KALAMAZOO – John Balbach, a long-time technology business consultant at the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, is leaving his post on Nov. 15 to take a job in Minnesota at what he described as a ?clean-energy? company.
Balbach declined to identify his new employer, saying that task would be left up to them.
In an email sent to MITechNews.Com, Balbach said:
?It has been a tremendous experience to have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people in the Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem, but my wife and I will be relocating to Minneapolis where I will be working in the clean energy space. This decision has been bittersweet for me, as I feel a deep sense of connection to the resurgence that is occurring here in Michigan.
?My work here has been some of the most fulfilling of my career, and that is due to the character and quality of the people that I have been so fortunate to engage,? he said. ?While I am sad to step away, I am also confident that your great work will continue forward, and I hope to be able to stay in touch with all of you despite the fact that I will no longer be working in the state.?
Balbach also thanked MI-SBTDC State Director Carol Lopucki, as well as colleagues Phil Tepley and Alain Piette for providing him with, ?both the opportunity and the autonomy to do meaningful work that I hope made a small difference during my time here. It has been a fantastic experience for me, mostly because of the opportunity to meet and work with all of you.?
