Governor Snyder’s recent trade mission to Asia had an alternative energy flavor. Saginaw Future President JoAnn T. Crary went to attract Chinese solar supply chain investors to locate near Hemlock Semiconductor. [In October ground will be broken on a renewable energy park in Thomas Township to be “shovel-ready” for new companies.] Wayne County representatives touted a 1000-acre industrial site in Plymouth and Northville Townships to Japanese, Korean, and Chinese battery suppliers and energy related firms. Japanese investment in Michigan is already high; there are currently 476 Japanese-owned facilities in Michigan with nearly 32,000 employees. Economic development officials from Battle Creek, Midland, and Oakland County were also on the eight-day trip.