Ann Arbor SPARK Launches CEO Podcast Series
Ann Arbor SPARK, a public-private partnership whose mission is to advance innovation-based economic development in the greater Ann Arbor region, is launching Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcasts: Conversations on Economic Opportunity, featuring Paul Krutko, its president and CEO, speaking with regional business leaders. “Since joining Ann Arbor SPARK, I’ve met with more than 80 business owners who are advancing our region’s economy; there’s an incredible... [Read More...]
Ann Arbor SPARK awarded $500,000 from the MEDC for SPARK East Incubator
Ann Arbor SPARK was recently awarded $500,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) 21st Century Jobs Fund. The funding will support the Ann Arbor SPARK East business incubator. “MEDC support for Ann Arbor SPARK’s East incubator extends and enhances opportunities for start-ups throughout the region,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK. “Business incubators play an important role... [Read More...]
Michigan Business Beat
The economic climate of Michigan is constantly changing. It can often be difficult to keep up with the current challenges facing the state. This why we are pleased to announce that SPARK’s CEO, Paul Krutko, will be a recurring monthly guest on the Michigan Business Beat radio show. He’ll be bringing his 30 years of experience into conversations on economic opportunities in the region. The show is hosted by Chris Holman, and regularly highlights... [Read More...]
Salon Vox to add another floor, open cosmetology school
The downtown Ann Arbor hair salon featured as one of ELLE magazine’s top 100 salons in the U.S. for 2009 and 2010 is getting a new ‘do. Salon Vox recently purchased the basement and first two floors of its locale at 115 W. Liberty Street. The five-year-old salon has occupied the basement and first floor of the building. With the addition of the second floor, the new footprint will be 5,400 square feet, a 50% increase in size. The extra... [Read More...]
The Young & Entrepreneurial: David Merritt
Photo credit: Dave Lewinsky In an article published last week, Concentrate offers a great look at David Merritt, a young entrepreneur who founded I Miss You, or IMU. IMU is an apparel company that fulfills David’s dream of blending business savvy with community commitment and service. In the article, writer Jon Zemke offers that David is exactly the type of up and comer that is the foundation of our state’s best and brightest economy. ... [Read More...]
Sen. Dodd’s bill needs amending
Have you seen or heard about Senator Christopher Dodd’s Financial Reform Bill and the provisions regarding angel funding? There is an excellent article in Business Week about the provision that would increase the requirements of an individual to qualify as an accredited investor. It would take out an estimated 40% of people who qualify today from being able to make a sophisticated investment in a promising new technology-based business. Furthermore... [Read More...]
Angel investors needed in Michigan
Check out this article in Metromode. http://www.metromodemedia.com/features/detroitangelinvestors0150.aspx It talks about angel investing and the need for more angels in Michigan. They highlight two important people in this space, Rick Galdi and Terry Cross. Great testimonials from these guys. The reporter did a good job contacting several people involved with the angel community who know the importance of developing a strong angel base... [Read More...]
PBS NewsHour: In Ann Arbor, Michigan Finds Its Life Preserver
PBS NewsHour features Ann Arbor Michigan as “a city with a vibrant downtown, a cutting-edge information technology incubator, filled with smart young entrepreneurs, and a deli packed with foodies waiting to buy $40 cheese. You might be surprised to find yourself in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The city is like a life preserver, floating in a state whose economy has been sinking for a decade. Across the country, cities like Ann Arbor, homes to big public... [Read More...]
Jennifer Owens Joins Ann Arbor SPARK
On December 7, Jennifer Owens will join Ann Arbor SPARK as its new vice president, business development. In this role, Owens will support efforts to attract and retain new businesses to the Ann Arbor region. “Jennifer’s experience in economic development is an asset that directly supports Ann Arbor SPARK’s efforts to expand the region’s economy,” said Michael A. Finney, Ann Arbor SPARK’s CEO. “As we continue to look at ways to bring... [Read More...]
Thomson Reuters Named Coolest Place to Work in Tough Times
Crain’s Detroit Business recently named Thomson Reuters as one of the Coolest Place to Work in Tough Times. The publication runs Cool Places to Work lists bi-annually; and this year added the ‘tough times’ component given the downturn in the economy over the past year, particularly in Michigan. Continue reading… Read More →
