Bailey named to Technology Tri-Corridor Committee
Oct. 21, 2003
LANSING, Mich. -- Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has created a
Technology Tri-Corridor Steering
Committee and has selected Dr. Judith I. Bailey, president of
Western Michigan University, to serve among the 19 charter members
of the group.
Made up of representatives from the life sciences, homeland security, and emerging automotive industries, the committee 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:
Donald Jakeway, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
David Hollister, Department of Consumer and Industry Services/Labor and Economic Growth
Jay B. Rising, State Treasurer
Peter McPherson, Michigan State University
Mary Sue Coleman, University of Michigan
Irvin Reid, Ph.D., Wayne State University
Judith Bailey, Ph.D., Western Michigan University
David L. Van Andel, Van Andel Research Institute
John W. Brown, Stryker Corporation
David Canter (Chair), Pfizer Global Research & Development
Kenneth Baker, Altarum
Dennis Wend, TACOM
David Cole, Ph.D., Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation, Automotive Research Center
Paul Massaron, PEM Consulting and Wayne State University board member
Richard Sloan, Sloan Ventures, LLC
Michael Jandernoa, Perrigo Company
Mary L. Campbell, EDF Ventures
Two additional members will be named by the Speaker of the
Michigan House of Representaties and 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>.
Media contact: Matt Kurz, 269 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu