Auburn Hills, Mich. — Plante & Moran’s Lou Longo was recently appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez, to the Michigan District Export Council (MDEC) — Eastern Michigan. Longo, who leads Plante & Moran’s Global Services Group, was nominated to this prestigious council by Richard Corson, Executive Director of the local U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center.

“I am complimented Secretary Gutierrez has identified Plante & Moran, through my appointment, as providers of global insight for Michigan companies, helping them become more competitive and financially successful,” says Longo. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with the distinguished members of the Council to advance the economic success of our region and state.”

The MDEC is composed of leaders throughout Michigan whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional advice for local firms. They encourage and support export expansion activities by counseling local businesses, identifying export finance sources, building local export assistance partnerships with other organizations, and promoting international education at the community level.

Plante & Moran (www.plantemoran.com) is the nation’s ninth largest certified public accounting and business advisory firm, providing clients with financial, human capital, operations, strategy, technology, and family wealth management services. Plante & Moran has a staff of more than 1,400 professionals in 18 offices throughout Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Nashville, Tennessee, and Shanghai, China. Plante & Moran has been recognized by a number of organizations, including Fortune magazine, as one of the country’s best places to work.