News in Brief

Dow Chemical Invests $52 Million to Expand Midland Operations

Santorum Introduces Legislation to Help Small Businesses Succeed

Federal Funding Backs MMI Fuel Cell Research

New SBT Credits and Changes for 2006

New Economy Summit May 4 in Saginaw

Michigan Ice Bring Professional Fastpitch Softball to Midland

Michigan Single Business Tax Repeal Passes Congress

Small Business Seminar - Business Plan Basics

Midland's 50 Companies to Watch winners will be revealed at the second annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event on April 19 in Lansing. Don't forget to register to attend this event and celebrate with us as the four Midland small businesses chosen are revealed!

There is still plenty of time to register for the 2006 State Legislative Luncheon, brought to you by Midland Tomorrow and the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce. Click here to register for the discussion with State Senator Tony Stamas and State Representatives John Moolenaar and Bill Caul.

Don't miss your opportunity to participate in the 2006 Mid-Michigan Regional Business Expo on May 3, one of the area's premier business-to-business networking opportunities offered through the region's three Chambers of Commerce. For information on booths, sponsorships, rates, dates and times, click here.

According to the latest U.S. Census press release, the percentage of women-owned businesses in 2002 increased by 20 percent since 1997. That number now stands at 6.5 million businesses. During that same time period, the growth of business overall was only 10 percent. For more information and statistics on the growth of women- owned businesses, visit the U.S. Census Web site.
This information provided by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center.

Jim Epolito, President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, will be the featured speaker at WakeUp! Midland on May 5, hosted by the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Valley Plaza Resort in Midland. Cost is $10 ($3 for Chamber members).

Upcoming technology-related seminars and events at TheGlance.com

It's a busy time for Michigan - and a good one for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Chief on the list to celebrate are Midland County's four finalists in Michigan's 50 Companies to Watch competition for 2006! Use the link in the "News in Brief" section to sign up to attend the celebration event on April 19th in Lansing, where the identities of these four small businesses will be revealed.

Michigan government recently passed a series of credits against the single business tax for selected personal property moved to Michigan and industrial personal property. At the national level, legislation is in the Senate to help small businesses with peer-to-peer networking. And statistics show continued growth of women-owned businesses across the nation.

Meanwhile, local organizations are making important strides for the future economic health of our region. The Dow Chemical Company will soon invest $52 million in an expansion of its Midland METHOCEL(TM) facility, while Michigan Molecular Institute is hard at work on new fuel cell technology to lessen the United States' dependence on foreign oil. May 3 is the annual Mid-Michigan Regional Business Expo at Saginaw Valley State University, followed by a regional new economy summit the next day.

Of course, contact with legislators remains key to our region's economic health. Don't forget to register to attend the 2006 State Legislative Luncheon using the link below!