LANSING – It’s official. The Mid-Michigan Innovation Alliance kicked off Monday armed with a three-year, $15 million grant from the federal government to refocus auto suppliers on building products for biofuels. Former Michigan labor czar David Hollister will be in charge of spreading the grant money around.
The Mid Michigan Innovation Alliance is a region that includes 13 counties incorporating Flint, Lansing and Saginaw. It was developed under the leadership of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Genesee County Economic Development Agency, and Michigan State University.
A key element of the Mid Michigan proposal is to refocus automotive supplier firms once tied to GM to emerging and growing manufacturing markets as well as the development of an alternative energy sector. This proposal builds on the strong automotive, educational and philanthropic assets of the region.
In annoucing the grant winners in February, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said the WIRED grants will help Michigan create competitive regional economices, spur growth and prosperity by creating high-skill and high-wage jobs.
