TROY – Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, has launched its year-long 10th year anniversary celebration.

Automation Alley was founded in 1999 by Oakland County Executive L.

Brooks Patterson after learning from local business associates that there was a shortage of technical workers in the area. He commissioned a study and discovered that there was, in fact, a large population of technical workers in Oakland County. Patterson created Automation Alley and then recruited Deputy County Executive Ken Rogers with a goal of creating a national marketing strategy that could be used as a tool to attract and retain skilled talent and cutting-edge businesses to the area.

The organization began with just 44 members from business, government and academia. Today, that number has reached 1,000 and includes members beyond the borders of Oakland County from Genesee, Livingston, Macomb,

Monroe, St. Clair, Wayne, Washtenaw counties and the City of Detroit.

“Automation Alley has earned a national reputation as one of America’s premier technology centers where innovation thrives and where companies have unparalled opportunities for business success,” said Patterson.

“After just ten years, Automation is already mentioned in the same breath as Silicon Valley, Boston’s Route 128 and North Carolina’s Research Park Triangle, regional high-tech powerhouses that have been around much longer. Congratulations to Ken Rogers and everyone at the Alley as you celebrate a decade of stimulating economic growth and enriching the business climate of Oakland County and the region.”

The organization’s many successes include:

* Growth in membership by 2,200 percent since 1999

* Hosted 10 trade missions with a total of 110 participants to

countries across the globe that have resulted in the creation of more than 200 jobs while generating $135 million in export sales, investment, and economic development for Southeast Michigan

* Invested seed funding to 22 start-up technology organizations

across Southeast Michigan totaling $3.6 million

* Assisted nearly 500 technology organizations, ranging from

consulting, business plan assistance and referrals

* Formed strategic relationships with partners across Southeast

Michigan that allows for increased collaboration for members

* Created four member-driven committees

* Held eight Annual Award Galas, which honor the region’s top

technology leaders and organizations

* Completed four Annual Technology Industry Reports, highlighting

the size and scope of Southeast Michigan’s technology economy

* Built Automation Alley’s Headquarters in Troy, which members can

access to hold a variety of events and meetings

* Transformed GLIMA to ConnecTech, Automation Alley’s leading

statewide workforce development initiative

* Grew from one staff member to 19 full-time employees

“This is an incredible milestone that we’ve reached,” said Executive Director Ken Rogers. “Automation Alley is now the largest technology business association in Michigan and plans to be the largest in the nation. Our success has demonstrated that by promoting member prosperity, Automation Alley will continue to be the organization that delivers real value to its members and enhances the business economy in Southeast Michigan. On this special day, I’d like to express my sincere appreciation to our members for their continued belief in our mission and the staff at Automation Alley for their hard work and dedication.”

For more information, click on AutomationAlley.Com

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