OCTOBER 28, 2003 

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is always looking at ways to improve customer service statewide. But as for trying the ideas out, there’s no place like home.

Grand Rapids is becoming the Department of State’s proving ground as it explores ways to enhance service. Land, a Byron Center resident, toured the department’s newly relocated downtown Grand Rapids branch office today. She made several key announcements that will lead to greater convenience for local residents and customers throughout Michigan.

Highlights include tapping the downtown office to serve as a research and development center, and the piloting of an exciting self-service station to speed up select transactions.

"The best way to serve a community is to be a part of it," Land said. "That’s why we’re pleased to be located in the heart of the city. The insights and vitality that we gain will help us to better help you. Whether it’s faster transactions through self-service stations or implementing cutting-edge staff training, the department will continue to come up with fresh ideas that make it easier to do business with us. The feedback we receive in Grand Rapids will help us assess the statewide potential of these projects."

Land announced that:

• The department’s newly relocated branch office in the City Centre at One Division NW is formally open for business. Its first-floor location and proximity to other agency offices make it more convenient for customers to do business. The office replaces the branch that had been in the State Office Building at 350 Ottawa NW.
• In addition to providing full customer service, the branch office now acts as a research and development center for the department. It allows for on-site testing of new technology, processes, customer-support initiatives and training programs that will result in more efficient service.
• The office is piloting a convenient self-service station called MiBOB, which stands for Michigan Branch Office Business. Customers have the option of using this automated terminal to renew their vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses. They can do so with the swipe of a Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card, provided they have their vehicle registration notice or current driver’s license with them, depending on the transaction being conducted. With MiBOB, visitors can save time and leave with their tabs in hand. MiBOB customers are being asked to complete a very short survey to help identify improvements to be made before the program goes statewide. MiBOB is also being piloted at the Grand Rapids Southeast branch on 28th Street.

For more information about the Department of State, visit its Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Editor’s note: Radio actualities are available by calling the Department of State news line at (517) 241-2800.

Related Links
> Photo Gallery 1
> Photo Gallery 2
> Photo Gallery 3
> Back to News & Headlines