TROY – With the annual Mackinac Policy Conference in the rear-view mirror, the question on everyone’s mind is “What do we do now?” How do we take hold of the momentum generated at the conference to propel Michigan into a more successful future?

At the closing session, the Chamber addressed that question with seven action items, one of which was to ?incorporate southeast Michigan?s leading and most promising clusters into the regional development strategy.?

Automation Alley?s mission since 1999 has been to grow Southeast Michigan?s innovation cluster. Our Technology Industry Report, which was released at the conference and is available to view on our website (www.automationalley.com), identifies several of these leading and promising clusters in the technology sector.

The key take-away from the Technology Industry Report is this: Southeast Michigan is a leader in economic innovation in this country. We are not starting over from scratch; we are building on what?s already been established. The statistics in this report are from 2008-2009, the peak of the recession. We stood firm in the hard times, and now we can move forward with confidence.

The conference is about re-energizing Michigan, and this news should provide the fuel. This should change the way we talk about our state. No longer can we identify ourselves as a state in decline, a state that saw its glory days fade long ago. Michigan is leading the nation in technological innovation. This isn?t optimism talking ? this is fact. Take that to the press conferences and the printers.

Taking ?relentless positive action,? as Governor Snyder said, citizens, organizations and businesses can build a bright future for Michigan that is driven by exports, led by innovation and powered by alternative energy. We can develop our resources and talent to create a fertile environment for a new economy to grow and for innovation to thrive.

I?d like to congratulate Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah, Mackinac Policy Conference Chairman Chip McClure and all of the conference organizers for hosting a successful event. Now let?s roll up our sleeves and keep building a better Michigan.

Ken Rogers

Executive Director, Automation Alley

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