Innovation & Job News

Tax incentive package for Aerotropolis could create up to 50,000 jobs

Metromode Thursday, December 09, 2010

The development of Metro Detroit's Aerotropolis concept took a big step forward last week when the state Senate passed a package of bills providing tax incentives that should help the development and business attraction around Metro Airport.

"This legislation will put Michigan ahead of every other state when it comes to attracting logistics and air travel-like businesses," says Michael McGee, principal at Miller Canfield. "Michigan will be able to compete for logistics businesses around the world."

Miller Canfield, on behalf of Wayne County, helped craft the legislation called the Next Michigan Development initiative. The new laws allow for the creation of five Next Michigan corporations, which can utilize a variety of property and other tax abatements to attract businesses and tax increment financing to spur new development. The Aerotropolis Development Corp is the first of these five Next Michigan corps.

The Aerotropolis initiative covers approximately 60,000 acres in Wayne and Washtenaw counties around Metro Airport. The plan is to create as many as 50,000 jobs over the next 15 years. Metro Airport is on of southeast Michigan's primary economic engines, providing a major hub for air travel and shipping around the world.

Source: Michael McGee, principal at Miller Canfield
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Macomb Comm. College, Wayne State split $5M federal stimulus grant

metromode Thursday, March 25, 2010

Wayne State University and Macomb Community College are splitting a $5 million federal stimulus grant to help further research and development of electrical vehicles.

The new electric drive vehicle engineering program known as E3 - Electrifying the Economy, Educating the Workforce is in accordance with President Obama's goal of putting 1 million plug-in electric vehicles on the road by 2015.

The program will develop advanced educational programs in electric drive vehicles at both institutions of higher learning. These degrees will feature a master's in electric drive vehicle engineering and a bachelor's in electric transportation technology. National workshops and outreach programs to secondary education classes will also be offered.

E3 received the grant last fall and just formed its executive advisory committee. It expects to begin kicking the program into high gear later this year.

Source: Wayne State University
Writer: Jon Zemke

Ford Transit Connect gains traction in market

metromode Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Ford Transit Connect is showing signs of successfully making the leap from showroom success to market success as orders begin to pile up for the green machine.

DTE Energy has placed an order for 19 of the hybrid and electric commercial vehicles and is looking for ways to incorporate more into its fleet. Canada Post and AT&T are among the other organizations across North America that have claimed some of the 1,175 Transit Connects so far.

Oak Park-based Azure Dynamics makes the electric version of the Transit Connect. It expects to manufacture between 1,000 and 2,000 vehicles next year, thanks to winning awards like Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year.

"It's a great product for us," says Curt Huston, COO of Azure Dynamics. "It has raised our visibility."

The 20-year-old firm has roots in British Columbia. It moved its headquarters from Toronto to Metro Detroit a few years ago and has since expanded its staff to 30 people. About half of those have been hired in the last 12-18 months.

Huston expects to continue hiring as products like the Transit Connect are picked up into major fleets looking for green cred. He believes those orders will help lower the price of the truck and its components, making the vehicle more affordable to the rest of the market.

Source: Curt Huston, COO of Azure Dynamics
Writer: Jon Zemke

U-M, WSU lead new transportation consortium

Concentrate Thursday, March 11, 2010

Transportation has been getting people to their jobs in Michigan for a century, and a new University Research Consortium program wants to reinvent that business model so people in Metro Detroit have better ways to access paying opportunities.

Excerpt:

If there is one thing Ann Arbor knows, it's research. And if there's one thing Metro Detroit knows, it's transportation. The two areas are combining these two strengths to create Transforming Transportation: Economies & Communities.

The University Research Corridor's new program promotes multidisciplinary, multi-institutional research that supports industry, community, and government policy-making and planning. The University of Michigan and Wayne State University will lead the charge with this new effort that hopes to serve as a nerve center for transportation innovation in the regional, state, national, and global economies.

"It's an idea whose time has come," says Allen Batteau, an anthropologist who heads Wayne State's Institute for Information Technology and Culture.

Read the rest of the story here.

New VC firm Fontinalis to focus on transportation

metromode Thursday, February 04, 2010

Metro Detroit's old money is starting to dabble in a few new economy ventures, now that a group of local financial heavyweights have launched Fontinalis Partners.

Bill Ford (yep, that Bill Ford who chairs Ford Motor Co.) is teaming up with Ralph Booth (CEO and chairman of Booth American Company) and Mark Schulz (former president of International Operations at Ford) to launch the Michigan-based venture capital firm. Fontinalis will focus on investing in transportation tech companies around the world.

Fontinalis' first investment is in Atlanta-based Parkmobile USA. The nearly two-year-old firm specializes in mobile parking payment systems and integrated transportation technology solutions. Its European counterpart was founded in 1999.

Parkmobile's cashless parking system allows motorists to pay for parking through an application on their mobile phone or by making a short call. The idea is to eliminate meter feeding with pocket change and guessing a length of stay. Parkmobile also makes Electronic Parking Permits.

Fontinalis has offices in Detroit and Boston. Its mission is to leverage the firm's background in transportation to scale up companies providing the transportation technology solutions of tomorrow.

"We take our mission very seriously to invest in and assist firms currently providing transformational ideas and products devoted to solving the world's most pressing environmental and mobility-oriented problems," Bill Ford said in a press release.

Source: Fontinalis Partners
Writer: Jon Zemke

GREEN SPACE: Transit Action Conference lands in Detroit on Jan. 30, TRU hiring

metromode Thursday, January 28, 2010

This Saturday, January 30, transit advocates will spend an afternoon hunkering down and working towards moving ahead with regional transit goals in the coming year. Hosted by none other than Transportation Riders United (TRU), the 1 to 6 p.m. session includes training workshops as well as organizational business like TRU board elections.

Workshop options include improving the area's existing bus systems, SMART millage renewal, advancing rapid transit, outreach, and leadership development. The opportunities are geared towards both seasoned transit advocates and newer volunteers to the cause. "No matter their skill level, (attendees) will be able to get actively involved in promoting transit in our community," says TRU executive director Megan Owens.

The conference takes place at the new MSU Detroit Center, located at 3408 Woodward, south of Mack. Register here.

While on the subject of TRU, we'd be remiss not to mention that the organization is currently hiring a new assistant director. Job description and application instructions can be found here. The application deadline is Monday, Feb. 1, so get cracking!

Source: Megan Owens, TRU (Read her Metromode blog here.)
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Ann Arborites create new technology to simplify parking

Concentrate Thursday, January 22, 2009

The people are taking public parking in their own hands in downtown Ann Arbor these days.

Excerpt:

Parking woes have long been the scourge of downtown Ann Arbor. But a couple of local brains are coming up with a new application that could help solve that problem without adding a single extra space.

"Everyone is interested in parking," says Fred Posner, who developed the new application with Ed Vielmetti. "There has been some creative use of this data in the past."

Read the rest of the story here.

VPSI takes advantage of high gas prices, grows

metromode Thursday, July 10, 2008

Gas prices can't go high enough for VPSI. The van-pooling company is experiencing rapid growth as the motorists everywhere cope with skyrocketing energy prices.

The company was started by a couple of Chrysler employees in 1977, during the first energy crisis, to help reduce traffic, commuting costs and pollution. Today it is the largest vanpool company in the world, with nearly 4,500 vanpools in service.

One vanpool can take as many as 14 cars off the road and save users thousands of dollars in annual commuting costs. Last year VPSI helped eliminate nearly 6.9 million vehicle commuting trips, conserve more than 26 million gallons of fuel and eliminated more than 275,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

And it uses these saving to create jobs. The company has grown to 139 employees, including 41 at its Troy headquarters, and expects to grow more sooner rather than later. It has added more than 500 van pools since January and has exceeded its growth goals for 2008 six months early.

Source: VPSI
Writer: Jon Zemke

Intraduce looks to make commuting easier with first class transportation avenues

Concentrate Thursday, June 12, 2008

Driving in Metro Detroit could become much easier if Intraduce has anything to say about it. The Ann Arbor-based start-up wants to create special toll lanes above freeways to help ease congestion and save commuting time for those who want to pay for it.

Excerpt:

Just about everyone has dreamt of flying their car above traffic when stuck in a jam on I-94. Well Ann Arbor-based Intraduce hopes to let commuters rise above traffic and fly down clear lanes one day soon.

The transit-oriented firm of 13 people wants to revolutionize commuting in our highway-happy region by creating car-pool-like lanes for those who want to pay for them above highways. The idea is create a toll road above expressways so people can pay to essentially avoid rush hour. If successful, Adik sees the company adding jobs exponentially.

"We have done some proofs and simulations that show the revenue than can be created is enough to pay for the infrastructure," says Jeffrey Adik, founder and chairman of Intraduce.

Read the rest of the story here.

Feds recognize Michigan as smart car and road technology leader

metromode Thursday, May 15, 2008

These days when one car speaks to another it's usually one angry driving blasting a horn or letting a finger fly. But the Michigan Department of Transportation thinks it's on to a more palatable way for vehicles to communicate.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently recognized the MDOT as one of the nation's leaders in developing vehicle infrastructure integration initiatives. That big fancy phrase means developing systems where cars can communicate with each other and roadside devices.

The program could be used to alert drivers when a car is getting too close or when a problem with the road is ahead. The MDOT and Oakland County Road Commission have deployed a prototype of this system for testing in Metro Detroit.

The idea is that helping develop this type of technology will help create more local jobs in the growing industry. The Center for Automotive Research estimates that more than 20,000 jobs will be created in the coming years in the field of vehicle electronics.

"The VII program in Michigan has attracted partners to develop, test and deploy future transportation technologies in Detroit," says Greg Krueger, the program manager of MDOT Statewide Intelligent Transportation Systems. "Our private and public partners have invested time and technology to help Michigan become a national leader in this important endeavor."

Source: Michigan Department of Transportation
Writer: Jon Zemke

Green Space: New year, new push for transit

metromode Thursday, January 17, 2008

It's tempting to be cynical about efforts to promote transit in the region, after years and years of a strong regional transit system just. not. happening.

But there is real momentum these days, helped in part by exorbitant gas prices and the public's rising concern about global warming. Transportation Riders United (TRU) is the most vocal and visible advocate for mass transit in Southeastern Michigan, and is a credible source for information and analysis about government efforts to secure funding to develop it.

They recently updated their members and supporters with an overview of 2007 in regards to area transit efforts; here is a recap.

Transit czar John Hertel spent 2007 gathering information and talking with government officials and groups like TRU to create "a broad regional plan." 2008 will be spent refining that plan and garnering support for it.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study is making progress on the Detroit/Hamtramck/Highland Park front. Based on extensive information gathered, they have narrowed the number of routes being considered to three (Woodward, Woodward-Michigan Ave. and Woodward-Gratiot) and will announce their "preferred alternative" early this year. Funding comes next; TRU hopes this line will be a reality within five years.

SEMCOG continues efforts to develop two commuter rail lines: Detroit-Airport-Ann Arbor and Livingston-Washtenaw. These lines could be in motion within two years.

TRU is asking the public to fill out a brief survey to determine where the organization should focus its energies in the coming year -- let them know what you think.

Finally, their annual meeting is January 28. Hertel and other key people in the transit arena will be there. Visit TRU's website for more information.

Hopefully, 2008 will be a momentous one in the world of transit.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Creation of aerotropolis is a bi-partisan, regional effort

Detroit Free Press Thursday, September 27, 2007

Who says we just can't all get along? United States Representatives John Dingell and Candice Miller sit on opposite sides of the aisle. But they are of like minds when it come to establishment of an aerotropolis.

Excerpt:

The aerotropolis concept centers on major airports and features warehouses, offices, shopping, convention centers and housing. Experts who specialize in this field believe that Detroit is a prime candidate for such development. It's easy to see why, given our status as the Midwest's jumping off point for Southeast Asia and our standing as a global manufacturing center and international crossroads.

Officials from Wayne County and Detroit Renaissance have developed plans for an aerotropolis that could create up to 60,000 jobs and attract 40,000 residents. If successful, this would be a dramatic leap in making southeast Michigan an international economic powerhouse.

Read the entire editorial here and read 'mode feature about the initiative here.

CA-based IT firm opens Ann Arbor office, actively hiring

Great Lakes IT Report Thursday, September 13, 2007

California-based Barracuda Networks, an IT security firm, has opened an Ann Arbor office. It currently has eight on staff, a number which will increase to up to 30 in the coming months.

Excerpt:

[Product manager Sean] Heiney said Barracuda has been pleased with the intellectual abilities of area recent college graduates.

"All the regional universities are producing quality candidates who don't want to leave Michigan but who don't have many other options, and we're trying to take advantage of that," Heiney said.

Read the entire article here.

Green Space: Ready, set, don't drive

metromode Thursday, July 26, 2007

It's so easy to drive in Southeast Michigan! And sometimes, unavoidable. It is possible to do it less, but it takes some forethought and oftentimes, patience. Here are some tips.

Combine trips. Living near downtown Detroit, it is sometimes necessary to do some big box shopping in the 'burbs. I do so no more than twice a month, making lists and hitting several stores (Target, Pet Supply Plus, Meijer, etc.) in one fell swoop.

Bike. Even if you are a slow pedaler, a five-mile trip will take you less than a half-an-hour, a one-mile trip only five minutes. When you factor in parking, biking can often be a time-saver.

Take the train. The Wolverine Line runs from Pontiac through Birmingham, Royal Oak, Detroit and Dearborn to Ann Arbor three times a day. While not as fast as driving, it is affordable (about $10-15 between Detroit and Ann Arbor) and gives you a chance to read, catch up on voice mails or paperwork. I wish the trains were outfitted with wireless, but I find there is still computer work I can usually get done without being on-line.

Take the bus. Let's put it this way: most people that complain about SMART, AATA and DDOT don't actually ride them.

Shop locally. Again, living in Detroit, I know lots of folks that hit Trader Joe's, Westborn Market or Whole Foods outside the city. It's hard to blame them. But I have found that shopping at Eastern Market and a couple of smaller local grocers provides me with great produce and specialty goods.

Similarly, use local service-providers. Where are your doctor, dentist, bank? Shortening those drives makes life so much easier.

Share rides. Drive to work with a neighbor, to a movie with a friend instead of meeting her there, etc. When four cars show up at the bar for four friends to meet, it's kinda ridiculous.

Walk! Slower than biking, true, but an undervalued form of transportation is pedestrian-ism. If it's been a while since you walked somewhere, try adding just one trip by foot per week. It's good for your brain and the environment. And it's, like, really safe.

With gas prices escalating and mass transit options lacking, it's time to get creative about lessening our area's dependence on vehicles.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

National Transportation Week centers on the Motor City

metromode Monday, May 14, 2007

This week is National Transportation Week, an annual event since President Kennedy created it in 1962. This year the national event puts its focus on Detroit. Already known around the world as the Motor City, this week offers us a unique opportunity to let the nation know Detroit isn't just about cars anymore. Thus, a plethora of events centered around alternative fuels, cycling and transit.

Let metromode be your guide as we offer up a sampling of the festivities. And check back for more extensive coverage throughout the week.

Tuesday, May 15

In the morning, the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau and WWJ will host �Moving Michigan: Advancing Transportation Through Technology� business breakfast at NextEnergy in Detroit, featuring a panel discussion on the technological advancements changing all sectors of transportation�air, water, roads and rail.

For more information or to register, head to http://www.WWJ.com.

At 10:00, NextEnergy will host a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 10 million-gallon-per-year biodiesel production facility. The operator, Biodiesel Industries, utilizes proprietary technology that allows it to produce fuel from multiple sources, ranging from soy beans to French fry grease. Metromode will be in attendance; look for more information about this crucial project later in the week.

All day at Novi's Rock Financial Showplace, DTE Energy and The Engineering Society of Detroit will co-host the 2007 Energy Conference and Exhibition. The focus here is on products and services that will help conserve energy and save money. Speakers will include executives from automotive manufacturers and suppliers, health care, banking, the state department of environmental control, energy distribution and sustainable development. More here.

Wednesday, May 16

Transportation Riders United sponsored a design competition called "Detroit in Transit: Visions of a Region on the Move," and tonight will host a reception at Centaur honoring the top submissions. Categories include transit vehicles, station architectural design and urban planning of vibrant transit-oriented neighborhoods.

Thursday, May 17

NextEnergy will host the Michigan Clean Fleet Conference, which works to inform fleet managers of alternative energy vehicles and emission reduction techniques. Look for more information on this event later in the week.

Friday, May 18 � National Bike to Work Day

Detroit Synergy is coordinating local efforts for this national observation. The group ride will focus on the Woodward Corridor, beginning in Royal Oak at 6:20 a.m. and ending in Downtown Detroit at 8:10 a.m.

Saturday, May 19

TRU is hosting a preview of the Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter train. Board the Amtrak in Royal Oak or Detroit, ride the rails to Ann Arbor while learning about future plans for the corridor, disembark in Ann Arbor for a pleasant dinner�then hop the train for a ride home. It's that easy.

For a round-up of even more events, click here.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Altair tapped to develop high-tech bus prototypes

Great Lakes IT Report Thursday, March 15, 2007

Troy's Altair Engineering is teaming up with Automation Alley to develop two prototype high-tech buses that will be delivered to SMART and DDOT in 2008.

Excerpt:

The project will see Automation Alley and Altair, which develops software for manufacturing and grid computing, develop two prototype buses that are lighter, more fuel efficient, environmentally friendlier and easier to maintain than the existing state of the art.

Read the entire article here.

AATA goes live with route information

Crain's Detroit Business Wednesday, January 31, 2007

The Ann Arbor Transit Authority has begun offering up-to-the-minute route information accessible via the internet and web-enabled mobile phones and PDAs.

Excerpt:

The RideTrak system is accessible via AATA�s Web site at www.TheRide.org, through the �Routes and Schedules� menu item. Mobile RideTrak can be found through a Web-enabled mobile phone or PDA at mobile.TheRide.org.

Read the entire article here.

Newsradio WWJ launches Michigan Future blog

Future Blog Friday, January 19, 2007

WWJ has launched Michigan Future, a blog that reports on the culture of innovation in Michigan.

Check out the blog here.

Transit : Innovation & Job News