The state of Michigan was recognized during ceremonies at the National Governors' Association Summer Meeting as the number one state in the nation for using information technology to provide service delivery, cost saving and efficiency, collaboration and leadership in all aspects of state government.



Teri Takai, director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology (DIT), and Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm formally accepted the first-place digital state award from the Center for Digital Government. (L-R CEO Dennis McKenna, Takai, Granholm, Executive Director Cathilea Robinett, Chief Strategy Officer Paul Taylor.)

Michigan climbed to the number one spot from a second place finish in the previous study conducted in 2002. The Center for Digital Government, in conjunction with Government Technology magazine and The Progress & Freedom Foundation, conducted the study which is considered the nation's most recognized and respected study of the use of information technology in the 50 states.

According to Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government, Michigan's first-place finish reflects its performance in the areas of service delivery, cost saving and efficiency, collaboration and leadership.

"Michigan has exhibited a tremendous amount of leadership and determination throughout the years," said Robinett. "They have made bold moves to advance Michigan as a leader in the global economy and have been devoted to providing the highest level of service to their citizens. I have tremendous respect for Governor Granholm's vision and state chief information officer Teri Takai's dedication."

Takai was appointed director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology by Governor Granholm in February 2003. The Governor's charge to Takai was to use technology to make Michigan the best place to live and work. Under Takai's direction, DIT focused on providing more government services online so Michigan citizens and businesses could find it easier to obtain services and do business with the state.

"This first place finish is great news for the state of Michigan," Takai said. "Information technology is a powerful tool for delivering services and has the potential to change the way government does business. This award recognizes how far Michigan has come in making that transformation a reality. I gratefully acknowledge the work of our employees and agency partners who made it possible."

The 2004 survey examines information technology as a tool for serving citizens and state governments' needs. It is the first to report on the transition of states to digital government since the 2002 elections and includes a focus on strategy, management and results.