Ann Arbor SPARK to Support Economic Development Council of Livingston County

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Arbor SPARK, the public private partnership created to drive economic development through business expansion, retention and attraction to the Ann Arbor region, was recently asked by the Economic Development Council of Livingston County to make a proposal to assume management of its business attraction efforts. Under this new collaboration, Ann Arbor SPARK would include Livingston in its efforts to support business growth and expansion in the region.  

"A core value in creating Ann Arbor SPARK six years ago was open source economic development and regional collaboration," said Paul Krutko, Ann Arbor SPARK president and CEO. "Given that global competition is between economic regions, not government subdivisions, the proposed partnership with Livingston County would be an important opportunity to position the Ann Arbor region more competitively."

"Ann Arbor SPARK has a successful track record in fostering regional collaboration and leading statewide programs—partnering with Livingston County to advance the interests of our region is a logical step," Krutko added.

The Economic Development Council of Livingston County, pending sufficient funding commitments from its public and private stakeholders, tentatively approved Ann Arbor SPARK's proposal for a three-year agreement. The final agreement between the organizations would require approval from Ann Arbor SPARK's executive committee.  

"By working with Ann Arbor SPARK, the Economic Development Council of Livingston County is uniquely positioned to review and improve the way it provides services," said Michael Kennedy, Economic Development Council of Livingston County board chair. "Ann Arbor SPARK's efforts are a catalyst for our region's continued growth, providing an exciting opportunity to build on the solid, established business base here in Livingston."

ABOUT ANN ARBOR SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Washtenaw County etcs/Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.

ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Economic Development Council (EDC) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to the creation and sustainability of economic opportunities in-sync with the quality of life and unique characteristics of Livingston County. EDC is a one-stop resource for businesses seeking growth in Livingston County, with services ranging from employee retention, transportation and housing, to site location assistance, job training grants and tax abatements. For more information please call (517) 546-0822 or visit www.livingstonedc.com.

SOURCE Ann Arbor SPARK

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