Whereas, The construction industry employs over 160,000 individuals in Michigan, and the number of wage and salary jobs in the construction industry is expected to grow approximately 25 percent through the year 2014; and,

Whereas, The construction industry must fill 7,000 jobs each year just to meet the growing workforce demand; and,

Whereas, Construction Career Days events are part of a national effort to encourage young people to consider careers in the construction industry; and,

Whereas, A Construction Career Days event will be held for the first time in Michigan at the Ingham County Fairgrounds on April 15 and 16, 2008; and,

Whereas, During Michigan Construction Career Days, leaders from all sectors of the construction industry will collaborate to inform young people of the many exciting career possibilities in construction at all levels of education and experience; and,

Whereas, Through a unique blend of information booths, activity stations, and heavy equipment operation, middle and high school students from across Michigan will experience construction work up-close, using real tools, equipment, and materials; and,

Whereas, Michigan Construction Career Days is an important first step toward a comprehensive construction workforce development system in Michigan through which young people will learn about career opportunities resulting in the construction industry attracting a quality workforce; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of April 14, 2008, as Building Michigan's Construction Workforce Week in Michigan.