DETROIT ? The Mobile Technology Association of Michigan has merged with the old Connectech Detroit to expand its technology networking group with a focused on mobile technology.
MTAM currently has chapters in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Lansing. With this merger, MTAM will reach out to former Connectech Detroit members ? and former Connectech members around the state ? to invite them to join MTAM.
?MTAM was approached by Connectech with an offer to merge their organization with MTAM,? said MTAM CEO Linda Daichendt. ?In evaluating the opportunity, we quickly recognized that there was a good fit between the organizations.?
Jeremy Eckhous, Treasurer and a Director of Connectech, helped to negotiate the terms of the merger.
?We had this money sitting in the bank for the past couple years since Connectech went defunct,? he said. ?I approached Linda and asked her if she would like to absorb these assets and what was left of Connectech Detroit.?
The Connectech Network had at one time expanded to 10 cities throughout Michigan. It was managed by Automation Alley in Oakland County with funds provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. But when the state economy tanked in late 2008, MEDC funding was cut off and Automation Alley ended its bankrolling of the network.
?In 2012, there is still an urgent need to focus on promoting the advanced engineering and technology capabilities of the region,? Daichendt said. ?However, in the last 18-24 months we?ve seen explosive growth in those areas as it relates to the mobile and wireless technology space, particularly in the transportation, healthcare, government, education, and infotainment sectors.
?The merger with Connectech expands MTAM?s reach and brings to MTAM professionals from the IT, digital marketing, research and media communities,? she said. ?We believe the addition of these communities will add a valuable strategic focus to enhance the existing technology and development focus that is already so much a part of the MTAM organization. We are at the beginning of this process and hope all the other Connectech chapters will join us as well.?
As a first gesture of outreach to Connectech members, MTAM is offering special incentives for Connectech members interested in attending MTAM?s ?Mobile Moves Michigan? mobile wireless technology conference at Motor City Casino on July 30th and 31st.
Attend WIPJam to:
? Connect with mobile development experts from across North America.
? Discover new APIs, Tools, SDKs for app development.
? Get a crash course in Mobile 101: How it’s changing enterprise.
? Learn how mobile is driving the auto-industry.
? Find out the mobile trends for the next 12 months.
? Learn what a mobile strategy can do for your business.
Attend Muther! of all Hack-a-thons to:
? Attend Deep Dive Technical Master Classes for intense training
? Visit Expert Tables and learn tips & tricks from the experts to enhance your app
? Compete for thousands of $$$ in prizes.
? Build an App in 24 hours & pitch it to win great prizes
Additional information and registration details can be found at http://wipconnector.com
Connectech members interested in learning more about those incentives may inquire at [email protected].
