Department event to help auto suppliers diversify into growing, high-tech sectors.

The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, in partnership with the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, are sponsoring an Automotive Supplier Diversification Summit to be held at MacRay Harbor, in Harrison Township, on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

Established as a program of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the upcoming summit is one of a dozen events being held state-wide that are designed to introduce new growth opportunities to auto suppliers and manufacturers. Many of the skill sets that reside with our manufacturers, honed by decades of service to the auto industry, transfer well to other technology-based industries.  Southeast Michigan stands unique among regions globally for its concentration of talent in engineering, research and development, prototyping and manufacturing. As such, the potential opportunities for a Michigan workforce to create new and innovative products in growing, high-tech sectors are abundant.  

Those attending the summit will hear industry experts in the sectors of alternative energy, aerospace, defense/homeland security, and medical devices, outlining the various components of a diversification strategy. The event will also feature business leaders who have successfully navigated their companies to diversification. They will share their insights on overcoming the barriers to entering specific markets. The MEDC’s program includes follow-up with select attendees, requesting that they complete a qualifying questionnaire.  Up to $10,000 in matching-grant monies will be awarded to each of those companies that are deemed to be financially capable and organizationally prepared and committed to undertaking the diversification process.

No more than two representatives per company may attend. Pre-registration is required. Please watch our website, MacombBusiness for additional details on this event.