Automation Alley Releases Digital Version Of 2010 Annual Report
Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, recently made its 2010 Annual Report available for viewing online. The report provides a record of accomplishments, initiatives, developments and success stories from Automation Alley and its members in the past year.
"2010 was a year of great accomplishments for Automation Alley and its members," said Automation Alley executive director Ken Rogers. "We made significant investments and built relationships that will empower the technology sector of Southeast Michigan for years to come. The Annual Report gives a concise, informative overview of what we do and what we're about, and we're proud to share it with you."
Among the notable accomplishments for 2010 are Automation Alley's investments in the region's growing technology sector. A total of $1.3 million was invested in seven Southeast Michigan technology companies, with specialties ranging from green energy to advanced automotive to software, to aid their development and growth efforts. Since the beginning of its seed funding program, Automation Alley has invested $6 million in 29 local technology companies.
The past year also saw Automation Alley deepening its involvement in the defense industry with the opening of its defense office in Sterling Heights. Building on Automation Alley's relationships with the U.S. Army TACOM LCMC and TARDEC, the office brings diversification opportunities to the region through the Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) program. The program helps to identify local manufacturers capable of producing replacement parts for the Army.
Trade missions play an important role in Automation Alley's efforts to market and promote Southeast Michigan's technology sector. This year, Automation Alley conducted its first-ever domestic trade mission to the 27th Army and Science Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, hosting a pavilion of eight member companies and providing an opportunity for them to exhibit and network with national defense suppliers and buyers.
Another highlight from 2010 was the creation of the Business Accelerator Network for Southeast Michigan. The network represents the combined resources of Automation Alley, Ann Arbor SPARK, Tech Town and the Macomb-OU Incubator. Funded by the New Economy Initiative, BANSEM focuses on attracting and retaining business in Southeast Michigan.
Additional resources in the report include a breakdown of Automation Alley's membership by industry and a list of regional partnerships, as well as detailed descriptions of the committees, publications, and workforce development initiatives supported by Automation Alley.
To view a PDF of the 2010 Annual Report, go to the "About the Alley" tab at www.automationalley.com.
