WHEREAS, Article V, Section 1, of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 vests the executive power in the Governor; and

    WHEREAS, Article V, Section 2, of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 empowers the Governor to make changes in the organization of the Executive Branch or in the assignment of functions among its units which he considers necessary for efficient administration; and

    WHEREAS, it is necessary in the interests of efficient administration and effectiveness of government to effect changes in the organization of the Executive Branch of government; and

    WHEREAS, international trade and commerce, including product and service exports from Michigan; imports of essential goods and services; visits by foreign officials and distinguished visitors; and transborder transportation and telecommunication services play a vital role in expanding Michigan’s economy and in providing jobs and opportunity for Michigan citizens; and

    WHEREAS, the impact and effectiveness of Michigan international trade programs can be enhanced by consolidation of programs and focused administration of programs.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Engler, Governor of the State of Michigan, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 and the laws of the State of Michigan, do hereby order the following:

    1. The Michigan Export Development Authority created by the Michigan Export Development Authority Act, Act No. 157 of the Public Acts of 1986, as amended, being Sections 447.151 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws, shall hereafter be named the Michigan International Trade Authority.

    2. All rules, orders, contracts, agreements or other documents referring to the Michigan Export Development Authority shall be deemed to refer to the Michigan International Trade Authority.

    3. All the statutory authority, powers, duties, functions and responsibilities of the Division of International Commerce authorized by Act No. 24 of the Public Acts of 1968, being Sections 447.101 to 447.103 of the Michigan Compiled Laws; of the Foreign Trade Branch created under Act No. 23 of the Public Acts of 1968, being Sections 447.121 to 447.123 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, transferred to the Michigan Department of Commerce pursuant to Executive Order 1991-11; and all the authority, powers, duties, functions and responsibilities of the Michigan International Office, Michigan Department of Commerce, are hereby transferred to the Michigan International Trade Authority by a Type III transfer, as defined by Section 3 of Act No. 380 of the Public Acts of 1965, as amended, being Section 16.103 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

    4. The Michigan International Trade Authority shall serve as a resource to assist officers and agencies of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of Michigan state government in properly and effectively arranging and conducting meetings and events involving foreign officials and foreign distinguished visitors.

    5. All records, personnel, property and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations and other funds used, held, employed, available, or to be made available to the Michigan International Office for the activities transferred to the Michigan International Trade Authority are hereby transferred to the Michigan International Trade Authority.

    6. All rules, orders, contracts and agreements relating to the assigned functions lawfully adopted prior to the effective date of this Order shall continue to be effective until revised, amended or repealed.

    7. The Director of the Michigan Department of Commerce shall provide executive direction and supervision to immediately facilitate the transfers provided in this Executive Order.

    In fulfillment of the requirement of Article V, Section 2, of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963, the provisions of this Executive Order shall become effective 60 days after filing.