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Ann Arbor SPARK and EDCLC Recognize Livingston County Economic SuccessesEconomic progress and successes were celebrated at Ann Arbor SPARK's annual meeting in Livingston County, co-hosted by the Economic Development Council of Livingston County (EDCLC). The organizations also honored organizations that demonstrated outstanding business leadership in the last year. Lowry Solutions was honored as Talent Innovator of the Year, and First National Bank and the Great Lakes Women's Business Council were awarded Economic Development Partner of the Year award. A video highlighting the economic successes in Livingston County is available online: https://youtu.be/cZuGFKwnVl8. In addition, Ann Arbor SPARK and EDCLC honored several board members for their service to the community. The organizations recognized Tom Sullivan, retired president of Cleary University, Belinda Peters, retired Livingston County Administrator, and Scott Griffith, president of Griffith Realty. "Livingston County's economy has certainly grown since Ann Arbor SPARK and EDCLC began working together in 2011," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. "We've seen global leaders like Thai Summit America and Eberspacher choose Livingston County for their businesses, as well as Lake Trust Credit Union; these economic development wins have resulted in multi-million dollar investments in Livingston Countyand hundreds of new jobs. With innovative talent and investment programs in place now that were developed in response to employer demand, Livingston County is well-positioned for continued success." First National Bank and the Great Lakes Women's Business Council were honored for establishing a microloan fund to support business growth in the county. The $100,000 fund awards up to $50,000 to businesses in Livingston County. The competitive loans are designed to help companies fill a key need that will help them further their success. First National Bank, a key community leader in Livingston County for over 120 years, is focused on providing practical financial services to families and businesses. The Great Lakes Women's Business Council is a Michigan-based nonprofit organization that advances business owners by certifying 1,000 women business owners as a regional partner for the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, training 15,000 business owners and through its CEED Lending initiative, lending more than $5.5 million resulting in the creation of more than 1,800 jobs and over $11.6 billion in revenue generated. Lowry Solutions was honored for its partnership with Pinckney Community Schools' internship program. The partnership has resulted in not only teaching in-demand skills to students, it's shown Livingston County students and families that high level opportunities exist for them within the region. Headquartered in Brighton, Lowry Solutions is a Global Systems Integrator of complete technology solutions for businesses and the Department of Defense. The company has a reputation for providing the best and broadest comprehensive technical support services and IT/customer portals in the Automatic Identification Data Capture industry. About Ann Arbor SPARK Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. 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, Livingston 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.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151118006434/en/ |
