State Rep. Kenneth Kurtz has been named a "Champion of Commerce" by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce for his efforts to create jobs and improve Michigan's business environment. Only three out of 110 lawmakers in the state House of Representatives received the designation.

I will continue to make sure that job creation remains a key focus for the state Legislature," said Kurtz, R-Coldwater. "New jobs not only support Michigan families, they create more state revenue that can then be used for our schools, public safety and roads."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce rated Kurtz based on his legislative voting record. Kurtz will be recognized at the chamber's 2010 Future Forum & Annual Meeting at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing in September.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business advocacy organization representing over 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce.