Reps. Stamas, Booher, Terry Brown, Constan, DeShazor, Durhal, Gregory, Hansen, Horn, Huckleberry, Robert Jones, Kandrevas, Kurtz, Lahti, Lemmons, Liss, McDowell, Neumann, Proos, Scripps, Gonzales, Leland, Lipton, Mayes, Polidori, Roberts, Rogers, Sheltrown, Slezak and Opsommer offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 170.

A resolution recognizing October 18–24, 2009, as National Chemistry Week in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, It is important to recognize the significant contribution that the business of chemistry makes to the well-being of Michigan and its citizens; and

            Whereas, National Chemistry Week is a community-based annual event that unites industry, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life; and

            Whereas, Each year the American Chemical Society through this effort reaches millions of people with positive messages about the contributions of chemistry to their daily lives; and

            Whereas, It is the one time during the year that chemists, regardless of background, unite with the common goal of spreading the word that chemistry is good for our economy, our health, and our well-being; and

            Whereas, The theme for National Chemistry Week 2009 is “Chemistry—It’s Elemental!” This recognizes that elements are the basis of the entire universe and of life on Earth, and are an important part of everyday life; and

            Whereas, The year 2009 is the 140th anniversary of Mendeleev’s Periodic Table of the Elements. This is a wonderful opportunity to investigate and appreciate the discovery and use of the elements in every aspect of our lives; and

            Whereas, In Michigan, 96 percent of all manufactured goods are directly touched by the business of chemistry, making this industry an essential part of every facet of our nation’s economy; and

            Whereas, Chemistry companies in Michigan directly employ over 28,000 people, and indirectly contribute 8,569 jobs to the economy of the state.  For every chemistry industry job in Michigan, an additional 3.2 jobs are created within the state; and

            Whereas, Within the past six months, ten job-creating projects, generating more than 18,500 new jobs and over 3.4 billion in new investment, will come to Michigan. These jobs are all related to the chemistry industry; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Chemistry Council and it’s member companies are working to improve environmental conditions; protect the health and safety of workers; strengthen our community; and provide an assurance for the future; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s chemistry businesses are increasing industrial efficiency, competitiveness, and helping Michigan develop a bio-economy and green business practices to increase the adoption of clean technology; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Chemistry Council and the American Chemical Society believe National Chemistry Week is an opportunity for government to join forces with chemistry businesses, and the citizens of Michigan to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize October 18-24, 2009,  as National Chemistry Week in the state of Michigan. The theme this year is “Chemistry—It’s Elemental!” We call the attention of all our citizens to this observance.