LANSING (AP) -- Michigan's governor is heading to the Middle East to recruit high tech, homeland security and alternative energy businesses to the state. Gov. Jennifer Granholm plans to visit Jordan and Israel Nov. 14-20. She will be joined by Michigan Economic Development Corp.

President James Epolito, who is holding similar meetings with business and government leaders in Dubai. Granholm's Middle East trip was originally planned for April, but had to be postponed for an emergency surgery to remove an obstruction from her small intestine.

The trip is Granholm's first to the Middle East and seventh overseas trade trip since 2004. Michigan is trying to diversify its economy as it deals with high unemployment largely from automotive and other manufacturing layoffs.

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