Economic Development Coalition Unveils Economic Growth Plan; Works With Congressional Delegates For Funding

DETROIT, March 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Economic Development Coalition of Southeast Michigan (EDCSEM) today unveiled its plan for accelerating economic growth in the region and reported on the progress of an unprecedented partnership with Michigan's Congressional Delegates to secure federal funding for the plan. Sparked by a 2-day trip to Washington, D.C. in February where EDCSEM members presented a comprehensive proposal to jump start economic growth in Southeast Michigan, the State's Congressional Delegation has forged ahead working diligently with EDCSEM to identify and secure federal funding for implementation.

"The Southeast Michigan delegation welcomed our collaborative contingent of 13 business builders," said Jim Croce, CEO Next Energy and meeting participant. "By forcefully speaking in one voice and presenting a solid case for getting the help we need from Washington, the Southeast Michigan region has begun to correct what we in see as a problem that is holding us back; the perception that we are fractious and unorganized. We showed them a different picture. We showed them that we have a good plan and that we are ready to put it into action."

The plan, called "The Regional Innovation Network," includes a $50 million 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 include Ann Arbor SPARK, Automation Alley, NextEnergy and TechTown; and by creating two new business accelerators in Macomb County and Western Wayne County.

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:

"Automation Alley has long believed that collaboration is the key to sustaining the viability of our region," said Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley. "As a regional organization serving eight counties, we will work side-by-side with the coalition, continuing our efforts to encourage the development of competitive-edge technologies through the creation of early stage seed funds, and support the outreach and growth of technology-based businesses and professionals right here in Southeast Michigan. Just recently, we invested in five technology-based companies from across the region."

"Increased federal funding to support accelerators like Automation Alley, NextEnergy, Ann Arbor SPARK and others will provide a cornerstone from which to transform the economy of Southeast Michigan and create jobs and are an integral recommendation in the Road to Renaissance report," said Detroit Renaissance President Doug Rothwell.

"I commend our Congressional Delegates for their diligence and partnership working hand in hand with the EDCSEM to move this proposal forward. They've really stepped up and the message to us is that regional leadership and real collaboration works."

EDCSEM was convened by Detroit Renaissance and announced its formation in November 2006. Members include: Ann Arbor SPARK, Automation Alley, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit Regional Economic Partnership, Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Detroit Renaissance, Macomb County, 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:

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

"I am truly delighted that the several economic development organizations in Detroit have joined forces to revitalize the Southeast Michigan economy, recognizing that we can succeed not through competition, but through cooperation."

Senator Debbie Stabenow

"I am excited to see so many economic development organizations coming together to tackle the challenges in front of us and strengthen our community- - this is an encouraging sign for the future of South Eastern Michigan. We need to develop long term solutions to the economic issues facing the region, and this coalition is an important step in getting the job done."

Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick

"I am pleased to support the Economic Development Coalition of Southeast Michigan in identifying resources and relationships that will stimulate the growth and development of our region," said Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. "This historic collaboration is an example of the type of public- private partnerships that we must facilitate to address the challenges we face. By working together, we will further establish southeast Michigan as a region full of promise, possibilities, and progress."

Congressman John Dingell

"We have a powerful team working to help our great State of Michigan. The challenges facing us are massive, but I feel a little more confident today with the news that some of Michigan's most talented people and impressive organizations have come together to create new opportunities for the people of Michigan. I want to wish the Economic Development Coalition of Southeast Michigan nothing but success in their work on the regional business accelerator network and I look forward to working with them."

Congressman Joe Knollengberg

"It's refreshing to see our region coming together for our mutual gain. Our current economic crisis necessitates a new way of thinking about our problems. We are one region and we need to work across geographic and political boundaries to build the new Michigan economy. I am proud to lend my support to this effort."

Congressman Sander Levin

"I applaud the Coalition for recognizing 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 have to work together as region to address these challenges, and this unprecedented cooperation to make the Regional Innovation Network a reality is an outstanding example of that."

Congresswoman Candace Miller

"This is a historic and commendable effort on the part of these organizations and I am proud to support it," Rep. Candice Miller said. "It's true that Southeast Michigan has its problems, but everyone in our state shares in the same goals of growing our economy and creating new jobs. With this kind of cooperation and teamwork I am confident that we will come up with creative solutions to meet these goals."

CONTACT: Anne Masterson of Detroit Renaissance, +1-313-570-7449

SOURCE Detroit Renaissance

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