Midland-based Dendritech, Inc., the world leader in commercial dendrimer production, was notified last week that it has been awarded a two-year $750,000 grant from the U.S. Army to continue its research on a blood substitute that could save countless lives by keeping wound victims alive long enough to get proper medical care.

Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, the world's leading producer of polycrystalline silicon, will begin construction of a $400-$500 million expansion at its Hemlock, MI headquarters in December.

Beginning this month, the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center will have an office at Central Michigan University's Center for Applied Research and Technology in the Mount Pleasant SmartZone.

Michigan improved its ranking to fifth place on the Small Business Survival Index 2005 compiled by the Washington, D.C.-based Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, up from sixth last year.

According to the first annual U.S. Investment Monitor by Ernst & Young LLP, the international accounting and consulting firm, Michigan ranks second in the nation for major corporate capital investments. Michigan attracted $6.5 billion in major corporate capital investments involving 213 projects and 32,474 new jobs last year, second only to Texas.

Governor Granholm announced an $18,000 Economic Development Job Training grant to upgrade the skills of 36 workers at Case Systems in Midland. The funding, provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, will equip workers with specialized manufacturing and equipment skills.

The University of Michigan recorded 287 invention disclosures from U-M researchers, seven high- potential business startups and 86 license agreements in 2005, an 18 percent increase over last year. The university also received $16.7 million in license revenues in the fiscal year that ended June 30, compared to $11.7 million the previous year.

Dow Corning Corporation recently received two tax abatements for its Core Products Business. The abatements enable new development that will retain two jobs and result in $1,977,144 in investment in the Midland community.

Know a young professional who has contributed his or her time and talent in notable ways to your organization and to the community? Now you can nominate him or her for the first annual RUBY Award.

Upcoming events are now being stored on the Midland Tomorrow website. Click the link below to view the exciting opportunities available for Michigan businesses and entrepreneurs.