October 20, 2003

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today that she has signed an executive order to create the Technology Tri-Corridor Steering Committee.  The group, made up of representatives from the life sciences, homeland security, and emerging automotive industries, will chart the strategic direction of Michigan’s newest economic development initiative. 

“The steering committee, which includes some of Michigan’s best and brightest in our emerging sectors, will serve as a catalyst for building on our high-tech automotive heritage while continuing to diversify our state’s economy,” Granholm said.  “Building on Michigan’s incredible life sciences success, the new Technology Tri-Corridor will create a magnet to attract even more technology-oriented businesses.

The new steering committee members include representatives from the public, university, and business communities.  The members are as follows:

•  Donald Jakeway, Ingham County, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
•  David Hollister, Ingham County, Department of Consumer and Industry Services/Labor and Economic Growth
•  Jay B. Rising, Ingham County, State Treasurer
•  Peter McPherson, Ingham County, representing Michigan State University 
•  Mary Sue Coleman, Washtenaw County, representing University of Michigan 
•  Irvin Reid, Ph.D., Wayne County, representing Wayne State University 
•  Judith Bailey, Ph.D., Kalamazoo County, representing Western Michigan University 
•  David L. Van Andel, Kent County, representing Van Andel Research Institute  
•  John W. Brown, Kalamazoo County, Stryker Corporation, representing members actively engaged in the life sciences sector
•  David Canter (Chair), Washtenaw County, Pfizer Global Research & Development, representing members actively engaged in the life sciences sector
•  Kenneth Baker, Oakland County, Altarum, representing members actively engaged in the homeland security sector 
•  Dennis Wend, Macomb County, TACOM, representing members actively engaged in the homeland security sector 
•  David Cole, Ph.D., Washtenaw County, Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation, Automotive Research Center, representing members actively engaged in the automotive technology sector
•  Paul Massaron, Oakland County, PEM Consulting and Wayne State University Board Member, representing members actively engaged in the automotive technology sector
•  Richard Sloan, Oakland County, Sloan Ventures, LLC, representing members at large
•  Michael Jandernoa, Kent County, Perrigo Company, representing members at large 
•  Mary L. Campbell, Washtenaw County, EDF Ventures, representing members at large 
•  An as yet named representative nominated by the Speaker of the House
•  An as yet named representative nominated by the Majority Leader of the Senate
     
The Technology Tri-Corridor was created by the Governor to continue the growth of the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, while also focusing on the emerging homeland security and critical advanced automotive technology sectors.
 
Michigan has had tremendous success in the life sciences.  The state has welcomed more than 70 new life sciences companies since the program was created in 1999.  The approximately $190 million awarded has helped to leverage more than $4 billion in venture capital and other private sector investment.
 
The state can expect to see equally promising results in the other two sectors.  The federal government has committed $1 billion to assist in the development of homeland security technologies.  The Life Sciences Corridor program has already invested 30 percent – or $20 million – of its funds to proposals with homeland security applications proving the growth of this sector in the state.
 
In addition, Michigan has more than 200,000 jobs tied to the automotive industry.  Yet, there appears to be alternative technologies on the horizon that will reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and reduce harmful emissions.  The Big Three alone have committed more than $4 billion to alternative energy technology. This auto industry evolution places Michigan in the position of tremendous opportunity, or risk, depending on its reaction to this emerging automotive technology.
 
The MEDC is charged with administering the Technology Tri-Corridor program.  In the months ahead, the corporation will be working with the steering committee members in developing a request for proposals and establishing general guidelines for funding.  For more information on the Technology Tri-Corridor and the MEDC’s other programs and initiatives, visit the Web site at www.michigan.org.