Economic Development Council of Livingston County Honors 2014 Projects, Partners at Annual Meeting

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Economic Development Council of Livingston County (EDCLC) recently held its annual meeting with its partners, board of directors and the public. The annual meeting served as an opportunity to report on economic development projects and successes from the last year. The EDCLC also awarded the region's Project of the Year, Talent Innovation and Partner Innovation. Ann Arbor SPARK provides economic development services to the EDCLC.

"Ann Arbor SPARK is pleased to be able to partner with Livingston County on economic development efforts; this partnership is a terrific win for the entire region," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK. "The competition for business location and expansion is fierce, and the combined assets of the Ann Arbor region - talent, infrastructure, and cost of doing business - is what helps us attract and retain leading global businesses like Eberspaecher. The annual meeting is a chance to celebrate these successes and shine a light on the strength of our region's economy."

Ann Arbor SPARK's Project of the Year awarded went to Eberspaecher, which is adding more than 100 jobs to its facility in the City of Brighton and doubling the size of the facility. Eberspaecher is a global Tier 1 leader in the development and manufacturing of exhaust system technology.

Pinckney Robotics was honored with the Talent Innovation award. Pinckney Robotics is a nationally recognized high school robotics program run through Pinckney Community High School. In July, the mechatronics team became repeat national champions at the SkillsUSA Robotics competition. In addition, the students are connecting with local companies to gain real world exposure to careers in manufacturing and robotics.

Partner Innovation was awarded to Livingston County Michigan Works!, which is a vital partner in Ann Arbor SPARK's economic development efforts. Livingston County Michigan Works! is meeting the increased demand for talent support in the region; last year, Livingston County Michigan Works! leveraged more than $700,000 in federal and state grants for companies, and assisted more than 1,000 job seekers.

"The Annual Meeting is a great singular event to celebrate the success of the past year in business attraction and retention. It also is an opportunity to bring together many of Livingston County's stakeholders, acknowledging the importance of Economic Development in the County, and recognizing the successful relationship with Ann Arbor SPARK," said Scott Griffith, president of the Economic Development Council of Livingston County. "For a vibrant and healthy Livingston County, we all agree a great job base is necessary, and thanks to our continued focus on economic development, and the activity over the last year, we are ensuring a secure future of economic growth."

About Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. 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, Livingston 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

Related Links

http://www.annarborusa.org