KALAMAZOO ? Sandra Cochrane, former chief operating officer of the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, has been appointed Technology Business Consultant by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center.

Cochrane?s new role, which starts March 1, will be to work with high tech entrepreneurs on their launch, commercialization and growth strategies. She will ensure that these entrepreneurs have the assistance they need to work through Michigan’s network of resources to successfully grow their businesses and create economic impact.

Since starting with the SMIC in 2001, Cochrane has shepherded the Innovation Center through its start-up phase and is credited with the development, construction and programming of the Innovation Center facility. During her tenure, the Innovation Center incubated 23 companies and mentored many more. In addition, Cochrane is viewed as an expert in the incubation industry and is a regular contributor to various publications including the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) Review.

The SMIC and the MI-SBTDC have partnered for years in their efforts to assist startup and existing entrepreneurs in Michigan. Cochrane?s new appointment at the MI-SBTDC will allow her experience to benefit the entire state of Michigan, not just the technology companies located in Southwest Michigan.

?The position with MI-SBTDC will allow me to stay within the network and assist companies across the state to grow and prosper,? Cochrane said.

MI-SBTDC Technology Team Coordinator Phil Tepley stated, ?The MI-SBTDC has worked in close collaboration with the SMIC since its inception and we view this very successful incubator as a strong and important partner both now and in future endeavors. The Technology Team has come to know Sandra very well. She’s provided excellent guidance to the SMIC clients and the network she brings, especially in life sciences, will prove extremely valuable to our technology clients across the state.”

Fred Einspahr, CEO of the Innovation Center, said Sandra will do very well in her new role.

?The flourishing life science community in Kalamazoo owes her a debt of gratitude for her contribution to its growth,? he said. ?Now she has an opportunity to work on a bigger stage. The new clients she will work with across the state will benefit from her experience.?

For more information, click on KazooMIC.Com

a>>