March 1, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors, the Renewable Fuels Commission, the Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority, and the State Boundary Commission:

Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors

Paul E. Hodges of Orchard Lake, strategic advisor and former CEO of Codespear, L.L.C.  Mr. Hodges is appointed as a nominee of the Senate Majority Leader representing persons within the private sector with experience in private equity or venture capital investments, commercial lending, or commercialization of technology, for a term expiring December 31, 2008.  He succeeds Brian R. Ellis who has resigned.

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors serves as the state's lead businesses development and finance agency.
 
This appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Renewable Fuels Commission

Bruce A. Brownlee of Northville, senior executive administrator of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North American, Inc.  Mr. Brownlee is appointed for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.

Brian E. Horsford of Ada, director of gas stations for Meijer.  Mr. Horsford is appointed for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.

The Renewable Fuels Commission investigates and recommends strategies that the governor and Legislature may implement to promote the use of alternative fuels and encourage the use of vehicles that utilize alternative fuels.  The commission also identifies mechanisms that promote the research of alternative fuels.
 
These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority

William C. McConico of Detroit, attorney for the city of Highland Park.  Mr. McConico is appointed to represent the governor for a term expiring September 30, 2010.  He succeeds Philip B. Fischer whose term has expired.

The Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority is responsible for acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, rehabilitating, improving, maintaining, leasing as a lessor or as a lessee, repairing, or operating port facilities within its territorial jurisdiction.
 
This appointment is not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

State Boundary Commission

Kenneth VerBerg of Lansing, professor emeritus in the Department of Resource Development at Michigan State University.  Mr. VerBerg is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring November 15, 2008.

The State Boundary Commission has the authority for annexation, incorporation, and consolidation processes involving local units of government.
 
This reappointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.