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Ann Arbor Spark Launches CEO Podcast Series

ANN ARBOR -- Ann Arbor Spark, the 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 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 Web site, is an insightful interview of 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 CEO Podcasts will eature regional leaders, including Ken Fischer, president of the University Musical Society, Mike Miller, head of Google Ann Arbor, and Jan Garfinkle, managing director of venture capital firm Arboretum Ventures.

Ann Arbor Spark will release new podcasts on its Web site every two weeks through 2012.  A full schedule of podcasts is available at www.annarborusa.org/podcasts.

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, Washtenaw County Michigan Works, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. For more information, call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.

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