2015 Project Success Current Project Pipeline Willow Run Redevelopment Business Development Services

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1 TO: Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development FROM: SPARK Business Development Team SUBJECT: July-December 2015 Update on 48197/98 Economic Development DATE: February 11, Project Success Pollard Banknote invests $16,828,000 in the Ypsilanti Township location. 141 jobs retained and 9 new jobs. Interclean: SPARK worked with Interclean to help them apply for STTF. The company received $35,000 in training funds to create 3 new jobs and retain and train 24 employees. SPARK is the fiduciary for a MEDC Grant to the City of Ypsilanti for improved neighborhoods for $50,000 for the Parkridge Neighborhood Revitalization project. Current Project Pipeline SPARK currently has 8 projects in the project pipeline that are considering expanding or locating in Eastern Washtenaw County. We have 2 new organizations interested in the Eastern Washtenaw microloan program, applications are currently being reviewed and completed for submission. $121, 794 is currently available for 2016 micro loans. SPARK East is currently at full capacity. In 2016, we will be completing on our additional space allocation project which will allow for 6 new permanent tenants as well as more virtual tenant workspace. Our relationship with EMU is strong and we will be supporting several programs in 2016 including the SESI conference and the Skandalaris Business Competition along with Entrepreneurial Classes and other events. Willow Run Redevelopment On January 19, 2016, Governor Snyder announced the State of Michigan s intention to develop the former General Motors facility at Willow Run into the nation s connected and automated vehicle center. The Governor s announcement builds on years of involvement by Ann Arbor SPARK, Ypsilanti Township, elected officials, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and numerous other partners to bring this project to the site. (see attached American Center for Mobility Activity Report) Business Development Services 80% of job growth is expected to come from existing businesses. SPARK has conducted business visits with the following Eastern Washtenaw County companies listed below.

2 AGC Automotive Americas R & D, Inc American Broach & Machine Company Back Office Studio Blackmore Company Hyundai America Technical Center Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. InterClean Equipment, Inc. Jacobsen&Daniels Associates LaVision, Inc. Oberon Technologies MDA Information Systems LLC Michigan Ladder Company Packstrong Pollard Banknote Ltd. Rickstar SAMSA, Inc Sensitile Systems The Back Office Studio Titania Software Vayu, LLC VG Kids Visual Compass Web Design 48197/48198 Incentive Toolbox SPARK has created a committee to review applications for funding. As of December 31, 2015, we have not had any companies apply for incentives. We have promoted the incentive toolbox as part of our marketing efforts. The incentive toolbox is $200,000 ($50,000 in funding remains from the 2015 Spark Act 88 allocation for incentives and $150,000 is allocated for 2016.) Members of the committee include: Todd Clark, Old National Bank Leigh Greden, EMU Michael Tidwell, EMU Tony VanDerworp, OCED Marketing and Outreach Strategy Development of marketing materials in print, web, social media channels, etc. that highlight the assets, opportunities and incentive tools available to companies. Developing an outreach strategy to partners and companies that could help generate leads for use of this program. Marketing SPARK has developed marketing materials in print, web and via social media channels as well.

3 Social:

4 Website: Brochure Sample of Media coverage for Innovate Ypsilanti event

5 Event Marketing Innovate Ypsi Event on November 6 th 2015 Over 100 people attended this event and generated great PR for Ypsi. The recently announced new restaurants and retail space in Ypsi have helped to generate a buzz. Based on feedback from the broker community, Beal properties is currently working with three leads from the event. SPARK will again host Innovate Ypsi event in Spring Outside of downtown Ypsilanti, SPARK has been working with Ypsilanti Township. On December 10, SPARK held a special tour of MDA s 200,000 sq. ft. facility located in the Washtenaw County Business Park and has been working with MDA to secure sub-lease tenants. MDA currently employs 160 employees at their Ypsilanti township location and they are a large flight risk for leaving the township unless the company finds sublease tenant options.

6 Outreach SPARK has met with over 100 stakeholders in Eastern Washtenaw County and welcomes leads. SPARK s outreach and marketing strategy has focused on developing relationships with and providing Toolbox information to the banking and broker community to generate leads. Brokers/Property Owners/Banks engaged: Andrew O Neal Bank of Ann Arbor Beal Properties Bill Kinley C. Hedger Breed Fifth Third Bank Franklin Realty (Key Bank Building) Joe Lawrence (Ypsilanti Rentals) Mauer Management Old National Bank Real Estate One Swisher Commercial Washtenaw Credit Union