TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) presented Gov. Rick Snyder (R-Mich.) with its State Leadership Award on Aug. 6 in Traverse City, Mich., during the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars.
 
"Gov. Snyder’s leadership to address a stable and fair state tax system is critical to our members," said MEMA President & CEO Steve Handschuh. "His ongoing recognition of the importance of the automotive industry to the state is indicative of his understanding and willingness to address the issues key to our industry."
 
Michigan employs more than 102,624 motor vehicle component suppliers — more than any other state in the nation, according to MEMA.
 
"Gov. Snyder knows the value motor vehicle component suppliers bring to his state," said Ann Wilson, MEMA senior vice president of government affairs. "A longtime supporter of the industry, he continuously fights to advance policies that will ensure the growth and prosperity of Michigan’s component suppliers."
 
Once a business executive, Snyder was sworn in as Michigan’s 48th governor in 2011 with a 10-point plan to "reinventMichigan," envisioning a state with more and better jobs, restored cities and an enhanced national and international image, among others. As a result of his efforts, Michigan has earned the title of "Comeback State." Prior to being elected as governor, Snyder worked at Coopers & Lybrand in Detroit and Gateway Computers in Chicago before returning to Michigan as a venture capitalist.
 
The MEMA State Leadership Award is given for outstanding assistance to the motor vehicle supplier industry by an elected official, who is nominated by a MEMA division member and the MEMA Board of Directors.