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Thursday, December 17, 2009 Automation Alley Gets $394,800 To Build International Business Center
TROY - Automation Alley announced Thursday that the technology networking group received $394,800 in federal funding to build an international business center at its Troy headquarters. The money came from the Fiscal Year 2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill signed into law Thursday by President Obama. The project will create a 'soft business landing' center for international companies looking to conduct business in Southeast Michigan. The building expansion will include dedicated office and meeting space for international businesses and will allow companies to access shared resources, such as phone and computer use and general office necessities. Automation Alley received $285,000 from the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill in March, bringing the total federal support to $679,800 for the project. Expansion planning will begin immediately. "Support for the construction at Automation Alley's Headquarters will yield a tremendous return in the way of new business growth and job creation in Southeast Michigan," said Congressman Gary Peters (D-9th). "To get our economy back on track, we must help our businesses find new opportunities wherever they exist around the world. The new center will provide Automation Alley member companies the tools they need to find new export markets and attract new investment. Automation Alley is a tremendous asset for the region's economy and I am extremely pleased this investment will help them expand." In addition, the center will include cutting-edge technologies designed to connect businesses around the world. Automation Alley member companies that are looking to increase business with international companies will be able hold virtual meetings with potential partners and customers before and after trade missions. "It's not uncommon to see an international business begin with a small presence here in Southeast Michigan," said Ken Rogers, Automation Alley's executive director. "The new expansion will allow those international companies to become familiar with the open business culture, technical workforce and quality of life we have in our community. We anticipate that once they become established, their business will grow and new jobs will be created." For more information, click on click on AutomationAlley.Com
Author: Staff Writer Source: MITechNews.Com
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