MIDLAND – Midland Tomorrow and Saginaw Future Inc. Thursday launched a dynamic partnership to attract new solar business investment to the region.
The Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership is a marketing collaboration that will present a unified marketing message and help stimulate the region’s solar industry.
“The three economic development organizations have worked cooperatively on initiatives in the past, but this is the first time an official partnership has been set in place,” said Frederick Hollister, president and CEO of Bay Future, Inc. “The Great Lakes Bay EDP will allow us to combine resources to better market the region.”
The presentation featured the results of a Solar and Photovoltaic Study conducted by The Austin Group and Chabin Concepts; specialized solar consultants contracted by the economic development organizations. Research was conducted on existing solar-related companies in Bay, Midland and Saginaw Counties and how to leverage that presence in order to attract new investment. The study also detailed the necessary support structure for a strong solar business climate and how the region matched up.
“The study confirmed a number of regional strengths, such as our strong solar and chemical companies, skilled workforce and educational institutions,” said Scott Walker, president of Midland Tomorrow. “The consultants also developed a plan of action to advance the regional business climate to be more attractive to the solar industry.”
A specialized marketing campaign and Web site that targets the solar supply chain was officially launched (www.MISolarAdvantage.com). The Great Lakes Bay EDP is also developing a complete package of marketing materials to highlight the region�??s business attributes and quality of life.
“This is an exciting time for the entire region as we have an opportunity to help develop and grow a new economy,” said JoAnn T. Crary, president of Saginaw Future Inc. “We will be reaching out to solar companies around the world touting this area as a global center for the photovoltaic industry.”
Mary Lou Benecke, State Government Relations Manager for Dow Corning Corporation, spoke on current solar development projects in the region, which could lead to additional investment.
Mike Hus, R&D Sr. Leader for Dow Solar Solutions �?? The Dow Chemical Company, also touched on solar advancement and the alternative energy opportunities in the emerging American alternative energy market.
More than 100 civic and business leaders from around the region attended the event, hosted by Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). The Great Lakes Bay EDP is supported by each of the economic development organizations and the WIRED initiative, which is administered by SVSU.
For more information, click on SaginawFuture.Com
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