"Collaborating with TechTown is a fantastic opportunity for Automation Alley and a tremendous added benefit for our members," Automation Alley Executive Director Ken Rogers said. "Its location in downtown Detroit, in addition to its affiliation with Wayne State University, offers entrepreneurs an excellent avenue to pursue their work. We're excited to be working with TechTown as we continue to grow Southeast Michigan's technology economy."
The agreement calls for Automation Alley to set up an office at TechTown, staffed part-time by a member of the Automation Alley team. TechTown will also make available up to 5,000 square feet of dedicated space for tenants that Automation Alley recommends, particularly new businesses in the auto industry.
Automation Alley will provide TechTown with expertise in economic development and the local technology industry; they also have one of the largest networks of entrepreneurs in the area and a strong presence in overseas markets.
"Automation Alley has been in business for nine years, and they have a vast amount of expertise to bring to new business development," TechTown Director Randal Charlton said. "The value they'll bring to TechTown was underscored recently when they received the Presidential Export Award at the White House for their competitive achievements in the global marketplace."
Rogers and Charlton signed the agreement on July 18, and Automation Alley is expected to have a presence in the TechOne business accelerator facility in Midtown by the fall.
"Our mission is to help Detroit build new businesses and new jobs that will drive the economy in a new direction," Charlton said. "In order to do this, we must partner with the best economic development team available. Automation Alley is clearly a leader in its field."
ABOUT TECHTOWN
TechTown is an urban community of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and corporate partners creating an internationally recognized entrepreneurial village in the city of Detroit. TechTown brings the resources of Wayne State University to high technology start-up companies to diversify and strengthen Michigan's economy with life sciences, advanced engineering and alternative energy. For more information, visit www.techtownwsu.org
ABOUT AUTOMATION ALLEY
Automation Alley is a technology business association driving the growth and image of Southeast Michigan's economy through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives.
Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 900 businesses, educational institutions and government entities, covering an eight county area and the City of Detroit. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through business attraction services, exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.