Do you Google? Chances are you're familiar with the popular search engine. With offices spanning the globe from Australia to Brazil to Denmark, Google has become a powerhouse when it comes to searching on the Internet. On Tuesday, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced that the world's most popular Internet search engine will bring its newest facility to Michigan.
Located near Ann Arbor, the new facility will bring 1,000 jobs to Michigan residents.
With a 6 percent unemployment rate, according to data collected in May, it seems as if Michigan is in dire need of jobs.
Google's plans for a new facility in the Ann Arbor area — located near the University of Michigan — will not only bring job opportunities to recent graduates, but it will also be a harbinger of a more technologically-focused Michigan economy, as manufacturing jobs continue to dwindle.
As the motor capital of the world, Michigan has been relying on factory and other manufacturing jobs for too long. In the past, these jobs have been reliable sources of work. Today, however, outsourcing is responsible for the loss of thousands of jobs across the state.
But the jobs offered at the new Google facility will not be a replacement for people who have lost manufacturing jobs. Rather, these jobs will open a new market focusing on technology. More importantly than replacing lost jobs, the new market will attempt to keep more Michigan college graduates in the state.
Since Henry Ford founded Ford Motor Co. in 1903, Michigan's economy has relied on factory-based jobs. After years of specialization, it may be difficult for the state to open its economy to a new type of market, and although 1,000 new jobs is a step in the right direction, we still have a long way to go.
It's the rewards, though, that will solidify this new type of market. According to state estimates, Google's new facility will bring in about $2 billion in earnings during a 20-year period.
Money aside, Google is a breath of fresh air into our presently stagnant job market.
With Google on its side, Michigan's on the map — we've officially been Googled.
