Snyder opens office for immigration business owners
Gov. Rick Snyder wants to recruit entrepreneurs from abroad and plans to make it a reality.
Snyder signed an executive order Friday to establish the Office for New Americans at the Michigan Press Association's annual conference in Grand Rapids.
Bing Goei, CEO of Eastern Floral, a Grand Rapids florist company, and Indonesian immigrant was named the office's director.
"This is basically to make sure we turn every stone over to make jobs, and utilize our economy," Goei said. "The bottom line is it's all about job creation and economic growth. We're recruiting new immigrant talent. That means new investments, and new jobs utilizing all the skills and entrepreneurial spirit."
Goei said one-third of all high-tech companies in the U.S. "were made by immigrants." He said the ripple effect of immigrants staying in Michigan will create more jobs and opportunities for businesses.
"I'm very proud to have the opportunity to sign this executive order," Snyder said at the press conference. "I've been very passionate about this topic, not just from the job side but also the cultural effect"
