(Detroit) October 26, 2006—TechTown, Detroit’s only research and technology park, will celebrate the Grand Opening of its first retail venture, The Java Exchange Café, with an all-day series of events on Friday, November 3.

“The launch of this innovative eatery is a significant milestone for TechTown,” says Howard Bell, executive director of TechTown, which now boasts more than 40 entrepreneurial ventures. “It confirms that we have generated a business community so successful, it is attracting retail tenants to serve the hundreds of employees working for new and established businesses in our park.”

The first event, the Grand Opening Breakfast with TechTown CEOs, is an invitation-only affair that will bring together corporate executives and elected officials. Guests will learn about TechTown’s development plans and discuss the growth of entrepreneurship and high tech industries in Detroit. At a second invitation-only event, the Economic Development Leaders Lunch, representatives of several city organizations serving as catalysts for change will reveal their latest updates.

Open to the public are: a preview of the FastTrac Seminar, a Kauffman Foundation entrepreneurship education program led by TechTown Managing Director Marlo Jenkins at 10:30 a.m.; the Investment Outlook & Opportunities Seminar led by Edward Jones Investment Representative Jerry Mangona and Goldman Sachs Divisional Vice President Juan Jeffries at 4 p.m.; the First Fridays Networking Soiree featuring the launch of television host Edward Foxworth’s National Urban Initiative web site and a panel on launching and funding a start-up venture beginning at 5 p.m.

“I cannot imagine a better location for The Java Exchange Café,” says owner Ramone Crowe Jr. “We share the same mission: to strengthen entrepreneurs, create jobs and improve Detroit’s economy.” The Café will enrich Detroiters with a menu of free financial and entrepreneurial education opportunities. Edward Jones’ Jerry Mangona will be the first finance expert to offer free, ongoing seminars beginning November 13.

In addition to excellent quality food and beverages, Java Exchange will provide free wireless Internet access, continuous stock updates on two LCD televisions and a theater projection system for presentations. Patrons seeking traditional coffee house amenities and activities can cozy up to the fireplace and enjoy Detroit’s finest performance poets on Friday nights beginning November 10. For more information, visit www.JavaExchangeCafe.com.

TechTown empowers entrepreneurs to build successful technology businesses that improve the quality of life for people across the country and around the world. At TechTown, we provide the support and access to capital needed to build high tech companies in Detroit.