produces a variety of antenna devices, including automotive and satellite systems, and currently has a sales center in Farmington Hills.

Nippon Piston Ring is completing a new plant in Grand Haven under the name NPR Manufacturing Michigan and preparing to hire new workers. The company currently operates its Assembled Camshafts, Inc. in Grand Haven.

Advanced Special Tools in Battle Creek will create a new subsidiary called Advanced Plastics Molding in Battle Creek. AST currently employs 55 workers at its manufacturing facility in Battle Creek’s Fort Custer Industrial Park.

Nakagawa Special Steel is opening its first sales office in Novi. Nakagawa is a steel trading company, established in 1924, specializing in steel for manufacturing including automotive, industrial machines and home appliances.

Taiko Device Technologies is opening its first North American office in Southfield. Established in 1968, Taiko manufactures and sells various electronics devices such as relay systems for automobile use.

A&D Inc. is establishing A&D Technology Inc. as its wholly-owned subsidiary in Ann Arbor, to commence development of its Measurement, Control and Simulation Systems business in the North American region. The company is investing $500,000 and hiring several employees. The company also recently acquired MTS Systems Corp.’s Powertrain Technology Division in Ann Arbor.

DENSO will invest $36 million to expand its North American headquarters in Southfield and create 250 new jobs.

Tokai Rika will invest $50 million to grow its operations in Battle Creek, Jackson, and Plymouth, creating 230 new jobs.

Sources: michigan.gov 5/18/06, Detroit News 9/22/06, Detroit Free Press 5/18/06, Michigan Economic Development Corporation 5/16/06)

Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #7 (or) The Truth Teddy

(Update: According to the LSJ's Election Blog, the infamous Teddy has been pulled from Quixtar's online store. And still, no word from the DeVos camp since the ad debuted.)

Jobs, jobs, jobs.
That's the single biggest issue in this election.
Michigan's people want to know that there are jobs out there.
The thing about us Michiganians, we don't like to be deceived.
Just give it to us plain, simple and honest.
Why did Dick DeVos send our jobs to China and lie to us about it?



7. Dick DeVos lied to us, the people of Michigan.
Not only did Tricky Dick cut 1,400 Michigan jobs, and invest $220 Million in China, but now those goods from China are being sold here in the US, even though Dick said that they weren't.

Facts Established:

• Dick laid off 1,400 Michigan voters. (Detroit News 8/24/06)
• Amway invested $220Million in China (Detroit News 8/24/06)
• Amway created 4,300 new jobs in China (Alticor/Amway) Blog 4/13/06)
• DeVos Campaign Says : Not one Michigan job has ever been shipped to China and nothing made in China is sold in the United States." (Setting the Record Straight, DeVos for Governor, 8/26/06)
• Amway Teddy Bears sold in the U.S. are made in China. (Quixtar/Amway) Website)

Anyone else confused? (see below)



7. Governor Granholm has worked hard to create new jobs, bring in new companies and stop job outsouring, all successfully.
Jennifer Granholm is a non-stop Job machine, and she's doing it all for us, the people of Michigan.

Facts Established:

• Governor Granholm has created over 7,100 new jobs in Michigan. (MI Dept. of Transportation) #24
  
• Governor Granholm has continually fought successfully for new jobs for Michigan (Detroit Free Press) #20
  
• Governor Granholm has worked hard to keep jobs in Michigan, and to bring in thousands more. (Site Selection Magazine) #12

************************************************************************************
Tricky Dick's Teddy Troubles

Dick DeVos eliminated over 1,000 Michigan jobs.
"Granholm is referring to the fact that DeVos, as president of Amway Co. parent Alticor, eliminated 1,400 jobs at the main plant in Ada, Mich." (Detroit News, September 22, 2006)

Amway built a factory in China while Dick DeVos was President.
Amway Asia Pacific dedicated its approximately 15,000 sq m (152,000 sq ft), state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in the Guangzhou Economic and Technical Development District on January 18, 1995, after extensive production trials. The plant -- a centerpiece of the company's initial U.S. $100 million dollar commitment to China -- has been producing inventory of five household cleaning products since the dedication. These products also are included in the starter kits. (PR Newswire, March 20, 1995)

Dick DeVos acknowledged Amway built a plant in China in his own television advertisement.
"We built a plant in China to sell in China." (Dick DeVos, Television Advertisement, September 6, 2006)

In their media blog, Amway/Alticor openly acknowledged the company invested over $200 million in China and created 4,300 jobs in China.
"Here are the numbers: An investment of $220 million in China (an investment required by the Chinese government as a prerequisite of selling our products there). Over time, this investment has grown into about 4,300 employees in China: including manufacturing jobs, office jobs, and retail clerk jobs, staffing the counters at more than 170 shops." (Alticor Media Blog, April 13, 2006)

On August 22, 2005, in a press release titled, "Governor is proven wrong regarding her attack on DeVos," the DeVos for Governor Campaign said: · "Not one Michigan job has ever been shipped to China and no Chinese products are exported to the United States. Period." (Press Release, DeVos for Governor, August 22, 2005)

The "Teddy Bear" was purchased through the Amway subsidiary, Quixtar, on September 21, 2006 from a Michigan address. The invoice of the transaction is below.



The Teddy Bear was purchased on this Amway/Quixtar Website.



Here's the Teddy Bear and it's tag that clearly says "Made in China"





"...you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #12

No doubt about it, the #1 factor in this race for Michigan's governor is about Jobs.
The voters in Michigan want to know who's going to bring in the most jobs for the state.
A great way to stack the candidates up is by looking at the their records.
One quick look and it's pretty clear.
Who's fighting for you?





12. Dick DeVos has a clear record of supporting the outsourcing of Michigan jobs.
Dick DeVos supported NAFTA. Michigan lost more than 63,000 jobs due to NAFTA. (Christian Science Monitor, September 20, 1993; Economic Policy Institute, “NAFTA’s Cautionary Tale,” July 20, 2005)
Dick DeVos advocated for a Michigan company to move out of state to Tennessee. DeVos said the company’s decision to build a plant down south “shouldn’t be considered a bad thing.” (Monroe Evening News, July 19, 2006)





12. Governor Granholm has worked hard to keep jobs in Michigan, and to bring in thousands more. The Governor has signed 59 targeted tax cuts for businesses, including a $600 million cut for our manufacturers that encourages the insourcing of jobs..
Michigan has been rated as the 8th Best Business Climate in the nation, and 5th Best State for Small Business. (Site Selection Magazine and The Small Business and Entrepreneurial Council)

Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #14

Michigan is a state full of blue-collar workers, farmers, small businesses owners, craftsmen, etc.
Most of us are just ordinary folks paying off our mortgages, raising our kids, and at the end of the day, we'd like to do more than just scrape by.
We want to be able to achieve our own American Dream.
We want to have someone who's walked in our shoes to be fighting for us in Lansing.
How in touch can a person be who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth?

Fact is - Dick and Betsy (Prince) DeVos both came from two of the wealthiest families in the country. Middle class is just something they've heard about. Working poor is an even stranger concept for them.

Just Say NO to Dick because...
14. Dick and Betsy DeVos are out of touch with Michigan. As Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, Betsy DeVos said that Michigan's economy was hurting because our workers make too much money. (Associated Press, 5/20/04).

Just Say YES to Jen because...
14. Governor Granholm has been fighting for Michigan workers non-stop. The Governor called for and signed into law an increase of the state’s minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.40 per hour over the next two years, which will increase a minimum wage worker’s annual salary by $4,680 (Detroit Free Press, 10/1/06).

Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #18

Amway Guy's entire claim as to why he'd be the better Governor is because he's a businessman. He's said time and time again how Michigan needs to be run like a business.
Tricky Dick has even asked us, the voters to hire him so he can be our CEO.
CEO's have proof and get results.

Just Say NO to Dick because...
18. There is no proof that Dick DeVos has actually created jobs in Michigan. His campaign has been unable to turn over any proof that he actually created jobs here, while CEO of Amway/Alticor. It has now been over seven months since the DeVos Campaign told the Associated Press they would "“have documentation in a few days to back up how many jobs DeVos has created." (Associated Press, February 27, 2006)

Just Say YES to Jen because...
18. Total employment in Michigan is up 24,000 since Governor Granholm took office. Despite how Amway Guy may spin it, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tell it like it is.

Who would you rather have as your CEO?

Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #20

What is the one issue Michiganians are looking at harder than any other this election season? Jobs. For many, it's the only issue.
Tricky Dick has said a lot about his Amway 'business experience' and how he should be 'hired' because of it. However, Michigan voters aren't stupid, they want the facts behind all his rhetoric.
Michigan's citizens deserve to know that they have a job, and that there's someone out there fighting like hell to bring even more to Michigan.

Just Say NO to Dick because...
20. Dick DeVos failed his own company, Amway(Alticor). During his eight years as CEO of Amway, the company suffered the biggest decline in revenue in nearly a decade, dropping from $7 billion to $4.5 billion, a 36% decrease. (Alticor Inc. / Detroit News, June 24, 2006)

Just Say YES to Jen because...
20. Governor Granholm has fought successfully for new jobs for Michigan since day one. Governor Jennifer Granholm is executing a plan and it'’s paying off for Michigan workers.

• Internet giant Google's recent announcement they were opening a headquarters for their new AdWords division in Ann Arbor, creating 1,000 new jobs (Detroit Free Press, July 10, 2006)

• Kellogg moving their U.S. Snacks division from Illinois to Michigan, creating an additional 650 jobs in Battle Creek and Wyoming (Battle Creek Enquirer, May 19 2004)

• Whirlpool'’s announcement they are consolidating their administrative operation in Michigan, creating more than 400 jobs in Benton Harbor (News Release, Whirlpool Corporation, May 10, 2006)

• United Solar Ovonic, an alternative energy company, building manufacturing plants in Greenville (The Greenville Daily News, September 9, 2006)

• Advanced Photonix, a California-based technology company, moving their offices to Ann Arbor (Detroit Free Press, March 7, 2006)

• Hemlock Semiconductor'’s expansion in Saginaw (WJRT-TV, November 16, 2005)

• American Axle choosing Detroit over Mexico (The Lapeer County Press, September 8, 2006)

• In the last nine months, nine ethanol and biodiesel plants have opened, broken ground or been announced. (Press Release, Office of the Governor, September 14, 2006)

25 Reasons to Just Say NO to Dick

Check the other 25 Reasons Why here...and keep checking back everyday between now and the election! And don't forget to vote!

25 Days -- that's all we have left till Amway Guy's gone and Michigan stays great with Jennifer Granholm at our helm.

One-a-Day LiberalLucy Style

For each of the 25 remaining days, I'm going to share one fact of why Amway Guy is bad for Michigan. Ah, I hear your groans now - more mudslinging? Not quite.
Just like every great As-Seen-on-TV special offer, you get not one, but TWO reasons every day to go the polls on November 7th and cast your vote for the Lady Gov.
For every reason you get to vote NO DICK, you're going to get another reason why Governor Granholm is the hardest working, most compassionate and dedicated governor in the country. Lucky us, she's right here in Michigan! :-)

Drumroll please.........

Just Say NO to Dick because
25. While CEO of Amway, Dick DeVos saw to it that 1,400 Michigan workers lost their jobs.
"The Company restructured and pared down. DeVos eliminated 1,400 white collar positions in Michigan through attrition, early retirements and what DeVos called 'involuntary separations.'" (Grand Rapids Press 9/17/06)

Say YES to Jen because
25. Governor Granholm's 21st Century Job Fund has already helped 117,000 find new jobs. The 21st Century Job Fund is a $2 billion dollar investment into emerging job sectors. Over $109 million was invested this year alone. (Michigan Economic Development Center)
crossposted on MichiganLiberal.com