LANSING- - There is a split among legislators and special interest groups on whether the governor’s latest trip to Europe is the best strategy to get jobs in Michigan.

Some legislators say it’s a good thing for Gov. Jennifer Granholm to go out of state to lure businesses to help Michigan’s economy.

Some critics prefer other approaches.

“I don’t see how something like this wouldn’t help out the state,” said Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge. “There are ways in-state that would create more jobs, like early buyout plans which could produce thousands of jobs, but the governor’s trip is just as good a way to create those jobs.”

Granholm traveled to Germany and Austria with Jim Epolito, chief executive officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

When they returned, she said the trip had created or retained more than 750 jobs and $20 million in investments from five German companies.

Those companies include FACTON Inc., a high-tech software company, which plans to invest $1 million in the state, and MBTech Autodie, plans to invest around $ 5million in its former facility in Grand Rapids.

The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) called the trip important to Michigan’s economy, but said it would like to see other strategies as well.

“There are two strategies you can take when creating jobs: hunting and gardening,” said Rob Fowler, SBAM’s president. “With hunting, you go out of state or country, like the governor is doing right now, to create jobs. Gardening is where you stay in state and plant seeds and start from scratch to help create more jobs.

“We would like to see a little more gardening being done, but this does not mean that we do not think that this strategy will lead to more jobs and, hopefully, this trip will be more productive than her previous trip to Japan.”

The trip to Japan in 2006 did bring in hundreds of new jobs, Fowler said, adding the governor should have taken a more aggressive approach.

While there is support for overseas solicitations, some organizations say it may not be the best direction for the state to head.

Chuck Hadden, vice president of government affairs for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, said the trip could be beneficial, specifically from an automotive point of view, but other options should be considered.

“This trip is a worthwhile opportunity,” Hadden said. “But I don’t think you should forget about the home team and I think that is happening a little bit.”

Rich Studley, executive vice president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, said his organization understands the importance of importing businesses from other countries, especially Germany, but asserted that the governor follows a double standard when it comes to business in Michigan.

“This recent trip is an example of saying one thing and doing another,” Studley said. “In Lansing, the governor talks about tax increases for businesses, but according to the recent press releases, she is already offering tax breaks to these foreign businesses.

“The fact is, most of the new jobs will be created by existing businesses which is why we should be focusing more on current businesses instead of those that don’t.”

Granholm’s press secretary, Liz Boyd, said the governor plans more trips for this year, but where and when haven’t been decided.