Six Counties Form Greater Ann Arbor Region Collaborative to Attract Growing Businesses
ANN ARBOR (WWJ) -- Six southeast Michigan counties have opted to market themselves to business as the "Greater Ann Arbor Region."
Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw counties are targeting businesses that are seeking a destination for relocation or expansion.
"Each of the counties involved in the 'Greater Ann Arbor Region' marketing push brings unique strengths and assets to the table, but it's in the combination of assets that a strong, compelling story emerges," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor Spark, the economic development agency for Washtenaw and Livingston counties. "This collaborative effort to promote the greater Ann Arbor region shines a spotlight on the importance of regionalism and how, by working together with our peers and neighbors, we can drive our economy forward."
With a grant funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the group's collaborative efforts will center on marketing the Greater Ann Arbor Region to company executives and site selectors considering new business locations. These efforts are designed to highlight the region's unique assets, specifically in manufacturing, life sciences, automotive, software, and IT. Outreach efforts will also promote the region's robust higher education sector.
To kick off its outreach efforts, the counties have created a new website that includes a robust suite of research data, available properties and other tools that businesses can use to evaluate location options. The website also features case studies of successful regional businesses, including VenTower of Monroe, C. Raker and Sons of Hillsdale, and NuStep of Ann Arbor.
In coming months, the partners will kick off a targeted email and social media marketing campaign to create awareness of the Greater Ann Arbor Region. Efforts will also include hosting site selectors for tours of the region.
The Greater Ann Arbor Region is a collaborative effort that includes Ann Arbor SPARK, Hillsdale County Economic Development Partnership, The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Monroe County Business Development Corp., and Lenawee Now. For more information, visit www.GreaterAnnArborRegion.org.
