Automation Alley's 2008 Annual Report

2008

Expanding Opportunities.

Navigating Success.

Where technology builds opportunity

ANNUAL REPORT

Genesee County Livingston County Macomb County Monroe County Oakland County St. Clair County Washtenaw County Wayne County City of Detroit AUT169C8_AnnualReport_final.indd 1

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Table of Contents Message from the Executive Director and President.................................................... 1 Membership and Partnerships....................................................................................... 2 Advocacy.......................................................................................................................... 3 Annual Technology Industry Report............................................................................... 4 X-OLOGY........................................................................................................................... 5 New and Improved Web Site........................................................................................... 6 Eighth Annual Awards Gala............................................................................................ 7 Workforce Development.................................................................................................. 8 Entrepreneurialism and Business Growth.................................................................... 10 International Business Initiatives................................................................................. 12 Committee Accomplishments....................................................................................... 14 2008 Board of Directors................................................................................................ 16 Automation Alley Staff.................................................................................................. 17 Foundation Members.................................................................................................... 18

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From the Executive Director and President As Automation Alley closes out its ninth year of operation, we’re proud to say that the organization has come a long way since its inception in 1999. Automation Alley has grown from 44 members to nearly 1,000 and is now a regional organization, representing the eight counties in Southeast Michigan and the City of Detroit.

Automation Alley witnessed many milestones in 2008. We welcomed our 900th member, Auto-Craft Tool and Die in Algonac. We’ve also welcomed more than 10,000 people into Automation Alley’s building and were mentioned or featured in 475 newspaper articles, for a total circulation of 30 million.

We also conducted trade missions to China/Vietnam and Brazil. Both of these missions allowed Southeast Michigan companies to meet with prospective agents, partners and distributors. Since we began our trade mission program in 2001, we have conducted 10 trade missions to countries around the globe, taken 150 participants and assisted in the creation of more than 200 jobs while generating $130 million in export sales, investment and economic development for Southeast Michigan. In addition, Automation Alley was awarded the Presidential “E” Award for Exporting in 2008, the highest honor the federal government can give to an American exporting company or organization. Automation Alley is the first non-profit trade organization in Michigan to receive the award.

Also in 2008, we continued assisting local technology startup companies with seed funding. This past year alone, Automation Alley funded eight companies for a total of $1.4 million. To date, we have provided more than $3.6 million in seed funding to 22 companies across the region, and have assisted in the creation of nearly 150 new jobs.

And finally, Automation Alley held its inaugural “State of Technology Luncheon” in November. The sold-out event offered attendees an opportunity to hear firsthand the results from our latest Technology Industry Report, which provides data regarding Automation Alley’s rapidly growing presence in the life sciences sector, as well as employment growth outside of the advanced automotive industry.

With the continued support of our members, Automation Alley has quickly become Michigan’s largest technology business association.

We thank you for your ongoing commitment and look forward to 2009 as Automation Alley continues to drive the growth in Southeast Michigan’s technology economy.

Sincerely,

Ken Rogers, Executive Director

Brian McGinnity, President, Board of Directors; Chief Financial Officer, HIROTEC AMERICA

Ken Rogers Executive Director

Brian McGinnity President, Board of Directors

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membership With nearly 1,000 members from across Southeast Michigan, it’s clear that businesses continue to find value in Automation Alley.

In 2008, membership increased by more than 17 percent. The top membership tier was once again tier five (less than 10 employees), followed by members who support the technology industry and tier four members (less than 25 employees).

The largest industry sector continued to be information technology, with 247 members, an increase of 25 percent from 2007. The second-most populous sector was manufacturing with 158 members, followed by business services with 87 members.

While a majority of Automation Alley’s membership base is located in Oakland County, Wayne and Macomb counties witnessed increases. Wayne County is home to 125 Automation Alley members and Macomb has grown to 102.

1%

Tier Membership Distribution

3%

2%

15%

7%

Tier 1 Tier 2 11%

2%

Tier 3 Tier 4

6%

Tier 5 Association and Non-Profit 6%

Education Foundation

United States 9.10%

Government 9%

Supporting 38%

Other

regional partnerships Collaboration is the founding principle upon which Automation Alley has been built. By working together with our regional partners, Automation Alley has been able to successfully harness the shared resources of the region and further economic growth. By working with key partners, Automation Alley cultivates job creation, entrepreneurialism and international business opportunities.

36%

Each of our regional partners plays an important role in the continuing development of Southeast Michigan’s technology economy: • City of Detroit • Economic Development Alliance of Livingston County • Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County • Genesee County Government • Macomb County Government • Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation • Oakland County Government • Wayne County Government

ation Technology

In addition, Automation Alley continues to have an increased presence in Genesee and Macomb counties with satellite offices. Each office is staffed by an Automation Alley business development representative and offers access to Automation Alley benefits and services, including commercialization assistance and international business assistance.

iences

Technologies

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advocacy — a voice for all As Southeast Michigan’s largest technology business association, Automation Alley is the voice of the technology economy at the local, state and federal levels and represents technology-driven members from across the region.

Automation Alley works with government officials and agencies, education representatives, economic development and business leaders to represent the interests of Southeast Michigan’s technology industry. The organization emphasizes the importance and impact of the technology industry in the region, including its ability to provide quality, high-paying jobs, thereby contributing to the quality of life in the region.

Government Affairs Committee Through our Government Affairs Committee, Automation Alley is working to build awareness of and support for Automation Alley.

Committee activities include securing opportunities for members to provide testimony before governmental committees, hosting legislative roundtables on important issues impacting Southeast Michigan’s technology business community, and connecting Automation Alley members to the legislative community.

Expert Testimony Dr. Tom Anderson, senior director and director, entrepreneurism, provided testimony before the Commerce Committee of the Michigan House of Representatives in May. He was invited to testify by the Commerce Committee Chair, State Representative Andy Meisner, to provide an update on the entrepreneurial capacity of Automation Alley’s Technology Business Accelerator.

Anderson offered for the Legislature’s consideration a few suggestions to improve Michigan’s economic development status quo, including adding a requirement for 21st Century Jobs Fund applicants to work in conjunction with a SmartZone in developing their applications; providing matching funds to angel group investments; and continuing to provide support, both operational

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In 2008, Automation Alley’s Government Affairs Committee passed three resolutions: • Memorialize the President and the United States Congress, to Support the $25 billion in Federal Loans to American Automakers • Support the Completion of the Michigan Department of Transportation Detroit River International Crossing Study • Memorialize Michigan Leaders and Members of Congress, to Support Michigan State University’s Proposal for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams In addition, Automation Alley’s Board of Directors passed two resolutions: • Instate a Non-Partisan Public Official Endorsement, Event and Facility Use Policy Forbidding Candidate Endorsements, the Creation of PACs, and Institute a Public Official Event and Facility Use Policy • Memorialize the Michigan Legislature and the Governor, to Support the Completion of the Michigan Department of Transportation Planning for a Second Bridge Crossing

and for early-stage investment, to proven technology accelerator programs, including the SmartZone network.

CEO Excellence Recognition In October, Executive Director Ken Rogers was recognized by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with the CEO Award of Excellence in Economic Development.

“Automation Alley is truly one of the MEDC’s best economic development partners,” said James C. Epolito, CEO of the MEDC. “This was a special award to recognize the exceptional contributions made by Ken Rogers and Automation Alley in growing businesses and creating jobs in Southeast Michigan, as well as diversifying our state’s economy.”

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Annual Technology Industry Report For the fourth consecutive year, Automation Alley released its Annual Technology Industry Report. The report, prepared by the Anderson Economic Group, provides a comprehensive analysis of the technology industry in Southeast Michigan and examines the size of the technology industry in terms of employment, establishments and payroll.

Highlights from this year’s report include: • Automation Alley has a significantly higher concentration of technology industry employment than is found across the national economy, with 311,438 technology workers and 7,886 technology businesses.

• The advanced automotive cluster remains the cornerstone of Southeast Michigan’s technology industry, but the other five clusters have experienced growth.

• The life sciences cluster is rapidly growing as Automation Alley establishes itself as a leader, both in Michigan and across the country.

• Research and development spending by regional universities topped $1 billion for the fourth 15consecutive year.

• 15Universities in Automation Alley enrolled a total of 1212,194 science and engineering graduate students, 12representing 64 percent of the total science and engineering graduate student enrollment in Michigan.

9 9

Also new this year were the results of Automation Alley’s market research study, which polled local companies on the state of the 6 region’s economy. Highlights included anticipated organizational and revenue6 growth, as well as continued investment in research and development. Data from the survey revealed a majority of Southeast Michigan companies are attributing growth to enhanced or added 3 products and services, which implies continued investment in research and development.

3 0 0

Technology Industry’s Share of Total Employment, 2006

Automation Alley State of Michigan 14.70% Alley State12.80% Automation of Michigan 14.70% 12.80%

United States 9.10% United States 9.10%

Employment by Technology Sector in Automation Alley, 2006

21% 21%

15

1%

12

3%

36% 36%

2% 7%

15%

Tier 1

9

Tier 2

12% 12%2%

6

11%

Tier 3 Tier 4

6%

Tier 5

3

Association a 6%

0

Automation Alley State of Michigan 14.70% 12.80%

4

United States 9.10%

18% 18% Advanced Automotive Advanced Automotive Advanced Manufacturing 9% Advanced Manufacturing Chemical and Material Chemical and Material

3% 3%

10% 10%

Education

Information Technology Information Technology Life Sciences Life Sciences Other Technologies 38% Technologies Other

Foundation

Government Supporting Other

21%

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X-OLOGY: Automation Alley’s Quarterly Magazine

ology X WinteR 2008

an automation alley® publication

The Charge of Engineering Technology

ology X SpRinG 2008

an automation alley® publication

Pure Entropy delivers heightened security

Retired general means business in Michigan Meet Grace Lieblein: engineering trailblazer Altair pushes innovation

Hitting it big on the big screen

On The Front Lines

Somanetics Corp. Defines the Color of Life

Working and living under one roof

One Man Makes a Mark on Med Tech

Try Detroit! Unique Cultural

HomelandExperiences security/defense in the City technology www.xology.com $2.95 US

$4.95CAN

$2.95 www.xology.com www.xology.com $2.95 US

$4.95CAN

2008 marks the second year of publication for X-OLOGY, Automation Alley’s quarterly technology magazine.

With Southfield-based Renaissance Media, Automation Alley distributes X-OLOGY to the early adopters, trendsetters and brand drivers who stay current with the region’s technology industry. The magazine is delivered to individual subscribers, businesses and technical decisionmakers in the Automation Alley region. Additionally, X-OLOGY serves as a recruitment tool for Southeast Michigan through distribution to technical schools, high schools, universities and continuing education facilities.

Issues in 2008 examined biotechnology, engineering technology, information technology, and homeland security and defense technology.

Additional information can be found at www.xology.com.

“A

utomation Alley’s commitment to be a true regional partner is evidenced with the launch of their satellite office in Flint. Automation Alley is a steward for growth and prosperity for companies located in our region. Over the years, their networking and business development tools have been assets for municipalities and technology-based companies. I look forward to continuing our relationship and maximizing each of our strengths to ensure Southeast Michigan’s stake in the global economy.”

Nell Taylor Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce

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New and Improved Web Site In May, Automation Alley unveiled its redesigned and improved Web site, www.automationalley.com.

Developed by Plante & Moran, the site incorporates Automation Alley’s updated brand identity and offers a new simplified design with enhanced navigation and quick links to the organization’s most popular benefits.

Also featured is a more convenient member login, a Foundation Member Directory, easily identifiable “Join Now” and “Advocacy” sections, updated press release and event calendar functionality and improved searching.

The decision to redesign the Web site was made in an effort to maintain member satisfaction. Enhanced graphics provide an improved user experience, while the layout provides a vibrant and seamless view of Automation Alley and its many resources.

“A

utomation Alley has provided BTR Associates with great networking opportunities and useful small business resources (including meeting places and an excellent press release system). Through our active involvement in the Membership Services Committee, we have been able to build strong relationships with the Alley and its members. BTR sees Automation Alley as a significant enhancement to our marketing and sales efforts.”

Robert L. Breitman BTR Associates

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Eighth Annual Awards Gala On September 12, more than 500 of the region’s best and brightest technology companies and leaders attended Automation Alley’s Annual Awards Gala.

Held at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, the event celebrated the achievements of Southeast Michigan’s technology leaders and honored the dedication of the region’s most innovative companies. The evening included a cocktail reception, dinner and afterglow reception with a live band and cigar lounge.

2008 Gala Award Winners Legend CEO Robert C. Stempel Former Chairman and CEO of Energy Conversion Devices and General Motors CEO of the Year Kenneth J. Matzick Beaumont Hospitals Emerging Leader Dilip Dubey CEO, Netlink Automation Alley Member of the Year Stephen Cassin Executive Director Macomb County, Department of Planning and Economic Development Technology Company of the Year Adaptive Materials, Inc. Emerging Technology Company of the Year MIST Innovations, Inc. Educational Program of the Year Southeast Michigan Community College Consortium Centers of Expertise Non-Profit of the Year Inforum

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Workforce Development Initiatives Global Trade Mission Once again, Automation Alley presented the Global Trade Mission (GTM), an innovative, hands-on learning experience preparing Southeast Michigan high school students to participate in the global economy by imitating a virtual international trade mission.

Students work in cross-district, cross-county teams to create a product and global business plan, which are then presented to a panel of business experts. For the first time in 2008, GTM was held in both Macomb and Oakland counties.

Through a partnership with Automation Alley, Macomb Intermediate School District, Oakland Schools and Oakland Community College, more than 400 students from Genesee, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties worked in teams to respond to realistic trade challenges developed in cooperation with area companies. Students incorporated research from Web-based pre-learning modules, business/industry resources gathered on-site, and face-to-face communication with experts from business and trade.

Since 1999, more than 1,400 students have participated in GTM.

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Advanced Manufacturing Training Center Automation Alley’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (AMTC) successfully graduated 60 incumbent and dislocated workers and 36 at-risk students since its inception in 2006.

Funded with a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the program provided training in one of the U.S. Department of Labor’s High-Wage/High-Growth areas of advanced manufacturing. The AMTC trained and placed the workers and students in high-tech, higher paying positions, built foundations in math and science, and enhanced technical skills through a career ladder approach.

ConnecTech ConnecTech, Automation Alley’s leading workforce development initiative and Michigan’s premier network for technology professionals, celebrated its first anniversary as a rebranded technology organization in 2008.

With more than 900 members, the network provides technology-minded Michigan professionals valuable tools, resources and opportunities to leverage the knowledge and experiences of their peers to help them succeed in their technology careers and better the competitive landscape of the state.

New in 2008, ConnecTech launched its CIO Mentoring Program with the Midwest Technology Leaders. The program pairs ConnecTech members with a CIO mentor in a one-on-one relationship. Last year, featured local-company CIOs were from MGM Grand in Detroit, Beaumont Health Systems, Wayne State University, Continental and more.

ConnecTech helps solidify the nine statewide chapters while providing a stronger financial and organizational structure. A Web-based component allows members across the state to share best practices, discuss technology trends and pose questions to the overall membership. ConnecTech is also partnering with several associations and groups to help technology professionals across Michigan succeed in their careers. Visit www.connectech.org for additional information.

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Entrepreneurial Activities: An Investment in the Future One of Automation Alley’s key functions is to help entrepreneurs accelerate the commercialization of new technology and services.

With Automation Alley’s assistance, ideas evolve into usable, marketable technology solutions.

Since Automation Alley began assisting entrepreneurs in 2003, more than 475 technology-driven companies in Southeast Michigan have received assistance, ranging from mentoring and counseling to business plan assistance and referrals.

Starting Up A key component to Automation Alley’s entrepreneurial assistance is its seed fund. In 2008, Automation Alley invested in eight startup organizations throughout the region, bringing the total number of invested companies since 2003 to 22. In total, Automation Alley has invested more than $3.6 million in seed funding, and experienced its first return on investment in 2008, when Danotek Motion Technologies completed validation of their wind generator innovator.

Companies that received funding in 2008: • • • •

3IS, Inc. – Novi Cargo Solutions Group, LLC – Sterling Heights ElectroJet, Inc. – Brighton Global Energy Innovations – Flint

• • • •

Monarch Antenna – Ann Arbor ParkingCarma, Inc. – Flint Pure Entropy Technologies – Orion Township Saleztrack – Troy

Entrepreneurial Initiative of Southeast Michigan The Entrepreneurial Initiative of Southeast Michigan (EISEM) is a series of programs that highlight local entrepreneurs and their businesses to further develop their message to reach customers and potential investors.

The program generally showcases three emerging technology companies, providing a brief overview of their company and business plan, which is then critiqued by attendees, including venture capitalists, angel investors and business professionals who provide constructive criticism and guidance. Each forum also includes a keynote presentation of a successful entrepreneur and the path from startup to success, or an investor discussing what he/she is seeking.

Presenting companies in 2008: •

• • •

• •

Clean Emission Fluids, Inc. – Grosse Pointe ERT Systems – Ann Arbor Gene Vivo – Ann Arbor Great Lakes Carbon Fiber – Rochester Hygieia – Ann Arbor Lambert Technologies – Bloomfield Hills

•

• • • • • •

MIST Innovations, Inc. – Southfield Mobatech – Ann Arbor Myine Electronics – Ferndale Procuit – Ann Arbor SciTech Development – Detroit UrTurn.com – Ann Arbor Vortex Hydro Energy – Ann Arbor

Keynote speakers included Randal Charlton of TechTown, Aaron Crumm of Adaptive Materials, Matt Roush of the Great Lakes IT Report, and Kyle Schwulst of ElectroJet, Inc.

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Working with the Military Defense Contract for Automation Alley

Defense Consulting

Automation Alley is currently working under contract with the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and the National Automotive Center (NAC) on two projects.

A key Automation Alley benefit is its partnerships with Brigadier General Donald Schenk (USA, Ret.) and Colonel Tom Lytle (USMC, Ret.). Each consults with companies interested in working with the U.S. Army and other branches of defense services. In 2008, more than 30 companies received consultations.

Under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), Automation Alley assists member companies to gain exposure to military research programs. The CRADA is a contracting vehicle that allows companies access to U.S. Army resources for evaluation and testing of new technologies.

Automation Alley is also under contract to provide an analysis of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and to propose a strategy for improving the commercialization of SBIR technologies. The SBIR program is a highly competitive program that encourages small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. The program funds the critical startup and development stages and encourages the commercialization of technologies, products and/or services.

As a result of these contracts, Automation Alley hired consultant John Bedz, who is working with TARDEC personnel within the NAC to analyze the SBIR program and the successful delivery of innovative products meeting TARDEC needs. Automation Alley will also develop a process for companies to succeed in the program, and create tools to spur innovation and research and development partnerships in this technology sector.

Brigadier General Schenk and Colonel Lytle both offer defenserelated consulting, specifically with the U.S. Department of Defense and military prime contractors exclusively to Automation Alley members. There is no cost for the initial consultation.

USAutoPARTs Automation Alley, the Original Equipment Suppliers Association and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee are working together to create joint technology commercialization activities at NextEnergy.

The center’s mission is pre-competitive, collaborative research and development amongst automotive suppliers, working with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory personnel to accelerate commercialization of research innovations and improve the competitiveness of Michigan’s advanced automotive companies.

The participating companies will focus their research on three areas: lightweight materials, electric and electronic thermal management systems, and carbon emissions control.

“F

or the past three years, we have taken advantage of many of the benefits of Automation Alley membership: utilizing the facilities, posting press releases and attending educational seminars and networking events. In addition, committee participation has led to many rewarding business and personal relationships. Automation Alley’s unique approach to innovation, globalization, and diversity is invaluable to the entire region.”

John Zinn Summit Funding Group

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International Business Initiatives: A Global Reach

Automation Alley enhances the global competitiveness of smallto mid-size companies conducting business overseas while marketing and promoting Southeast Michigan as an attractive location in which to invest.

Exploring New Markets In the past year, Automation Alley conducted trade missions to China/Vietnam in April and Brazil in October.

Automation Alley offers reduced trade mission rates and utilizes the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Gold Key Services on all trade missions, which provide pre-screened and pre-qualified meetings based on each individual company’s goals and objectives. Trade mission participants meet with prospective agents and distributors to secure contracts and discuss future partnerships.

While in China, the delegation of Southeast Michigan companies and economic developers visited Auto China 2008 in Beijing,

and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. In addition to the Gold Key meetings, participants toured the Great Wall of China, participated in a presentation by the U.S. Embassy of China and the American Chamber of Commerce, and attended a reception hosted by the Honorable Michael W. Michalak, U.S. Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

While in Brazil, Automation Alley took participants to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The delegation also attended Gold Key meetings, met with the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, visited COSAN – one of the world’s largest sugarcane and ethanol producers – and attended a reception hosted by the Honorable Thomas J. White, U.S. Consul General – São Paulo.

Since Automation Alley began its trade mission program in 2001, more than 200 new jobs have been created in Southeast Michigan, with an economic impact to the region of more than $130 million in new contracts.

Alley Exporting Lauded by Commerce Officials

In July, 50 area business representatives assembled at Automation Alley Headquarters to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez to talk trade, energy and global markets.

Following the meeting at Automation Alley, Secretary Gutierrez delivered a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, where he stated, “Automation Alley is an impressive model for the rest of the country.”

In addition, Automation Alley hosted Assistant Secretary of Commerce Sandy K. Baruah, a senior member of the President’s economic team and leader of the Federal Economic Development Administration.

He met with the Automation Alley staff to learn more about the organization and to hear firsthand from local companies who have succeeded overseas.

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International Guests

(MOU) with the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in July.

This past year, Automation Alley welcomed 10 global trade delegations from a variety of countries around the world, including Australia, China, Israel, Japan and Russia.

The two parties agreed to enhance the global competitiveness of Michigan and Indian companies and support collaborative research and development in areas of common interest. Both signatories of the MOU have agreed to provide the following services to each other’s members, exploring trade and investment opportunities in the other party’s region:

With the goal of connecting Southeast Michigan businesses with foreign companies, Automation Alley’s visiting delegations met with area organizations and companies interested in conducting business overseas. Similar to a trade mission, potential relationships are formed with the promise of new business.

Agreements for the Betterment of the Region In an effort to strengthen the commercial and economic ties between American and Indian businesses and industry, government and academia, Automation Alley signed a Memorandum of Understanding

• Complimentary office space and administrative support • Business partner matchmaking services • Market-entry and site-selection consulting • Meaningful introductions to key business executives and government officials

Presidential Honor In May, Automation Alley was selected as a recipient of the prestigious Presidential “E” Award for Exporting. Automation Alley is the first non-profit trade organization in Michigan to receive the award.

The “E” Award is the highest honor the federal government can give to an American exporting company or organization. The award serves to recognize U.S. firms for their competitive achievements in world markets and their part in increasing U.S. exports. The Presidential “E” Award was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

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Committee Accomplishments Members who seek an active voice in the growth and development of Automation Alley have the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and expertise on one of Automation Alley’s four working committees. The Alley’s member-driven committees are the most effective method to network and become involved in Automation Alley activities. In 2008, more than 220 volunteers from 162 member companies participated in committees.

Coming in 2009, Automation Alley will introduce an improved committee structure that allows for improved collaboration, projects and events.

Human Resources Committee Provides a full spectrum of human resources support to members by offering the best tools, opportunities and resources available to enhance human capital through educational seminars, networking, the online HR Toolbox and Automation Alley’s electronic recruitment system.

Chair: Kris Powell, BenePro, Inc. Vice-Chair: Cathy Shallal, Oakland County Staff Liaison: Jennifer Bowden 2008 Accomplishments • Successful event focusing on talent attraction and retention • Updated the HR Toolbox to include new and expanded sections on HR laws, health and safety policies, technology and more • Printed and distributed mandatory Minimum Wage posters to Automation Alley members

Membership Services Committee Strives to educate Automation Alley members to realize the full value of their membership. Initiatives include new member networking events, an ambassador program and social media research.

Chair: Tim Finerty, Clayton & McKervey, P.C. Co-Chair: Lynn Ingberg, Advanced Communication Technologies Staff Liaison: Robyn Ritzema 2008 Accomplishments • Creation of an Automation Alley LinkedIn group • Hosted a sold-out social media educational event • Developed an Ambassador Program • Held successful New Member Networking Events

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Automation Alley would like to extend a special thank you to all member volunteers who made the accomplishments of the past year possible. 2009 will be an exciting year, and we look forward to working with you again.

Technology Business Committee Strives to maintain Automation Alley’s position as a high-tech leader and create an environment that fosters collaboration between high-tech businesses. Committee members explore alternative financing options, create marketing tools designed to help small businesses, and spearhead various business development programs.

Chair: Dave Biskner, Biznet Internet Solutions Vice-Chair: Jenn Cornell, Jenn Cornell Consulting Staff Liaison: Katie Mullin 2008 Accomplishments • Successfully completed the 2007-2008 B2B Business Development Series • Overhauled the Marketing Toolbox to include information on public relations, advertising, strategy and more • Created “Ideas for Impact Roundtable: Bite-Size Ideas for Better Business” • Held One-on-One financial consulting event for small businesses

Workforce Development Committee Works to create, attract and retain an educated and skilled knowledge-based workforce to provide an environment in Southeast Michigan that supports innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. Committee activities include professional development seminars, educational workshops and programs, and initiatives that connect education, government and industry.

Chair: David Darbyshire, DASI Solutions Co-Chair: Jennifer Boyce, Central Michigan University Staff Liaison: Alysia Green 2008 Accomplishments • Hosted a series of community outreach events on identity theft and online safety • Successfully participated in the Global Trade Mission, which was held at two locations: Oakland Community College-Auburn Hills and Macomb Intermediate School District-Clinton Township • Held two Industries in Transition events • Launched the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Toolbox on Automation Alley’s Web site

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2008 Board of Directors Automation Alley would like to thank and recognize the Board of Directors for their devoted time and energy to the success and mission of Automation Alley.

President Brian McGinnity, HIROTEC AMERICA

Vice President Bob Nichols, Kettering University

Secretary Brian Kundinger, Kundinger Controls

Treasurer Scott Goemmel, PMV Technologies, LLC Assistant Treasurer Brian Balow, Dickinson Wright PLLC

Immediate Past President Jerry Rush, ArvinMeritor, Inc.

Stephen Cassin Macomb County Government

Claudia Killeen General Motors

David Darbyshire DASI Solutions

Michael McNalley DTE Energy

Ed Donovan Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce

Turkia Mullin Wayne County

Christine Estereicher Chrysler LLC

Ken Rogers Automation Alley

Gary Gavin Blue Cross Blue Shield

Tracie Tillinger Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

Greg Guidice RazorThreat

Dennis Toffolo Oakland County

Robert Hoover B.A.E. Systems

Adam Wilburn RCM Technologies, Inc.

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Automation Alley Staff

Management

Executive Director Ken Rogers Senior Director and Tom Anderson, Ph.D. Director, Entrepreneurism Assistant Controller Joy Blake

Director, Government Affairs Charles DeVries

Director, Member Services Andrea Duncan

Director, International Noel Nevshehir Business Services

Director, Communications and Events Michelle Zellen

Staff

Senior Business Development Executive Sharon Blumeno

Business Services Liaison Jennifer Bowden

Manager, ConnecTech Danielle DeLonge

Executive Assistant Claudia DiMercurio

Administrative Assistant Eriola Grabocka

Project Coordinator Alysia Green

Supervisor, International Business Services Lisa Lasser Communications Administrator Katie Mullin Event Coordinator Robyn Ritzema Accountant John Shirk

Business Development Executive Martha Viland

Supervisor, Customer Relations Amy Young

Interns

ConnecTech Intern Denada Meta International Business Intern Graham Stevens Technical Intern Punita Virkud Report written by: Katie Mullin

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Foundation Members Automation Alley would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Foundation Members for their regional leadership and support in contributing to the success of Automation Alley and in branding the region as a global center for technology.

Altair Engineering, Inc.

Eisbrenner Public Relations

Oakland Business Review

Analysts International

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.

Oakland Community College

ArvinMeritor, Inc.

Flint Journal

Oakland County

AT&T

Ford Motor Company

Oakland Press

Automotive Design & Production

General Motors

Oakland Schools

Baker College

Genesee County Government

Oakland University

Bank of America

GlobalAutoIndustry.com

Plante & Moran

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Greater Media Detroit

Salesforce.com

Butzel Long

Grid4 Communications

SMART

Central Michigan University

Kelly Services, Inc.

SMZ Advertising

Charter One Bank

Kettering University

Springer Publishing Company

Chrysler LLC

Lawrence Technological University

St. Clair County Community College

City of Troy LDFA

Lear Corporation

Tesla Motors, Inc.

Comerica Bank

Macomb Community College

U.S. Army TARDEC/NAC

DENSO International America, Inc.

Macomb County Government

Walsh College

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

Macomb Daily

Wayne County

Detroit Media Partnership

Michigan Economic Development

WDET-FM

Detroit Regional Chamber

Corporation

Detroit Renaissance

Miller, Canfield, Paddock and

Dickinson Wright PLLC DTE Energy

Stone, PLC NBS (Navigating Business Space) North American BanCard, Inc.

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Recipient of the Presidential “E” Award for Exporting, the nation’s highest award to honor exporters.

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2675 Bellingham • Troy, MI 48083 • 800-427-5100 www.automationalley.com • info@automationalley.com

Annual Meeting Sponsor

©2009 Automation Alley

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