Google plans to open an office in Michigan

The popular Internet search engine has surprised pundits by setting up a huge advertising operation in Michigan.

The facility in the Ann Arbor area will employ 1,000 people within five years to handle advertising generated by the Internet search outfit. It already has posted openings on its Web site. Google says there are plenty of talented college graduates in the region. Google co-founder Larry Page is a native of East Lansing and a University of Michigan graduate.

Since Detroit's car manufacturing tanked, the State economy is depressed and there is little in the way of tech history or companies in the place. The state apparently offered Google $38 million in tax breaks over 20 years, should its employment reach 2,000, although that is not really much more than other areas would offer.

We did a Google search to find out why the search engine might be interested in the area and found out that Michigan is famous for having 120 lighthouses-more than any other state. Google will be joining Bell’s Brewery as one of the significant outfits that have shifted to the state recently.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm says the project will provide not only an economic help but also a psychological boost in a state that has lost manufacturing jobs.