Ann Arbor Art Center announces new executive director
โJennโs broad ties in our community, her solid track record of fundraising for a range of nonprofit organizations, her ability to build partnerships, and her passion for ensuring Ann Arbor is a vibrant, cultural destination made her the stand-out candidate for this role,โ said A2AC board of directors chair Anne Cooper in a release.
Ann Arbor SPARK to manage statewide Michigan internship program
The internships will be funded by Ann Arbor SPARK and a grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. ANN ARBOR โ The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will partner with Ann Arbor SPARK to launch the Michigan STEM Forward internship program on a statewide level. SPARK has run the program on a local level through the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone with a decade of positive results. In scaling the program up, MEDC will work in partnership with SPARK to place 425-450 STEM students currently attending Michigan colleges annually into STEM-focused internships throughout Michigan. โAnn Arbor SPARK is thrilled to leverage our decade of experience running our own Ann Arbor-based internship program and take the opportunity to administer the Michigan STEM Forward program on behalf of the state,โ said Bill Mayer, Ann Arbor SPARKโs vice president of entrepreneurial services.
Ann Arbor SPARK, Michigan House to host panels at SXSW
ANN ARBOR โ Michigan House is again preparing to serve as a platform for the stateโs innovators and creatives to connect with the worldwide audience that attends the South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) next week. In the moment it was devastating, but even within a couple days it was clear the right decision had been made,โ said Ted Velie, a co-founder of Michigan House. We were thrilled then, that SXSW found a way for us to still connect this year.โAdOver the course of the five day virtual conference, Michigan House will host three Official SXSW Panel Discussions, a virtual meet-up for entrepreneurs, a Michigan Startup Portfolio, and a Michigan House Booth on SXSWโs digital platform. AdSee the schedule below for the panels, organized by Ann Arbor SPARKโs Komal Doshi, and the Michigan-focused SXSW event. Hosted by Start Garden, Ann Arbor SPARK, Detroit Startup Week & MEDCTo attend the free event, register here.
See how the Ann Arbor region compares to other U.S. tech hubs
ANN ARBOR โ Ann Arbor SPARK recently released the third iteration of its Benchmarking the Ann Arbor Region report. Across the remaining set of metrics, Ann Arbor ranked:Third in population movement, or net migration, up from fifth place in 2018. As a result of controlling for population, Ann Arbor continues to rise above the rest. However, when comparing to Austin, Berkeley, Boulder, and Portland, Ann Arbor is relatively inexpensive. โAggregate statistics are sometimes useful, but they tend to hide disparities in opportunity,โ stated the reportโs author Alex West, director of research at Ann Arbor SPARK.
Investment totaling $7.1 million to bring 266 new jobs to Ann Arbor area
Two companies will soon bring 266 new jobs to the Ann Arbor area. ANN ARBOR โ Two major projects will bring well-paying jobs and new investments to the Ann Arbor area, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced on Tuesday. Homepoint, a national mortgage lender, will also be expanding in Ann Arbor with plans to add 155 area jobs. Homepoint is looking to create 155 new jobs and generate an additional private investment of $3.7 million by adding an operations center in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor SPARK is supporting the company with resources and staff time.
XR internships create new reality for Ann Arbor tech ecosystem
ANN ARBOR โ Ann Arbor has uniquely positioned itself as a โsweet spotโ for high tech. Extended Reality (XR) is an evolving industry that encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Ann Arbor SPARK, in partnership with the University of Michigan, has created an internship program to connect students with growing startups in gaming and XR. Weโre also able to support local companies which fuels growth within our ecosystem and economy,โ said Margarita Hernandez, director of entrepreneurial services at Ann Arbor SPARK. Since then, all participating students have maintained full-time or consulting positions and four students reside in Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor SPARK co-hosting virtual event on Paycheck Protection Program this evening
The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. ANN ARBOR โ The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To help small business owners understand the eligibility requirements and application process, 20Fathoms and Ann Arbor SPARK are cohosting a webinar presented by Robert Scott, Regional Administrator for the SBA. โRobert Scott is the architect of the PPP which has been a lifeline to small businesses. โHearing the details of the program directly from Scott will help these companies most effectively benefit from the support it can provide.โEvent details:
Ann Arborโs PassiveBolt Inc named CES Innovation Awards Honoree for second consecutive year
ANN ARBOR โ PassiveBolt Inc. announced Monday it has been named a CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honoree for the second year in a row for its newest Shepherd Lock product. The worldโs most influential technology event, CES 2021 is taking place for the first time digitally now through Jan. 14. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Assiciation, the annual CES Innovation Awards program is a competition which recognizes groundbreaking consumer technologies across 28 product categories. PassiveBoltโs Shepherd Lock Gen2 is a home lock which features keyless entry technology and provides access based on facial recognition and touch. โWe are thrilled to win this highly prestigious award two years in a row,โ Kabir Maiga, PassiveBolt co-founder said in a news release.
Recent college grad returns to Ann Arbor, lands job as result of a2Tech360 job seeker trek
ANN ARBOR โ Claire Stetten recently started a new job with Ann Arbor-based DocNetwork, a tech startup that provides electronic health record systems for summer camps, childcare and schools. DocNetwork hired Claire after connecting with her during the 2020 A2 Tech Trek virtual job seeker trek as part of a2Tech360. "Ann Arbor is a gem in the Midwest with its great restaurants and accessible recreational areas โ two things that were important considerations for me. A good friend who had previously interned with SPARK pointed her toward the organizationโs job seeker resources, including the job portal. "I think going through the SPARK job portal helped my resume standout more.โClaire was also getting ready to participate in the virtual a2Tech360, including A2 Tech Trek and its inaugural Job Seeker Trek.
Ann Arbor SPARK to connect job seekers, employers at Tech Homecoming on November 24
ANN ARBOR โ Ann Arbor SPARKโs annual Tech Homecoming event is going virtual this year. Tech Homecoming, an event that connects growing companies and job seekers, will be held online this year on Tuesday, November 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Although Tech Homecoming is free, registration is required. โOriginally conceived as a way to kick off the long Thanksgiving weekend, Tech Homecoming is a chance to show off the abundant career opportunities Ann Arbor has to offer,โ said Jenn Cornell Queen, Ann Arbor SPARK senior vice president, marketing, communications, and events. For more information about jobs available in the Ann Arbor region, visit: www.annarborusa.org/jobs.
Ann Arbor SPARK receives Excellence in Economic Development Award
ANN ARBOR โ Ann Arbor SPARK won a gold category award for its Ann Arbor as a Mobility Living Lab, a project in the Public-Private Partnerships category of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)'s 2020 Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program. โOnce again, Ann Arbor is recognized as a region that excels in innovation and collaboration,โ said Paul Krutko, Ann Arbor SPARK president and CEO. Ann Arbor SPARK works closely with the regionโs academic institutions, public officials, and private sector businesses to build an environment that attracts mobility companies and talent to the region. Ford has partnered with the city of Ann Arbor for its Ford City Insights Platform. โThe winners of IEDCโs Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the very best of economic development and exemplify the ingenuity, integrity, and leadership that our profession strives for each and every day,โ said 2020 IEDC Board Chair and One Columbus CEO Kenny McDonald.
Ann Arborโs Llamasoft wins local business award for thirteenth consecutive year
ANN ARBOR โ For the thirteenth year in a row, AI supply chain software company Llamasoft has been named a FastTrack winner by Ann Arbor SPARK. The annual awards are given to companies in Washtenaw and Livingston counties that demonstrate year over year growth. Congratulations to LLamasoft!โThis yearโs FastTrack winners were required to have an annual growth of 20 percent over the last three years and a revenue of at least $100,000 in 2016. โWe are honored to be recognized by Ann Arbor SPARK as a FastTrack company,โ Sandra Moran, LLamasoftโs Chief Marketing Officer, said in a statement. โTo achieve consistent growth for over 13 years we have remained focused on delivering value to our global customers.
Regional companies celebrated for remarkable growth at annual a2Tech360 FastTrack Awards
ANN ARBOR โ Kicking off a2Tech360, Ann Arbor SPARK presented its 22nd annual FastTrack Awards to 19 companies located in Washtenaw and Livingston counties. More than half of the 2020 FastTrack Award recipients were multiple-year winners. Rehmann is the 2020 Ann Arbor SPARK FastTrack Awards accounting partner and verified all of the award applications. FastTrack Award winners were recognized on Friday, September 18, during a virtual celebration and supported by presenting sponsor Northstar Bank. Eight-year award winnerOxford Companies is rooted in acquiring, managing, leasing, and constructing commercial and multifamily properties in the Ann Arbor area.
Ann Arbor SPARK hosts second annual Women in Tech on Sept. 23
ANN ARBOR โ Ann Arbor SPARK will host the second annual Women in Tech event on Wednesday, Sept. 23. (Ann Arbor SPARK)Dr. Lauren Bigelow is the executive director of Traverse City-based economic development organization 20Fathoms. Women in Tech is part of Ann Arbor SPARKโs a2Tech360 program, featuring seven days of 16 inspiring events showcasing Ann Arborโs spirit of innovation to the world. a2Tech360 is sponsored by KLA and the Ann Arbor Ypsilanti SmartZone/ Local Development Finance Authority. Women in Tech is a free event, but registration is required.
More than 50 Ann Arbor tech companies to virtually open doors to community, job seekers
Interactive Tech Trek and Mobility Row MapAttendees will access the virtual experience via an interactive map where each company location features a behind-the-scenes video produced for Tech Trek and Mobility Row. The map functionality will also include a quick filter for companies participating in the virtual Mobility Row. Tech Trek T-ShirtsOne of the traditions that Ann Arbor SPARK will continue for the virtual 2020 Tech Trek is the free t-shirt to participating attendees. About Ann Arbor SPARKAnn Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners.
Fourth annual Tech Talk goes virtual on Sept. 25
This fall, Ann Arbor SPARK will present its fourth annual Tech Talk as part of the a2Tech360 series of events. The free, virtual program features inspiring TED-style talks from some of Ann Arborโs most interesting and impactful business leaders.
Fourth Annual Tech Talk Goes Virtual on Sept. 25
ANN ARBOR, Mich. This fall, Ann Arbor SPARK will present its fourth annual Tech Talk as part of the a2Tech360 series of events. Immediately following Tech Talk is the final installment of Invest360, a new addition to the a2Tech360 series of events. During each of the Invest360 information technology, mobility and healthcare sessions, one company will be chosen by a panel of judges to receive a $50,000 prize. These three chosen companies will then virtually pitch after Tech Talk for the chance to win the Peoples Choice vote and an additional $50,000. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners.
Ann Arbor SPARK adds new Invest360 Investor Showcase to a2Tech360 Events
ANN ARBOR, Mich. New to this years a2Tech360 program is Invest360, a mini-series of events hosted by Ann Arbor SPARK from Sept. 21-25. Registration for the Michigan Angel Summit includes registration to the Invest360 information technology session, however, registration for the Invest360 information technology session only is available. The Ann Arbor Mobility Summit includes registration to the Invest360 mobility session. Invest360 is part of Ann Arbor SPARKs a2Tech360 program, featuring seven days of 16 inspiring events showcasing Ann Arbors spirit of innovation to the world. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners.
Ann Arbor SPARK announces virtual 2020 Annual Meeting featuring keynote speaker Jon Roberts of TIP Partners
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Ann Arbor SPARK will host its annual meeting virtually from noon to 1:30 p.m. on September 22, 2020. Ann Arbor SPARKs annual meeting was postponed due to the COVID crisis and is, for the first time, part of Ann Arbor SPARKs a2Tech360 program. Tickets for Ann Arbor SPARKs annual meeting are available online at https://annarborusa.org/annual-meeting/. Ann Arbor SPARKs annual meeting is sponsored by DTE Foundation, Comcast Business, First Martin Corporation, Bank of Ann Arbor, PNC Bank, Toyota, Yeo & Yeo, Comerica, Consumers Energy, Destination Ann Arbor, ITC Michigan, J.S. About Ann Arbor SPARKAnn Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention.
Companies share Pandemic Pivot stories in new Ann Arbor SPARK webinar series
It is said that crisis spurs innovation. In a region that is already celebrated for its pioneering technology, a number of Ann Arbor-based companies have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by pivoting their primary business model and imagining what an industry looks like in the future.
Companies share Pandemic Pivot stories in new Ann Arbor SPARK webinar series
ANN ARBOR, Mich. It is said that crisis spurs innovation. A new virtual lunch-and-learn series from Ann Arbor SPARK invites these companies to share their stories for a morale-boosting hour of success sharing. The lunch series is a rewarding opportunity for us to share stories of how companies have responded to the economic challenges as a result of the COVID-19, said Komal Doshi, director of mobility programs at Ann Arbor SPARK. The companies also share how they arrived at product commercialization and the valuable resources they employed along the way. Listen to previously recorded Pandemic Pivots:Related: Ann Arbor SPARKs annual a2Tech360 goes virtual for 2020