ANN ARBOR ? Dow Chemical?s loss is Great Lakes Entrepreneur Quest?s gain. Arthur DeMonte, the former Dow e-Business Center global director became the first ever executive director of GLEQ, the state-sponsored business plan writing contest, now entering its fifth year.
DeMonte took the job Oct. 1. He?ll now be responsible for managing GLEQ and all the assorted tasks that come with that job. He?ll write the multi-year strategic plan, raise funds, develop budgets, staffs and volunteers. DeMonte will also work closely with GLEQ Program Manager Rishi Moudgil, who is in his second year with GLEQ.
?Arthur DeMonte will play a key role in expanding GLEQ?s position as a unique statewide resource for early-stage high-growth business,?? said Dave Brenner, GLEQ chair and managing partner of IdeaWorks, a Grand Rapids business incubator. ?While we had many highly qualified individuals express interest in the new position, we were very impressed with Arthur?s balance of entrepreneurial and corporate experience and the enthusiasm he clearly brings to everything he does. We know he will be instrumental in our efforts to take GLEQ to the next level in supporting Michigan entrepreneurs.?
Sources said more than 20 very well qualified candidates were vying for the post. Brenner would not say what all is included in DeMonte?s compensation package, but said it commensurate with the job and the responsibilities.
Prior to his job at Dow, DeMonte was vice president of Ann Arbor-based e-Chemicals and also served in various management roles with AlliedSignal. He also co founded Gelest in 1989, a Pennsylvania manufacturer of specialty chemicals.
DeMonte holds a Master?s degree in Business Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor?s of Science Degree from Pace University.
For more information, click on GLEQ.Org
