A look back on this week’s economic development headlines, announcements, and other share-worthy news from the Ann Arbor region.
Mobility News
Congratulations to SPARK-client Intvo was selected as one of only 50 companies from around the world to pitch at SXSW. Related: Ann Arbor will be well-represented at SXSW, through Michigan House and other venues.
The American Center for Mobility unveiled its plans for a tech park on campus this week. Here’s a full rundown on the opportunities at the tech park.
Detroit and Ford’s train station profiled in the New York Times this week.
Consumers Energy approves nearly 400 rebates for electric vehicle charging stations across Michigan.
Hyundai Kia puts some big numbers into a big EV startup play.
According to this study, Detroiters pay more of their income to meet their basic needs than New Yorkers do when you factor in the cost of transportation.
Regional News and Successes
Profiles on LLamasoft: With a tech engine built on data analytics and AI, Michigan-based LLamasoft simplifies supply chain management for enterprises.
From SPARK’s blog, Leveraging Generational Diversity in the Workplace. This blog is the part of an ongoing bi-monthly series titled Building Great Organizations that highlights best practices and tools to promote highly innovative, productive, and positive workplace culture.
Our partners at Washtenaw Community College were ranked #8 in the nation on a list of the Top 60 Online Certificate Degree Programs for 2020. Congrats WCC!
An updated list is now available of Washtenaw and Livingston counties’ largest employers and their industries.
Speaking of cool stuff on our website, did you know we also have a podcast library featuring interviews like Skip’s latest It Take Money episode.
Around the State and Beyond
The Going Pro Talent Fund, which was cut from the current year budget, may receive renewed funding. More than 100 companies from our regional applied this year for funding, and the program has helped train 3,000 people just in our backyard over the past two years.
The feds offer up opportunities for rural communities to tap into broadband.
Upcoming Events
The next Starting Your Own Business class is on January 30. This workshop helps entrepreneurs succeed by giving talented entrepreneurs the tools and information necessary to thrive.
Food for Thought
A Night With STEMinistas on January 30 at the Michigan Science Center offers special opportunities in STEM for girls! The cornerstone of the project is the role models — female STEM professionals — who participate in all STEMinista Project events.
