Michigan, Tennessee Plan for the Future of Renewable Fuels
During his keynote address at this month's renewable energy conference in St. Louis, President Bush informed attendees that the number of U.S. ethanol plants is expected to increase 40 percent in 2007. As the market for biofuels like ethanol grows, many states are creating plans to support businesses and research that can fill the current need for renewable alternatives at the pump. Among the states having taken steps to build a profitable alternative fuels industry and cleaner and safer highways are Michigan and Tennessee.
Depot Redistributes Life Sciences Equipment to Michigan Companies
The Michigan Innovation Equipment Depot has distributed its first round of life science research equipment to start-ups around the state. The Depot program, developed by Pfizer, Ann Arbor SPARK, MichBio and Michigan's SmartZones, redistributes previously used life science laboratory equipment to new Michigan companies. More than $655,000 and 131 items were awarded in the inaugural round to 18 applicants. The value of this equipment ranged from $25 to $125,000 -- an average of $4,404 per item.
People
The Northern Colorado Economic Development Corp. has named Larry Penley, president of Colorado State University, the recipient of its first Regional Economic Development Excellence Award.
Understanding Renewable Energy's Role in Rural ED
An increasing number of states are realizing the potential role renewable energy can play in their tech-based economic development strategies (TBED) and future growth.
Michigan Update Legislature Approves $600M Tax Relief Package
Following months of debate that ended in a veto last month by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, an agreement was made last week on a $600 million tax relief package for businesses, which now awaits the governor's anticipated signature. Gov.
Michigan Gov. Signs Economic Stimulus Bill; Vetoes Tax Break Package
After several months of debate regarding a number of economic development initiatives, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed into law a major economic stimulus bill. However, unhappy with portions of a separate tax break package for businesses, the governor vetoed two of the 10 bills.
People
Hunt Lambert was selected as the new associate vice president for economic development in the Colorado State University system.
People
Daniel Krichbaum was named Gov. Jennifer Granholm's new chief operating officer, replacing Mary Lannoye who left the administration as chief of staff.
People
The New York Biotechnology Association has named Nathan Tinker its executive director, replacing Karin Duncker, who resigned in 2006.
People
Rich Cook has joined the West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative as venture center director.
People
Lisa Kuuttila is the first CEO of Michigan State University Technologies, a business organization to train MSU students in the commercialization of science and technology.
People
Mark Wdowik was named vice president of technology transfer for the Colorado State University Research Foundation.
People
Colorado State University and the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corp. together have hired Martin Shields as a new regional economist.
Michigan's Jobs Fund Commits $200M for Commercialization, VC
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm has announced the first round of awards from the states new 21st Century Jobs Fund initiative. Totaling more than $100 million, these awards will support applied research and later-stage commercialization of promising new technologies developed at Michigan's public and private research centers.
CATI Receives 1996 Morrill Award
The Technology Transfer Society presented its 1996 Justin Morrill Award to the Colorado Advanced Technology Institute (CATI). The Justin Morrill Award is presented to organizations that have an exemplary record in technology transfer and have made outstanding contributions to technology transfer theory and practice.
People
Tino Breithaupt, formerly vice president of Technology Tri-Corridor with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), is the new senior vice president of economic development for the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce. Vince Nystrom has been named Director, Technology Business Development of MEDC.
People & Organizations
Automation Alley, which promotes economic growth in Southeast Michigan, has hired Noel Nevshehir to direct its international business center.
Legislative Actions & Tech Talkin' Govs 2006, Part IV
State and Local Tech-based ED RoundUp
Colorado The Rocky Mountain Technology Alliance (RMTA) is a recently formed regional development organization for applied research and technology development whose membership includes universities, government organizations and private businesses.
People
Michael Finney, CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise, is leaving to become president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK.
People
Automation Alley has named Thomas Anderson as president of the Automation Alley Education & Research Institute. Mr. Anderson also is director of the consortium's Technology Center.
People
Mike Kazmierski is the new president of the Greater Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp.
People
David Hollister announced he will leave his position as director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth on Feb. 3, to head Prima Civitas, a newly formed nonprofit agency promoting economic development.
People
The new head of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City is Jeffrey Kaczmarek, effective Sept. 6. Kaczmarek currently is senior vice president for community development with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
People
James Epolito, the former president and CEO of Accident Fund Insurance Co. of America, will become president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) effective Sept. 1. The current MEDC president and CEO, Donald Jakeway, will lead MEDC's international economic development efforts.