Contact: Nicole Geary, College of Education: (517) 355-1826, ngeary@msu.edu; Andy Henion, University Relations: (517) 355-3294, cell (517) 281-6949, henion@msu.edu

NOTE TO MEDIA

March 12, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The state’s major research universities – Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University – are teaming up in an effort to improve Michigan’s long-term economic prospects.

The universities make up the University Research Corridor, an alliance that aims to transform, strengthen and diversify the state’s economy.

Professors from each institution and leading economic development experts will gather Friday at MSU for a jointly sponsored symposium, “Creating a Brighter Economic Future for Michigan: Education, Talent and Public Policy.”

The first-time event, expected to draw legislators, policymakers, superintendents and other educators, is intended to help shape the state’s policy agenda to enable Michigan to transform into a knowledge-based economy. With education as the centerpiece, organizers hope to generate consensus about specific strategies for developing, attracting and retaining a talented work force.

WHAT: “Creating a Brighter Economic Future in Michigan: Education, Talent and Public Policy,” sponsored by Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

WHO: Charles Ballard, professor of economics, Michigan State University; Lou Glazer, president, Michigan Future Inc.; Timothy Bartik, senior economist, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research; Michael Flanagan, superintendent of public instruction, Michigan Department of Education; Kenneth Burnley, senior resident fellow, School of Education, University of Michigan; Allen Goodman, professor of economics, Wayne State University

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, March 14

WHERE: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Lincoln Room, Michigan State University, 55 South Harrison Road, East Lansing. (All media please check in at event registration desk.)

Visit www.educ.msu.edu/k12 or call (517) 353-8950 for more information.

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