Midland Honored for Entrepreneurial Growth
10/19/2009
The University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Business has identified
Midland along with Marquette, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights and
Wixom as communities that are "2009 top performers at attracting and
retaining entrepreneurial firms."
Additionally, the Village of Dundee and the cities of Auburn Hills,
Southfield and Troy--communities who were also recognized in the 2008
study--will be honored for their continuing efforts at supporting
entrepreneurship.
The communities will be honored at a ceremony at UM-Dearborn on Oct.
20. Richard Blouse, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber,
will provide a keynote address at the event.
The study, conducted by iLabs, UM–Dearborn’s Center for Innovation
Research, focuses on entrepreneurship because of its importance to
expansion and diversification of Michigan’s regional economies and the
impact small businesses have on job creation.
This third annual study found that the municipalities leverage their
existing assets to provide opportunities for small business growth and
entrepreneurial development. “The communities we are recognizing this
year have identified existing strengths to use as a starting point to
help new and growing businesses,” said Tim Davis, director of iLabs.
UM-Dearborn researchers utilize an online interface that allows
communities to enter public data and receive instant feedback on their
performance. This year 52 communities across Michigan took part in the
study, up from 36 in 2008.
The study used the data supplied by the communities as well as other
public records to assemble a six-factor, 31-item index to measure
entrepreneurial activity, looking at such factors as clustering,
incentives, growth, policies, community and education.
In the future it is expected that eCities’ research will continue to
add communities from across Michigan. “The focus of this project is
assisting local communities. It provides a method for cities, townships
and villages to benchmark their efforts and have access to best
practices to attract entrepreneurial development and create business
growth,” Davis said. “Sharing the findings will have a positive impact
on Michigan’s economy, providing municipalities with the tools and
knowledge they need to aid with job growth strategies, economic
diversification, and attraction of entrepreneurs.”
About University of Michigan-Dearborn
The University of Michigan-Dearborn is celebrating its 50th anniversary
throughout the 2009/2010 academic year. Founded in 1959 with a gift of
just over 200 acres of land and $6.5 million from the Ford Motor
Company, UM-Dearborn has been distinguished by its commitment to
providing excellent educational opportunities responsive to the needs
of southeastern Michigan. The university has 8,700 students pursuing
undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees in the
liberal arts and sciences, engineering, business, education, and public
administration. With a faculty devoted to teaching, and students
committed to achievement, UM-Dearborn has been shaped by its history of
interaction with business, government and industry in southeastern
Michigan, and is committed to responding to the needs of the region in
the future.
CONTACT: Tom Hoyt
PHONE: 313-593-5542
The Office of University Relations
Room 1040, Administration Building
University of Michigan-Dearborn
This press release was provided by the University of Michigan-Dearborn.