Returning to familiar territory as Dr. Blank was formerly the Dean of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, she was an honor for us to host.

Check out our press release!

Check out pictures from the event!

Conference activities include presentations by:

o Chris Holman, publisher of the Greater Lansing Business Monthly and Small Business Advocate for the state of Michigan, who will offer tips on starting a business.
o Tom Root, managing partner of Zingerman’s, on customer-focused success.
o David Merritt, owner of IMU T-Shirts, an apparel brand that plans to innovatively change the face of fashion by building its foundation on a socially conscious platform.
o Katherine Hilboldt Farrell of Katherine’s Catering will discuss how she “Catered her Way to Success.”
o Nick Pagano, director with YTB and co-author of “The Morality of Money” will discuss “Multiple Streams of Revenue.”
o Joe Venuto, a recent EMU graduate, will discuss “Entrepreneurship: Going into Business for Yourself.”

The Sesi Conference, in conjunction with the American Chinese Students Association and Chinese Week, is proud to present a two-part series focusing on international business. Dr. Jamie Hsu of Lawrence Tech University will host “East Meets West Business,” followed by a panel discussion “Doing Business in China,” featuring panelists John S. Wilson, attorney at law and Mr. Wei Wang, president of Atra Plastics, Inc.

Networking along with a continental breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. followed by opening remarks. A sit-down lunch follows and the conference concludes with the keynote speaker. After the conference is the Skandalaris Business Plan Competition as high school and university/community college students compete for cash prizes totaling more than $5,000.

The event is free but registration is required. Visit the Center For Entrepreneurship website or call Paul A. Nucci at (734) 487-0902 for details.
Sesi Entrepreneurship Conference

As a SPARK East business incubator tenant, WhereToFindCare.com has opportunities to utilize meeting space, advanced communication technology, mentoring and other educational events. Since its launch in 2008, the SPARK East Business Incubator has become a magnet for innovation-based businesses of every size and description – from entrepreneurs and start-ups to mid-sized companies.

To find out more about the SPARK East Business Incubator contact Shamar Herron – Manager, Michigan Innovation Equipment Depot and SPARK East Incubator

Phone: 734.527.9171
Email: Shamar@AnnArborUSA.org

To find out more about Wheretofindcare.com, contact Barbara O’Connell
Website: www.wheretofindcare.com
Email: boconnell@wheretofindcare.com

SPARK East business incubator tenants such as LaVision have access to work-ready office facilities equipped with the latest technology. Networking events and educational programs are also available, such as attending a monthly meeting with the SPARK Entrepreneur Resource Board (ERB) – a group of experts in the fields of banking, finance, start-ups, marketing, sales, HR, and logistics. After presenting a five-minute report to board members and fellow entrepreneurs, tenants receive feedback to help stay on task and on target.

The primary mission of LaVision is to provide photonic measurement solutions to the scientific and industrial markets. It is involved in the innovation and development of imaging detectors, smart optical sensors, spectroscopy, lasers, measurement technologies and software tools. Founded in 1989, the company is a spin-off from Max Planck Institute and Laser Laboratory in Goettingen, Germany, and cooperates with leading scientists, research institutions and companies around the globe. Among the major cooperation partners are the Laser Laboratory Goettingen, the University of Aachen (RWTH), German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Contacts:

LaVision, Inc.
Dr. Callum Gray
P: 734-485-0913
E: callum@lavisioninc.com

Ann Arbor SPARK
Shamar Herron
Manager, Michigan Innovation Equipment Depot and SPARK East Incubator
P: 734-527-9171
E: Shamar@AnnArborUSA.org

SPARK East is the third business incubator in SPARK’s Regional Incubator Network.  Our other incubators include the Michigan Life Science Innovation Center north of downtown Ann Arbor and SPARK Center, located on Liberty in downtown Ann Arbor.

Our press conference and ribbon cutting is scheduled to begin in just a few minutes.  It’s a packed house here – it’s exciting to see so many people who are interested in business start-up and acceleration here in the region.

Mike Finney is kicking off the SPARK East press conference with a welcome to all of our guests and introduction of Dr. Sue Martin, EMU president.

Both Dr. Martin and Ryan Werderer of Congressman Dingell’s office offered support for business development efforts in our community.  Their excitement for SPARK East and the businesses growing in eastern Wastenaw county generated wide applause from the audience.

Bob Guenzel, county administator, affirmed a commitment to revitalizing downtown Ypsilanti as a means of supporting economic development and expansion in the community.  Ronnie Peterson, commissioner, offered a lively and enthusiastic outlook for the region, based on collaboration.

Check out the good news: http://www.annarborspark.org/growth-expansion/news-of-note/Index.cfm?i=2958