Economic Development Coalition Advances Economic Growth Plan; Partners With Congressional Delegation for Funding

DETROIT, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Economic Development Coalition of Southeast Michigan (EDCSEM) traveled to Washington, D.C. recently to continue its efforts to accelerate economic growth in the region. The Coalition's plan -- to expand the capacity of the region's business accelerators to assist businesses and entrepreneurs -- calls for

additional funding from the federal and state governments.

In 2007, the Coalition reported its partnership with Michigan's Congressional delegation led to more than $3.5 million in federal funds coming to the region. This year's trip built on that success.

"The Southeast Michigan delegation again welcomed our collaborative contingent of 15 members representing the region and they were pleased to see we have maintained our determination over the past year," said Doug Smith,Oakland County Director of Economic Development and Community Affairs and meeting participant. "We showed them that our plan is important to the economic success of our region and that we are committed to its implementation."

Called "The Regional Innovation Network," the plan includes a multi-million dollar funding request from federal, state, local and private sources over the next several years. It focuses on building capacity in the region's existing business accelerators, which includeAnn Arbor SPARK, Automation Alley, NextEnergy and TechTown; and by creating three new business accelerators in Macomb,Oakland and Wayne Counties.

Business Accelerators provide critical services entrepreneurs need to start and grow high-growth businesses. High growth sectors will be identified by the Network and will be aligned with State of Michigan business growth targets. Business accelerator services may include:

-- Facilities to incubate new business start-ups or joint-ventures

-- Networking programs to provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to share expertise and access knowledge

-- Customized business planning, product development, business marketing and organizational development consulting

"Ann Arbor SPARK is very pleased to be a part of this Coalition and we know that the accelerators play a critical role on the front lines helping to grow our future businesses," said Michael Finney, president ofAnn Arbor SPARK. "The accelerators have also proven our ability to collaboratively work across geographic boundaries and focus on the needs of the company, whether it's located inAnn Arbor,Oakland County,Detroit or Flint. Addressing the needs of the company is the only thing that matters.

"Expanding the ability of our region's accelerators like TechTown, Next Energy, Automation Alley,Ann Arbor SPARK and others to help businesses grow is an important component of the Road to Renaissance initiative, the region's economic transformation strategy," said Doug Rothwell, president ofDetroit Renaissance, which led the delegation to Washington.

"I commend our Congressional members for their commitment to working with us to grow our region's economy. They've shown their support by the funding we received this year and we are pleased to be working with them again."

EDCSEM was convened byDetroit Renaissance and theDetroit Regional Chamber and announced its formation in November, 2006. Members include:Ann Arbor SPARK, Automation Alley,Detroit Economic Growth Corporation,Detroit Regional Chamber,Detroit Regional Economic Partnership,Detroit Renaissance, Macomb County, Michigan Economic Development Corporation,Oakland County, NextEnergy, TechTown, Tourism Economic Development Council and Wayne County.

This coalition is not a new organization but a collaborative effort that will support the work of its partners while at the same time focus on projects that benefit the entire region and have the opportunity to bring greater results than through individual efforts. The coalition will focus its collaboration on:

-- expanding the capacity for entrepreneurism and innovation in the region,

-- identifying priorities and jointly seeking federal, state and other resources to advance economic development in Southeast Michigan,

-- partnering on policy initiatives that support economic growth in the region.

Coalition members serve on the Road to Renaissance steering committee and will be heavily involved with implementing this regional economic plan.

A sampling of comments regarding the EDCSEM effort

from the Michigan Congressional Delegates:

Senator Carl Levin

"Working together as partners, these economic development organizations can have a greater impact throughout Southeast Michigan," said Levin. "I am pleased to support their efforts to collaborate on important development projects and revitalize the economy."

Senator Debbie Stabenow

"We need to develop long-term solutions to the economic challenges facing Southeastern Michigan. In today's economy, innovation remains the key to staying competitive, and it is exciting to see so many economic development organizations working together to strengthen our communities and our state."

Congressman John Dingell

"The Economic Development Coalition of Southeast Michigan is working hard to create news jobs and opportunities for our workforce. The combined effort of the economic powerhouses in Southeast Michigan, such asAnn Arbor SPARK in the 15th Congressional District, is a positive force for our region and our state. I look forward to continuing to work with this Coalition."

Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick

"The continued growth and development of our region is dependent on collaboration, cooperation, and coordination of our fiscal and physical resources," said Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI-13). "The Regional Innovation Network will provide entrepreneurs with the ability to build the relationships and secure the resources they need to succeed. This promising initiative emphasizes the creativity, leadership, and vision needed to ensure that our region realizes its potential and illustrates how southeast Michigan is moving toward the next millennium."

Congressman Joe Knollenberg

"Our current economic crisis necessitates a new way of thinking about our problems. The struggles faced by Michigan's families demand that we work across geographic and political boundaries to build the new Michigan economy. I am proud to lend my support to this effort. Together, we can and we will bring good jobs and prosperity back to Michigan."

Congressman Sander Levin

"The Coalition recognizes the urgency of coming together to meet the economic challenges our region faces. Fostering innovation is a critical part of strengthening our manufacturing base and diversifying our economy. We must work together as a region to address these challenges, and this unprecedented cooperation to make the Regional Innovation Network a reality is an outstanding example of that."

Congresswoman Candice Miller

"Everyone understands the incredible economic challenges facing Southeast Michigan. It is vital that stakeholders in the private sector work in a collaborative way to benefit both workers and job providers and it is equally vital that those involved in public service work together, both Republicans and Democrats, to the benefit of our region. The Economic Development Coalition is doing a great job of bringing together those in the private sector and our delegation in Washington has pulled together in strong show of bi-partisan unity as well. I am proud to be a member of the team working hard to expand opportunity for everyone in Southeast Michigan."

Congressman Thaddeus McCotter

"These civic leaders and their efforts are a ray of hope for our economically ravaged state. I am honored to work with them on behalf of Michigan's most precious asset: Her People."

SOURCEDetroit Renaissance

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