Copyright 2024 SPARK

Reflecting on 20 Years of Progress: Ann Arbor SPARK’s Annual Meeting and Economic Forum

Ann Arbor, Michigan, January 30, 2024 — Ann Arbor SPARK is excited to announce its Annual Meeting and Economic Forum, to be held on Tuesday, April 30 at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center. This hallmark event will convene business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community figures to discuss and celebrate the region’s economic development achievements and SPARK’s pivotal role over the past twenty years.

A highlight of this year’s program is a panel discussion featuring past SPARK Board chairs Steven Forrest, professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan; Tim Marshall, president and CEO of Bank of Ann Arbor; Rick Snyder, former Governor of Michigan and CEO of SensCy; and Cynthia Wilbanks, senior advisor with the Peterson Rudgers Group and former ​​University of Michigan vice president for government relations. These influential figures will share their personal stories with SPARK, discussing the organization’s impact on the region, the invaluable lessons they’ve learned during their tenure, and providing wisdom and insights for the future leaders of SPARK. 

The program will also include a presentation detailing Ann Arbor SPARK’s successes in 2023, focusing on entrepreneurial endeavors, capital investments, marketing achievements, and business development milestones. This segment will highlight SPARK’s role in fostering a vibrant economic environment and its commitment to innovative growth in the greater Ann Arbor and Livingston County regions.

The Annual Meeting will celebrate the community’s achievements with awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the regional economy. These accolades highlight the commitment and innovation of local businesses and entrepreneurs, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives the region’s success.

“We are thrilled to host our Annual Meeting and Economic Forum, a testament to two decades of dedication and hard work,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “This event is not just a celebration of our achievements but also a platform to learn from our past leaders and inspire the next generation of trailblazers in our community.”

Ann Arbor SPARK’s annual meeting is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including premier sponsors, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Comcast Business, and the DTE Foundation.

Registration for the meeting is required and tickets are available for $75 per person through February 29, and $95 per person thereafter. For more information and to register, visit https://annarborusa.org/annual-meeting.