“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 depth of expertise in our region,” said Krutko.  “The podcast series is designed to not only highlight that expertise, but also make it available to others who could benefit from the wisdom those business leaders can share.”

The podcasts will feature successful local businesses, business owners and business leaders.  Throughout these conversations, the CEOs will share best practices, lessons learned and an “in the trenches” view of the region’s economy.

The first podcast, available now on Ann Arbor SPARK’s website, is an insightful conversation with Mary Sue Coleman, president of University of Michigan.  Coleman discusses the role of a research university in economic development and the impact of University of Michigan’s partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK on the region.

Subsequent Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcasts: Conversations on Economic Opportunity, will feature regional leaders, including Ken Fischer, president of the University Musical Society, Mike Miller, head of Google Ann Arbor, Jan Garfinkle, managing director of venture capital firm Arboretum Ventures, and many more.

Ann Arbor SPARK will release new podcasts on its website every two weeks through 2012.  A full schedule of podcasts is available on SPARK’s webpage.

Recipients of 2011 FastTrack awards were required to have revenue of at least $100,000 in 2007, with an annual growth of 20 percent for the following three years.  To qualify, companies reported 2010 revenues greater than 2009 revenues.

“The 2011 FastTrack winners represent how a commitment to excellence and perseverance can grow a business in the toughest economic times,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK.  “These companies are to be commended for their commitment to innovation and their commitment to growing here in the Ann Arbor region.  The companies that we recognize as FastTrack winners are driving industries that fuel the growth of our economy.”

One-year FastTrack winners:

Pixel Velocity develops and markets advanced system-level video surveillance and threat detection solutions to the homeland security and defense markets.  Pixel8s products provide maximum site security and operational continuity for large, complex environments with strategic national and local importance, including military bases, marine ports, airports, power generation sites, and other critical infrastructure.

Power Marketing and Research helps businesses and organizations get closer to their customers through market research. It utilizes a variety of customized research methods — including focus groups, surveys, and more — to help businesses maximize their potential. Power Marketing and Research is a woman-owned company celebrating a decade of assisting clients with their research needs.

Three-year FastTrack winners:

Caelynx LLC is a computer-aided engineering firm providing expedient, reliable consulting services.  It specializes in helping clients in the aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, life science and consumer product industries.

MedHub, Inc. provides managed IT services for large academic teaching hospitals worldwide. MedHub clients include The University of Michigan, Duke University, Stanford University, Cleveland Clinic, The University of Washington, The University of Wisconsin, and Indiana University.

Four-year FastTrack winners:

LLamasoft Inc. provides software and expertise that helps global organizations design and improve their supply chains. Its product, Supply Chain Guru, enables companies to build a model of their supply chain and run “what if” scenarios on it, so that the best configuration can be identified.

SRT Solutions creates software for growing and innovative companies that see software as a strategic asset. It uses the best available tools and processes to provide customized, reliable, secure software for phones, tablets, web, desktop, and enterprise systems, focusing on high-value applications that have the potential to change a client’s market.

Five-year FastTrack winner:

ForeSee Results is the leader in online customer satisfaction measurement.  It continuously measures satisfaction across customer touch points and delivers critical insights on where to prioritize improvements for maximum impact. ForeSee’s technology and proven methodology connect the customer experience to the bottom line, helping its clients drive future success by confidently optimizing the efforts that will achieve business and brand objectives. The result is better business for companies and a better experience for consumers.

Post to comments the reasons why you think this is a great region to start a business!

Photo courtesy of San Fransisco Business Times

Noted venture capitalist Tom Baruch offers insight on where we’re  getting it right and what other states can learn from Michigan.

Since the Michigan Microloan Fund Program was established in July 2009, 42 companies have received over $1.6 million in subordinated loans.

Read more about the news here.

The competition winner, as judged by a panel of noted funding and business experts, will win prizes to support their venture, including a one year incubator lease at SPARK East and up to $50,000 in business acceleration services.

To qualify for the pitch competition, businesses must be registered as a Michigan business.  The winner of the competition is required to establish the SPARK East business incubator as its primary business location.

Applications to compete in the EIC pitch competition are due by close of business on May 14, 2010.  The five finalists who will compete at the pitch competition event will be notified by e-mail or phone by May 21, 2010.  Click here for the online application.  Click here to register to attend (it’s free!).