Michigan state Sen. Jack Brandenburg was selected to receive the 2015 Economic Impact Award from the Michigan Bankers Association (MBA). The Economic Impact Award recognizes public officials for their outstanding leadership on matters of public policy that support and encourage a vibrant Michigan economy.
"Jack Brandenburg has long championed the need for a strong Michigan economy that benefits Michigan communities and businesses," said T. Rann Paynter, MBA president and CEO. "He is a consistent voice for government moderation and reduction in needless government expenditures. He unfailingly seeks improved outcomes through proper management and prioritization of state resources."
The award will be presented during the MBA's Bank Management and Directors Conference December 3, in Grand Rapids.
Throughout his legislative career, Brandenburg has sponsored and shepherded many pieces of legislation that improved Michigan's economy. Most recently, he led efforts to pass legislation that will protect the beneficiaries of trust-owned properties to maintain their principle residence tax exemption. He also worked closely with the MBA to move legislation that created a low-interest loan program for dock owners to perform dredging in Michigan waters during periods of low water levels. In addition, he also helped guide bills that change Michigan's banking tax structure to be fair and stable for the state of Michigan.
Currently in his second term in the state senate, Brandenburg is the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a member of the Economic Development & International Investment, Insurance, and Local Government committees.
"When I ran for state Senate in 2010, I campaigned on improving the economy and making Michigan a more business friendly state to spur job growth, said state Sen. Brandenburg. "At the time the unemployment rate was over 14 percent. It is now down to 5.3 percent, the lowest it has been in 14 years. The economy has recovered dramatically. This was not accomplished by any single individual but I am happy to have played a major role in Michigan's turn around."
In 1979, Brandenburg started his own company, Blue Water Industrial Supply. The company, which began in the trunk of Jack's car, now does business with railroad companies across the U.S. His experience owning his own business provides Jack a unique understanding of the private sector that may elude other elected officials. Brandenburg and his wife, Karen, have four children; Bryan, Rhett, John and Paige. He earned a degree in business administration from Ashland University.
The Michigan Bankers Association (MBA) is the voice of the Michigan banking industry. Comprised of Michigan financial institutions with more than 2,800 branches located throughout the state, the MBA promotes strong communities and economic activity in Michigan by advancing a positive business environment. For more information, visit: www.mibankers.com.
Published: Thu, Sep 17, 2015
