Jeff Daniels to Help Promote Michigan

A $10 million marketing campaign that will be featured nationally in radio, TV, and print advertising is now launching. With a variety of spokesmen, Jeff Daniels is the most recognizable of the bunch. Not only has he appeared in the hit comedy "Dumb & Dumber", but he is also well known as the founder of the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea. Some of the other participants in the Michigan sales pitch are Subhendu Guha, president of United Solar Ovonic and Maria Thompson, chief executive officer of T/J Technologies. It is interesting to note that Michigan is using an actor and some of the top executives in Michigan technology companies. No representatives from the struggling auto industry to be found.

Why would you want someone selling Michigan who can't even do a good job of selling their vehicles? I think it is great to give notice to companies and individuals who are working their tails off to do their part in growing Michigan's economy and create jobs now as well as set themselves up for job creation down the road.

Read more about this in the Detroit Free Press.

Michigan Gas Prices Week of 5/29/06

The average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Michigan this week is $2.797. That is down a bit from last week's average of $2.829 as well as the inflated holiday weekend prices that hovered around $2.899. We were paying $2.869 at this time last month so we are on what I hope to be a downward and levelling off trend. Of course, last year at this time we were paying $2.079 across Michigan and I don't think we will ever see that price again.

Gas prices courtesy of the AAA Fuel Gauge Report.

Summer Energy Saving Tips

Just because winter is over doesn’t mean it is time to neglect looking at ways to continue to save in energy costs during the summer. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is offering tips on how to stay cool this summer while you keep your cool when your utility bills arrive. Here are a few of the top tips that appear at http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192--144160--,00.html

• Clean air conditioner filters and coils every month to make them more energy efficient
• Use a programmable thermostat. Setting it 10 degrees warmer when not at home can save 3 to 5 percent on electric bills
• Use fans? They can make the use of an air conditioner unnecessary. Ceiling fans, for example, can make a room feel six to seven degrees cooler
• Lower the temperature on the hot water heater to 120 degrees, a setting comfortable for most uses

You might also want to check out the Department of Energy’s website for energy saving tips at www.energysavers.gov.

Edison Electric has a list of 100 tips on saving energy at http://www.eei.org/industry_issues/retail_services_and_delivery/wise_energy_use/100Ways.pdf .

Whitefish Are Spawning in the Detroit River

Not since 1916 when the whitefish population was nearly nonexistent has the Detroit River been home to a genuine spawning of whitefish. Pollution from local industry and dredging to make way for lake freighters had kept the whitefish out of the river for almost a century. Cheers to Detroit for cleaning up their act and in turn, the Detroit River. Read all about it in the Traverse City Record Eagle

Visit the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge for more information on what is being done to make the Detroit River a healthy home for wildlife of all kinds.

Free Fishing Weekend June 10-11

Michigan is showing off its wonderful fishing opportunities this weekend with the annual Free Fishing Weekend. June 10 & 11 are the two days that fishing license fees will be waived. What a great way to introduce your kids to fishing. You shouldn't have far to drive for a fishing spot and if you borrow fishing gear from someone you won't even be out much money. The time invested with your kids is priceless. Remember, give a kid a fish and he will probably chase his sister with it for a day. Teach a kid to fish and he will enjoy a summer of chasing his sister with a dead fish.

Check it out at the Michigan DNR's website.

Did You Remember Memorial Day?

In the midst of all the cookouts, car races, and sporting events over the weekend did you remember why we celebrate Memorial Day? It is what I like to call, an unfortunate holiday. Wouldn't it be far better to not have fallen soldiers to remember? This world does not afford us the luxury of avoiding conflicts and wars. Therefore, we must remember why we celebrate Memorial Day. Lately, it seems, Memorial Day has been presented as more of the kickoff to summer instead of a solemn day of remembering those who gave their lives for our nation's freedom.

Did you wave to the veterans in a Memorial Day parade yesterday? When the flag went by did you stand, remove your hat, and despite the heat still feel goosebumps?