Ann Arbor SPARK Announces 2010 Results

ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Arbor SPARK's efforts yielded measureable results in 2010.  In collaboration with state and regional partners, Ann Arbor SPARK helped 29 businesses expand in the region and attracted 13 new companies.  These efforts resulted in $151 million in new investment commitments and the creation of over 1,400 new jobs.  More than 250 companies in the region worked with Ann Arbor SPARK's business retention team who helped them address risk factors and identify growth opportunities.  

"A regional collaboration between the private, public and academic sectors, Ann Arbor SPARK is achieving sustainable growth for Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO.  "Over the past five years, the region benefitted from Ann Arbor SPARK's efforts to attract and grow business across all sectors, creating a diverse and growing economy.  The economic progress and success of the region is directly, positively impacted by the efforts of Ann Arbor SPARK working with our open source partners."

"Building on Ann Arbor SPARK's solid foundation, established by former president and CEO Michael Finney and other executives in talent and marketing, I want to stay focused on ensuring the success of the organization and the region in the critical role it plays in the state's success," Krutko added.  "I look forward to collaborating with Mike and his Michigan Economic Development Corporation team."  

Ann Arbor SPARK has dedicated resources and continues to focus on job creation, retention and attraction throughout the region.

• 1,425 new jobs committed through employers.
• 1,300 jobs posted on Ann Arbor SPARK's talent portal, by 400 companies.
• Over 4,000 job seekers assisted with employment searches.
• New talent initiatives included MichAGAIN, an effort to attract talent back to Michigan, and the continuation of popular programs, including Hot Shots and Mingle and Match.

Ann Arbor SPARK's Business Accelerator, which provides qualifying start-ups with consulting and business development services, business and life science incubators, and entrepreneurial education and talent services, drove entrepreneurial growth and success in the region in 2010.  

• 62 companies received business acceleration services, including business planning, marketing, patent and intellectual property acquisition, business introductions and funding preparation services.
• 60 companies were assisted as incubator tenants at Ann Arbor SPARK's Regional Incubator Network, including SPARK Central and East locations as well as the Michigan Life Science and Innovation Center.
• 42 companies received funding through the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund and the Michigan Microloan Fund Program, both administered by Ann Arbor SPARK.  The combined total invested through the funds administered by Ann Arbor SPARK was $3,752,000.

In 2010, Ann Arbor SPARK's business attraction, expansion and retention efforts resulted in the following companies choosing to locate or expand in the region:

• Aeroflex Manufacturing
• Amcor Rigid Plastics
• Arbor Networks
• Biotectix LLC
• BoroPharm, Inc.
• Bosch
• The Crowley Company
• Delphinus Medical Technologies, Inc.
• Edwards Brothers, Inc.
• Fastener Advance Product Co.
• Ford Rawsonville Plant
• Frame Hardwoods
• Grand River, Inc.
• Heron Wind Manufacturing LLC
• HistoSonics Inc.
• Hygieia, Inc.
• i3D Technologies Inc.
• InTouch Health
• Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISSYS)
• JAC Products, Inc.
• KnowledgeWatch
• Masco Cabinetry LLC
• NanoBio Corporation
• Quantum Signal LLC
• RetroSense Therapeutics LLC
• Saline Lectronics, Inc.
• Scientific Consulting LLC
• Sheridan Books, Inc.
• Sim Pack
• Sun Engineering
• Zingerman's Delicatessen
• Velesco Pharmaceutical Services

ABOUT ANN ARBOR SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Washtenaw County etcs/Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.

SOURCE Ann Arbor SPARK