Six Counties Form Greater Ann Arbor Region Collaborative to Attract Growing Businesses

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw counties have joined together in an effort to attract businesses to the region.  The counties are targeting businesses that are seeking a destination for relocation or expansion.  

"Each of the counties involved in the 'Greater Ann Arbor Region' marketing push brings unique strengths and assets to the table, but it's in the combination of assets that a strong, compelling story emerges," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK.  "This collaborative effort to promote the Greater Ann Arbor Region shines a spotlight on the importance of regionalism and how, by working together with our peers and neighbors, we can drive our economy forward."

With a grant funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the group's collaborative efforts will center on marketing the Greater Ann Arbor Region to company executives and site selectors considering new business locations.  These efforts are designed to highlight the region's unique assets, specifically in manufacturing, life sciences, automotive, software, and IT.  Outreach efforts will also promote the Greater Ann Arbor Region's robust University and College system.

To kick off its outreach efforts, Greater Ann Arbor Region partners have created a new website that includes a robust suite of research data, available properties and other tools that businesses can use to evaluate location options.  The website also features case studies of successful regional businesses, including VenTower of Monroe, C. Raker and Sons of Hillsdale, and NuStep of Ann Arbor. 

In coming months, the partners will kick off a targeted email and social media marketing campaign to create awareness of the Greater Ann Arbor Region.  Efforts will also include hosting site selectors for tours of the region.

About the Greater Ann Arbor Region 
The Greater Ann Arbor Region is a collaborative effort that includes Ann Arbor SPARK, Hillsdale County Economic Development Partnership, The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Monroe County Business Development Corp, and Lenawee Now.  Funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Ann Arbor Region partners work together to attract growing businesses that are seeking a destination for relocation or expansion.  For more information, visit www.GreaterAnnArborRegion.org.

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. 

About The Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County  
The Economic Development Partnership (EDP) of Hillsdale County is a local nonprofit organization committed to the growth of Hillsdale County. We work to provide economic development for the area through our entrepreneurial development, business and industry retention & expansion and business attraction efforts. We also provide services, resources and advocacy efforts on behalf of area business. Hillsdale County has a multifaceted economy and is strategically located with Chicago, the Port of Monroe, Detroit and the Bridge to Canada within 200 miles or less.  Martinrea, Tenneco, Metaldyne and Hi-Lex Controls are some of the international companies with operations in Hillsdale County. With infrastructure already in place, the industrial parks have ample green space to welcome new businesses. From a 2 acre site to 100 acres, your needs can be met in Hillsdale County.

About The Enterprise Group 
The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc. and our partner organizations; the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association, the Academy for Manufacturing Careers and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center of South Central Michigan collaborate to provide a one-stop resource to achieve solutions and coordinate business and manufacturing capabilities to promote prosperity, strengthen the economy, stimulate job creation and support business retention and growth. For more information, visit The EG's website at www.enterprisegroup.org.

About Monroe County Business Development Corporation 
Monroe County BDC is Monroe County's local economic development organization. The Monroe County BDC is dedicated to attracting new businesses, retaining and expanding existing businesses and serving as a catalyst for capital investment and quality job growth in Monroe County. The Monroe County Business Development Corporation is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Formed in 1982, Monroe County BDC operations are overseen by a 15 member Board of Directors consisting of some of the area's top leaders, including representatives from manufacturing, banking, utilities, labor, education and local government.

About Lenawee Now  
Lenawee Now is a non-profit organization dedicated to economic and business expansion throughout Lenawee County. By attracting new businesses, helping to grow established businesses, and supporting entrepreneurial endeavors in Lenawee, Lenawee Now is creating an economically viable and vibrant region. In addition to business attraction, retention and start-up activities, Lenawee Now provides critical services to support business growth including access to funding sources and talent enhancement.

SOURCE The Greater Ann Arbor Region