|
UM-Dearborn’s iLabs eCities Research Recognizes Midland for Its Positive Entrepreneurial ClimateNovember 15, 2011
 For the third year in a row, Midland has been recognized for its work to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic development in a study by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. Midland was honored as one of 21 five-star communities across the state. In total, 44 Michigan communities received recognition.
“We’re thrilled to be an eCities honoree for the third year in a row,” said Maureen Donker, Mayor of the City of Midland. “We have a tremendous amount of manufacturing and technology expertise in this area, and we work hard to create a climate where businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish. This continuing recognition from the eCities program is important validation of the work we’re doing to cultivate an entrepreneurial environment in Midland.”
The eCities research surveyed more than 100 communities in the State of Michigan who are home to 36% of Michigan residents and 44% of its college graduates. These communities also had more than $1 billion in commercial construction last year and more than half of them share services with other communities.
“Our repeat recognition as a five-star eCities honoree is exciting, but not surprising,” said Scott Walker, CEO of Midland Tomorrow, Midland’s economic development corporation. “Our work with local small businesses has shown us over and over that an entrepreneurial mindset permeates this community – from the businesspeople with technology manufacturing expertise, to the colleges and business training programs that help them start and grow their businesses, to the municipalities that support and encourage the process. Midland is perfectly positioned to be an entrepreneurial hub in the state.”
The communities will be honored at a ceremony at UM-Dearborn on Wednesday, Nov. 16, with Martin Dober, senior vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, providing the keynote address at the event.
The annual eCities research project, which began in 2007, uses data supplied by the participants as well as other public records to assemble a six-factor, 32-item index of entrepreneurial activity, looking at such factors as clustering, incentives, growth, policies, community and education. The study 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.
2011 eCities Honorees
| Five-Star Communities | Four-Star Communities | - Charter Township of Meridian
- City of Ann Arbor
- City of Auburn Hills
- City of Dearborn
- City of Farmington
- City of Grand Haven
- City of Kalamazoo
- City of Kentwood
- City of Litchfield
- City of Marshall
- City of Midland
- City of Rochester Hills
- City of Southfield
- City of Sterling Heights
- City of Sturgis
- City of Tecumseh
- City of Troy
- City of Wixom
- Scio Township
- Village of Jonesville
- Village of Quincy
| - Alpine Township
- Cascade Charter Township
- Charter Township of Comstock
- Charter Township of Northville
- Charter Township of Waterford
- City of Alpena
- City of Coldwater
- City of East Lansing
- City of Frankenmuth
- City of Grandville
- City of Grand Rapids
- City of Holland
- City of Madison Heights
- City of Marquette
- City of Northville
- City of Novi
- City of Plymouth
- City of Portage
- City of Romulus
- City of Sault Ste. Marie
- Superior Charter Township
- Thomas Township
- Village of Oxford
|
|