2010 Annual Report
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Executive Director and President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Membership and Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 X-OLOGY Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 10th Annual Awards Gala. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Workforce Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Entrepreneurialism and Business Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Defense Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 International Business Initiatives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Committee Accomplishments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 2010 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Automation Alley Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Foundation Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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Ken Rogers Executive Director
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Scott Goemmel President, Board of Directors
Message from the Executive Director and President 2010 proved to be a year of great accomplishments for Automation Alley. We continued to make great strides in Southeast Michigan, and with the ongoing support of our membership, Automation Alley has become the largest technology business association in Michigan with more than 1,000 members. This past year brought success not only to Automation Alley, but also to the many companies that take advantage of our vast array of benefits and services. We invested $1.3 million in seven Southeast Michigan technology companies to aid their development and growth efforts. Since our seed funding program began, Automation Alley has invested $6 million in 29 local technology companies, resulting in the creation of 550 jobs in Southeast Michigan. Furthermore, these 29 companies have attracted an astounding $63 million in additional capital from other lenders including angel investors and venture capitalists. Additionally, Automation Alley became heavily engaged in the defense industry. A second office was opened in Sterling Heights with its sole focus on the military. The Automation Alley Defense Office brings diversification opportunities to the region through our Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) program, which is helping to identify local manufacturers capable of producing replacement parts for the Army. Our defense work was the perfect link to Automation Alley’s first-ever domestic trade mission to the 27th Army and Science Conference and Exhibition in Orlando. We hosted a pavilion of eight member companies who exhibited and networked with national defense suppliers and buyers. Our previous international trade missions have created 730 new jobs and $151 million in new contracts and sales for participants, their companies and the region. Collaboration also took center stage this year. Automation Alley joined with the region’s four business accelerators to form the Business Accelerator Network for Southeast Michigan. Funded by the New Economy Initiative, the Network is focusing on attracting and retaining business in Southeast Michigan. On behalf of the entire staff at Automation Alley, we thank you for your involvement, time and enthusiasm. Without your ongoing support, our initiatives would not have blossomed as they have. We move forward in 2011 with big goals, maintaining our mission of helping technology companies grow and thrive.
Sincerely,
Ken Rogers Executive Director
Scott Goemmel President, Board of Directors, Automation Alley Partner, PMV Technologies
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Membership on the Move Companies across Southeast Michigan once again found value and opportunities in Automation Alley. In 2010, technology and manufacturing companies remained the largest segment of membership with Tier 5 (those with less than 10 employees) defining the majority. With 600 members, technology and manufacturing companies composed 61 percent of Automation Alley’s total industry count. Other top industry categories included those in the professional services sector and in the association/ nonprofit arena. Membership continues to diversify across the region, with key members in Macomb and Wayne counties. Wayne County was home to nearly 140 members, while 124 members were located in Macomb County. The majority of Automation Alley companies remained in Oakland County.
6%
5% 3% Industry Breakdown
7%
Technology/Manufacturing Professional Services Association/Nonprofit Education
61%
18%
Government Other
8%
Membership Breakdown
9%
Tier 5 Professional Services
5% 6%
Tier 4 Association/Nonprofit Other
14%
41%
Tier 3
7%
Foundation Education
3
10%
regional partnerships Collaboration is at the heart of Automation Alley. Our regional partners and their joint resources are invaluable to our continued growth.
working throughout southeast Michigan
We thank the following municipalities-based economic development groups who have aided in the advancements during the past year: ◾ City of Detroit/Detroit Economic Growth Corporation ◾ Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County ◾ Economic Development Council of Livingston County ◾ Genesee County Government ◾ Macomb County Government ◾ Monroe County Industrial Government Corp. ◾ Oakland County Government ◾ Wayne County Government ◾ Southeast Michigan Coalition of Governments (SEMCOG)
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Advocating for Southeast Michigan As Michigan’s largest technology business association, Automation Alley is the voice of the technology community at the local, state and federal levels. Automation Alley, through its continual advocacy and government relations work, represents more than 1,000 technology-based members around the region. The organization works with government officials and agencies, academic representatives, economic developers and business leaders, and through its ongoing advocacy and government relations work, emphasizes the importance and impact of the technology industry on the region.
Executive Director Appointed to National Trade Advisory Committee Executive Director Ken Rogers was appointed to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Information and Communications Technologies, Services, and Electronic Commerce by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Ron Kirk. The Committee provides detailed policy and technical advice, information and recommendations to Secretary Locke and the USTR regarding trade barriers, negotiations of trade agreements and implementation of existing trade agreements affecting its sectors; and performs such other advisory functions relevant to U.S. trade policy as may be requested by the Secretary and the USTR. Rogers was nominated to serve on the Committee by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Senator Stabenow is a member of the Senate Finance Committee on International Trade and Global Competitiveness and was appointed to the President’s Export Council in March of 2010.
Left to right Ken Rogers, Automation Alley Rochelle Black, Oakland University Congressman Pete Hoekstra
Rogers’ term of service extends until February 17, 2014. He will serve as a representative from Automation Alley and for the U.S. information and communications technologies industry sector. The Committee consists of 14 members from the information and communications technologies, services and electronic commerce industry sectors. Members include representatives from Fortune 500 information technology and telecommunications stalwarts: Verizon Communications, Inc., Intel Corporation, IBM, AT&T and Cisco Systems.
Government Affairs Committee Automation Alley’s Government Affairs Committee is working to build attention and support for technology issues at the local, state and federal levels. Committee activities involve garnering opportunities for members to provide testimony before government committees, hosting legislative roundtables on pressing issues impacting Southeast Michigan’s business technology community and connecting Alley members to the legislative community. As in past years, the Committee once again sponsored the Michigan Society of Association Executives Legislative Conference in Lansing. The conference was the first major legislative conference of the year, attracting more than 300 participants, and focused on Michigan’s economic future and the state legislature’s upcoming plans. In 2010, the Government Affairs Committee approved an agenda to strengthen the federal government’s innovation and entrepreneurship infrastructure. The agenda aimed to:
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Left to right U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke Senator Debbie Stabenow Ken Rogers, Automation Alley
◾ Improve access to capital for innovation companies ◾ Make the federal R&D tax credit permanent and refundable (as in Canada)
Left to right, Mike Finney, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; David Egner, New Economy Initiative; David Spencer, Oakland University Smartzone Business Incubator; Congressman Sander Levin; Judy Johncox, TechTown; Ken Rogers, Automation Alley
◾ Increase investments in Regional Innovation Clusters ◾ Reauthorize and increase funding to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs ◾ Protect intellectual property rights while promoting cross-licensing ◾ Support reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act
◾ Enact “Economic Gardening” tax and incentive policies to increase private sector investment in R&D and institute ongoing reviews of tax and regulatory frameworks to ensure an environment that fosters innovation ◾ Focus the mission of the 21st Century Jobs Fund to support high-growth technology companies capable of growing jobs, attracting new investment and diversifying our economy
◾ Create a national program that will foster increased commercialization of the nation’s research to support university, state and federal laboratory technology commercialization initiatives ◾ Allow international students receiving STEM degrees from U.S. universities to automatically qualify for immigrant visas
State Innovation Agenda Automation Alley determined in 2010 the following as the key pillars for building an innovation-led economy in the state of Michigan: ◾ Create a Michigan Innovation Council, composed of entrepreneurship and economic development leaders to ensure government resources and activities are coordinated, sustainable and transparent ◾ Rejuvenate the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s mission by supporting successful regional, innovation-led, economic development entities and efforts
6 Dr. Thomas Anderson, Automation Alley
X-OLOGY Magazine Automation Alley’s quarterly technology publication distributes up-to-date news and features Southeast Michigan’s technology industry and high-end lifestyle content. The magazine is distributed to all Automation Alley members at no charge and takes a closer look at the people, companies, technologies and innovative ideas transforming Southeast Michigan. Issues in 2010 emphasized advanced manufacturing, emerging medical technologies, the movement toward green technology, robotics and automation in Michigan.
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ANNUAL AWARDS GALA This year’s 10th Annual Awards Gala was another great success, as Southeast Michigan’s business community gathered to honor technology organizations and their leaders. Award winners are recognized because of their visionary leadership, bright ideas and regional influence. Held at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, the Gala was emceed by Stephen Clark, interactive anchor of Channel 7’s Action News and multi-media journalist. Top leaders in the region networked during the Gala’s cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, cigar lounge and afterglow reception.
2010 Gala Award Winners Regional Innovator of the Year: New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan (Detroit) CEO of the Year: Prabhakar Patil, LG Chem Power Inc. (Troy) Emerging Leader of the Year: Saylor X. Frase, president and CEO, Nuspire Networks (Commerce) Automation Alley Member of the Year: John Almstadt, Oakland County Workforce Development Division (Waterford) Technology Company of the Year: Rave Computer (Sterling Heights) Emerging Technology Company of the Year: Critical Signal Technologies, Inc. (Farmington Hills) “Each is a true leader paving Southeast Michigan’s path to prosperity. Automation Alley is proud to recognize and honor these individuals for their tireless efforts in ensuring that our region continues its transformation into one ripe with innovation and adaptability.” -K en Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley
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Workforce Development Initiatives Global Trade Mission Automation Alley once again proudly presented the Global Trade Mission (GTM) program in regional high schools. GTM is a oneof-a-kind, interactive learning experience that encourages and prepares Southeast Michigan high school students to participate in the global economy by simulating the preparation of an international trade mission. 2010’s GTM welcomed students from Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair and Wayne counties. Each student participated in crossdistrict, cross-county teams to create a product and global business plan, which was presented to a panel of business experts for evaluation and feedback. Realistic “trade challenges” or industry-specific projects were developed through a partnership with Automation Alley, the Macomb Intermediate School District, Oakland Schools, Oakland Community College, Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency and Wayne State University to resemble “emerging sectors,” and were designed with help from area companies for relevant applications to classroom learning. Since the program’s initiation, approximately 2,200 students from five counties in Southeast Michigan have participated in the program.
Agreement to Aid in Education for Defense Jobs Automation Alley signed a memorandum of understanding with the Defense Acquisition University, local colleges, universities and area defense organizations to announce the creation of the Southeast Michigan Educational Partnership program. The Partnership program is a first-ever initiative aimed at educating and hiring college students, disabled veterans and displaced workers. It is expected that this program will produce a pipeline of workers and resources necessary to grow Michigan’s vital defense sector as baby boomers begin to retire. Those who complete the program have the opportunity to work for the Department of Defense, TACOM LCMC, the Defense Contract Management Agency-Detroit as well as other federal agencies and government contractors in Michigan and the United States.
IT Career Pathways Automation Alley – in partnership with Oakland Schools – began offering eligible youth and dislocated workers with information technology training and industry-recognized certifications, as well as career readiness training, job placement assistance and internship opportunities through its IT Career Pathways Project. The program is open to eligible youth between the ages of 18-24 and dislocated workers. Topics are staggered to allow for flexible program entry, while a case manager and job connector provide hands-on, focused counseling and placement services. This project was made possible with funding from the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
Launch to Success! In an effort to further spur entrepreneurial efforts in Southeast Michigan, Automation Alley partnered with the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, the New Economy Initiative, Wayne State University, Walsh College and the University of Miami to bring the successful Blackstone LaunchPad program to Southeast Michigan. Originating at the University of Miami, the program helps aspiring entrepreneurs in university and college communities transform untested ideas into vital businesses that lead to economic revitalization and job creation, by providing practical skills, technical expertise and professional networks free of charge for students and, in some cases, alumni. The Blackstone LaunchPad program offers access to a regional commercial network and ushers new entrepreneurs into the community. Automation Alley is supporting Wayne State University and Walsh College in giving aspiring entrepreneurs a boost and stimulating job growth in the region through this new and exciting initiative.
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Entrepreneurial Initiatives: Providing for the Future With Automation Alley’s counseling and resources, Southeast Michigan’s entrepreneurs are turning innovations into marketable technology solutions.
Funding Companies In 2004, Automation Alley began funding local technology companies. To date, the organization has invested more than $6 million in 29 technology-driven companies. Seven companies were recipients of Automation Alley seed funding in 2010: ◾ Accio Energy: Located in Ann Arbor, Accio is developing electrokinetic systems that directly convert wind energy to electricity. Accio Energy’s aerovoltaic™ systems produce lowcost, silent, stationary and modular electricity from an abundant, free natural resource. They were winners of the 2010 Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition’s Alternative Energy Award. ◾ Cargo Solutions Group LLC: Cargo Solutions is an advanced automotive manufacturer of personal transportation consumer products, specializing in pickup truck cargo management systems. The Sterling Heights company is also exploring hybrid powertrain solar recharging system integration as a second phase tied to the cargo system. ◾ CircleBuilder Software LLC: Located in Franklin, the company is a private, rules-based networking and outreach management Internet service that connects individuals and organizations. CircleBuilder enables faith-based organizations (as well as health, education, arts, etc.) to increase their membership, volunteerism and participation, improve fundraising efforts and more. ◾ Clean Emission Fluids, Inc: Makes biodiesel gas pumps that allow customers to mix different types of biodiesel, whether it’s corn-made or white grease, B5 or B1000. The idea of this Detroit-based company is that the pump will allow gas stations to cut down on the additional infrastructure (e.g., numerous tanks or pumps) to sell biofuel. ◾ InfoReady Corporation: Collects information about new grants from federal, state and philanthropic sources and alerts university researchers and units of government. The Ann Arbor-based company’s software platform crawls the Web for information relevant to a particular customer, and delivers notifications on available grants to their inboxes.
◾ NextCAT: Founded in 2009 and located in Detroit’s TechTown, NextCAT is commercializing a class of catalysts that enable producers to use a wide variety of inexpensive feedstocks such as waste vegetable oil, animal fats and residual corn oil, and convert those into biodiesel. ◾ Unitask Software: Concentrated locally in Bloomfield Hills, Unitask creates, sells and supports software products for the Oracle E-Business Suite and is a gold member of the Oracle® PartnerNetwork. Unitask has customers around the world relying on their products to eliminate implementation and operational risk, improve the quality of the application and accelerate time-to-value.
Entrepreneurial Initiative of Southeast Michigan The Entrepreneurial Initiative of Southeast Michigan (EISEM) again offered a bi-monthly program that highlighted local entrepreneurs and their businesses to further develop their message to reach customers and potential investors. Each forum showcased three emerging technology companies and provided a brief overview of each company and business plan, which was then discussed by attendees including venture capitalists, angel investors and business professionals who provide constructive criticism and guidance. Each forum also included a keynote presentation of a successful entrepreneur’s path to success. Presenting companies in 2010: ◾ Algal Scientific Corporation (Plymouth) ◾ Bio Logic Engineering, Inc. (Dexter) ◾ Biophotonic Solutions (East Lansing) ◾ Current Motor Company (Ann Arbor) ◾ FamilyMint, Inc. (Ann Arbor) ◾ H&T Medical Solutions (Detroit) ◾ InPore Technologies (East Lansing) ◾ Inventure Enterprises (East Lansing) ◾ NxtGen Emission Controls (Wixom) ◾ NextCAT (Detroit) ◾ Retrosense Therapeutics (Ann Arbor) ◾ Traxx Mobility Systems (Farmington) Keynote speakers included Bill Abbatt of Brooks Kushman PC, Jake Sigal of Myine Electronics, LLC, Mahendra Ramsinghani of The Charter Group and Amanda Ross of Stunning Creative.
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Defense Activities Southeast Michigan is a nucleus for the nation’s defense industry. With the strength of the U.S. Army located locally in Warren, Automation Alley has capitalized on its strong relationship with officials from the U.S. Army TACOM LCMC and TARDEC to help Southeast Michigan companies diversify into the rapidly expanding defense sector.
Diminishing Parts Program The Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) program identifies manufacturers capable of producing replacement parts for the Army that are no longer in production. These parts are used to maintain the Army’s key weapon systems. In just the past year, the DMSMS team has received inquiries from nearly 10,000 companies in the United States. Of those, 2,210 are from Southeast Michigan. The team personally met with 92 companies, offering guidance, advice and support to those interested in conducting business with the U.S. Army. DMSMS is the result of a congressional appropriation to the Army and Department of Defense Appropriations Acts of 2008 and 2009. With bipartisan support from Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow and Representatives Sander Levin and Candice Miller, the Army has access to some of the nation’s top automotive suppliers, many of whom have the extra capacity needed to fill these orders. The DMSMS team maintains a communication and distribution network that provides technical competencies to the Army. The database contains a comprehensive range of manufacturing vendors and engineering companies that can provide valid sources of supply or support resolution to DMSMS cases.
Defense Office In May, Automation Alley opened a defense office in Sterling Heights that houses the DMSMS program and staff. The grand opening included comments from Senator Carl Levin; Tomiko Gumbleton, regional manager, Office of Senator Debbie Stabenow; Representative Candice Miller; Representative Gary Peters; James Jackson, economic recovery coordinator, Office of Representative Sander Levin; Paul Gieleghem, chairman, Macomb County Board of Commissioners; Mayor Richard Notte, City of Sterling Heights; Dr. Grace Bochenek, U.S. Army TARDEC/ NAC; and Dan Raubinger, DMSMS program manager.
Military Consulting
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A highly sought-after members-only benefit is the opportunity to consult with Brigadier General Donald Schenk (USA, Ret.) and Colonel Tom Lytle (USMC, Ret.) to discuss working with the U.S. Army. Both offer defense-related consulting, specifically with the U.S. Department of Defense and military prime contractors. There is no cost for the initial consultation. In 2010, 13 companies received consultations. To date, 65 companies have met with Brigadier General Schenk and Colonel Lytle.
International Business: Southeast michigan Goes Global Automation Alley enhances the global competitiveness of small- to mid-size companies conducting business overseas while marketing and promoting Southeast Michigan as an attractive location in which to invest.
Defense Domestic Trade Mission In late 2010, Automation Alley traveled with eight Southeast Michigan companies to the bi-annual 27th Army and Science Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida. The conference theme was “Transformational Science and Technology – Enabling Full Spectrum Operations” and focused on providing missioncritical support to soldiers engaged in hybrid warfare conditions. Participating organizations: ◾ DASI Solutions (Pontiac) ◾ Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (Detroit) ◾ Kettering University (Flint) ◾ Littlite LLC (Hamburg) ◾ Macomb County (Mount Clemens) ◾ Power Panel, Inc. (Detroit) ◾ Promess Inc. (Brighton) ◾ The WorkingHabitat Group LLC (Macomb)
International Events Automation Alley presented various events aimed at informing the local community about international business opportunities. In May, “Israel: High-Tech Powerhouse and Global Center of Innovation” was held at Automation Alley’s Headquarters. The conference welcomed Jonathan Heimer, a senior commercial officer with the U.S. Commercial Service in Tel Aviv, Israel. The event explored the mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities available between the U.S. and Israel, followed by an open question-and-answer session. In October, Automation Alley supported the East Michigan District Export Council to bring the “2010 International District Export Council Conference: Capitalizing on America’s Export Advantages in Green and Innovation” to Detroit. Director of International Business Services Noel Nevshehir was named the marketing chair of the conference and provided expert advice and guidance. The 15th annual conference provided participants the chance to meet with world-leading innovators, business and industry leaders and high-level government officials who shared their firsthand insights into the emerging technologies with the most promising worldwide growth, including cleantech and renewable energy. Additionally, Automation Alley hosted an event, “Chilean Cultural and Business Reception on the Occasion of the Chilean Bicentennial of Independence,” with the Chilean Consulate in Detroit. The event allowed participants the opportunity to learn more about working with the government and companies in Chile, as well as the recent events in Chile related to the spring 2010 earthquake and tsunami and the recent rescue of trapped miners.
Global Guests Automation Alley was the proud host of five international delegations from countries around the world, including Pakistan, China, Israel, Mexico and India. With the goal of connecting Southeast Michigan businesses with international companies, visiting delegations met with area organizations and companies interested in conducting business overseas.
12 Donn Deniston, Littlite
Committees: Connecting Communities Members who seek an active voice in the growth and development of Automation Alley have the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and expertise via one of Automation Alley’s three working committees. The Alley’s member-driven committees are the most effective method to network and become involved in Automation Alley activities.
Top Accomplishments: ◾ Focused on creating a tool kit for small- to medium-sized companies needing project help without the capacity to hire full-time workers, where “transition apprenticeships” are offered for displaced workers. ◾ Planned a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) page on Automation Alley’s Web site, highlighting member programs. ◾ Studied the need for a “Talent Transition” roundtable event to discuss future industry educational needs. Business Growth Committee: Serves as a catalyst for business success by providing insight, information and resources that help emerging and small businesses with finance, marketing, sales, public relations and HR/operations. Chair: Andree Dolan, The TM Group Vice-Chair: John Zinn, Summit Funding Group Staff Liaison: Katie Mullin Top Accomplishments: ◾ Completion of the Social Media Resource Guide, a guidebook for all social media needs, including case studies. ◾ Hosted successful events focused on social media, content marketing and finance. ◾ Successful planning for “Accelerate 2011: Learning. Connecting. Growing.” Automation Alley’s first-ever conference and exhibition.
Technology Committee: Provides an environment for member organizations to explore the use of new and existing technologies. Chair: Al Carpinelli, Logic Solutions Vice Chair: Nan Poulios, Walsh College Staff Liaison: Kelly Kozlowski Top Accomplishments: ◾ Hosted a two-part series that explored the vital information and facts relating to health care IT. ◾ Traveled to area eco-friendly companies with its sold-out Green Crawl event. ◾ Hosted two sold-out webinars: “The Distributed Workforce” and “Clean, Green and Legal.”
Education and Workforce Committee: Supports initiatives designed to help develop, attract and retain an outstanding technical workforce in Southeast Michigan.
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Chair: Jennifer Boyce, Central Michigan University Vice-Chair: Don Morandini, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Staff Liaison: Alysia Green
2010 Board of Directors Automation Alley would like to thank and recognize the Board of Directors for devoting their time and energy to the success of Automation Alley.
Scott Goemmel, PMV Technologies
President
Vice President
Secretary
Christine Estereicher, Chrysler Group LLC
Treasurer
Adam Wilburn, RCM Technologies
Assistant Treasurer
Immediate Past President
Donald Schenk, General Dynamics Land Systems
Brian Balow, Dickinson Wright Brian McGinnity, HIROTEC AMERICA
John Almstadt
Karen Mitchell
Oakland County Workforce Development Board
DTE Energy
Todd Fenton
Bob Nichols
Wayne County
Kettering University
Gary Gavin
Ken Rogers
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Automation Alley
Patrick Gleason
James Safran
Genesee County
Beaumont Commercialization Center
Greg Guidice
Doug Smith
RazorThreat
Oakland County
Debra Homic-Hoge
Tracie Tillinger
General Motors
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Brian Kundinger
Lewis Walker
Kundinger Controls
Lawrence Technological University
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management and staff
Management
Executive Director
Senior Director/ Director, Entrepreneurism
Director, Finance
Senior Director, Business Development
Director, Member Services
Andrea Duncan
Director, International Business Services
Noel Nevshehir
Director, Defense and Manufacturing
Ken Rogers Thomas Anderson, Ph.D. Maryann Daddow Charles DeVries
Daniel Raubinger
Staff
Senior Business Development Executive
Government Affairs Staff Assistant
Events and Promotions Coordinator
Executive Office Administrator
IT Career Pathways Employment Coordinator
Karol Friedman
Administrative Assistant
Eriola Grabocka
Manager, Talent Development
Business Accelerator Client Coordinator
Supervisor, International Business
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Accountant and HR Manager
John Shirk
Supervisor, Member Services
Amy Young
Sharon Blumeno Jacqueline Cardella Jennifer Chinn Claudia DiMercurio
Alysia Green Kelly Kozlowski Lisa Lasser Katie Mullin
Defense Consultants
Consultant (defense/automotive)
DMSMS Analyst
U.S. Army TARDEC DMSMS Project Leader
DMSMS Office Manager/Executive Assistant
Anne Walter
U.S. Army TARDEC DMSMS Project Engineer
Kyle Wojan
John Bedz Stewart Rescoe Anil Sanne
Interns
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Member Services Intern
Genna Piscopo
Communications and Events Intern
Alexis Tomrell
International Business Services Intern
John Wolf-Meyer
foundation members Automation Alley extends a sincere thank you to our dedicated Foundation Members for their continuous support, assisting in the success of Automation Alley and in the branding of the region as a global center for technology.
Altair Engineering, Inc.
Lawrence Technological University
ArvinMeritor
Lear Corporation
AT&T
Macomb Community College
Automotive Design & Production
Macomb County
Baker College
The Macomb Daily
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Bluewolf
Michigan Works! JobLink Service Center
Butzel Long Central Michigan University
Michigan Works! Macomb-St. Clair Workforce Development Board
Chrysler Group LLC
Michigan Works! Troy Career Center
Cisco
NBS
City of Troy LDFA
Oakland Community College
Delphi Corporation
Oakland County
DENSO International America, Inc.
Oakland County Workforce Development Board
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
The Oakland Press
Detroit Regional Chamber
Oakland Schools
Dickinson Wright PLLC
Oakland University
DTE Energy
Plante & Moran
Eisbrenner Public Relations
PMV Technologies
Ford Motor Company
Rehmann Robson
General Motors
The Resource Network
Genesee County
Salesforce.com
GlobalAutoIndustry.com
SMART
Goodwill Industries
SMZ Advertising
Grid4 Communications
U.S. Army TARDEC/NAC
Iceberg Management
Walsh College
Kelly Services
Wayne County
Kettering University
WDET-FM
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2675 Bellingham • Troy, MI 48083 • 800-427-5100 www.automationalley.com • info@automationalley.com ©2011 Automation Alley