TROY – Automation Alley’s executive director, Ken Rogers, represented Michigan’s largest technology business association at President Obama’s Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth Thursday, as a guest of Congressman Gary Peters.
The event was an opportunity for the President and his senior administration officials to meet with small business owners, experts from the green jobs sector, business leaders, academics, Mayors and representatives from nonprofits, to hear their ideas for continuing to grow the economy and put Americans back to work.
Automation Alley helps local technology companies grow their businesses by providing products and services that stimulate and highlight the technological excellence and diversity in Southeast Michigan, a region that contains half the state’s jobs and population and that is currently facing one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.
“Automation Alley is focused on finding ways for our members to diversify and increase business and there are several things that the Federal government can focus on to help create more jobs in Michigan right way,” said Rogers. “It was an honor to represent Automation Alley at President Obama’s forum and I thank Congressman Peters for his nomination to attend.”
Rogers discussed a variety of ways to stimulate today’s economy and foster job creation with Elizabeth Vale, White House Business Council and Senior Advisor to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, while at the event including the need to increase credit for companies.
“Companies need increased credit and more access to capital,” Rogers stated. “Raising limits on SBA programs and lending limits would help fill a large gap that is currently facing high technology focused start-up companies.”
Rogers added that supporting regional business accelerators/incubator programs is the fastest route to increase the growth of high-wage/high growth technology businesses and jobs.
To date, 25 seed investments have been made by Automation Alley’s business accelerator program totaling $4.85 million that has resulted in VC and private capital exceeding $38 million and more than 150 new jobs being created.
“The government should continue to fund what works,” said Rogers. “We support the President’s technology-based economic development efforts and look forward to working closely with his administration to get Michigan back to work.”
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