12 Great Economic Stories of 2009

by Lisa Diggs

It was difficult to narrow the choices for this piece down to only twelve as Michigan entrepreneurs and veteran corporations are making big strides toward revitalizing our state. Here are some of my favorite signs of economic recovery for 2009.

MSU Gets on a Roll

While still basking in the glow of having secured the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Michigan State University, also forged a new partnership with IBM at the beginning of the year. The two entities created a Global Delivery Center for Application Services, which is located on the MSU campus in East Lansing. The center, which recently opened, is the first of its kind in the United States for IBM and is expected to generate 1,000 to 1,500 new jobs over the next five years.

Batteries Spark Jobs

Governor Granholm signed two battery industry bills into law that provide for a total of $555 million in available tax incentives to encourage companies to develop and build batteries in Michigan for hybrid and electric vehicles. As a result, General Motors decided it will build its own battery packs for the much anticipated Chevrolet Volt and build a new factory in Michigan to do it. Massachusetts-based A123 Systems, which has research operations in Ann Arbor, also announced that its first lithium-ion battery mass production site would be in southeast Michigan. Then in April, Chrysler announced that it had signed an official agreement to use battery packs from A123 in its planned electric vehicles.

GM Breaths New Life in Orion Plant

After what felt like a shocking turn of events, General Motors emerged from bankruptcy in mid-July. Though some turmoil continues, the company recently announced great plans for Michigan's Orion Assembly Plant. Workers at that facility have been selected to build the new Chevrolet Aveo.

Biden Brings Billion Dollar News

In August, Vice President Joe Biden came to Detroit to announce that Michigan companies are slated to get more than $1 billion in grants for electric vehicles. That news means that Michigan will get the largest piece of a $2.4 billion package of federal grants to develop next generation electric vehicles and batteries. This coupled with battery-related tax incentives offered by the State of Michigan earlier in the year, reenergizes Michigan’s distinction as a leader in an emerging and sustainable industry.

Unity Digs In and Cuts a Deal

In late August, Unity Studios broke ground on construction of its 104-acre film, TV and media production complex in Allen Park. Then in November, WAR Entertainment, a film and TV production company owned by former Detroit Piston Dale Davis, announced it will relocate from Pittsburgh to Unity Studios, with a full slate of productions scheduled to film in 2010.

Grand Rapids Wins with ArtPrize

In a refreshing turn away from automotive stories, the attention of the art world was captured by Grand Rapids with its inaugural ArtPrize, competition in the fall. The event transformed a three-mile district of downtown Grand Rapids into a gigantic exhibit with work from 1,262 artists in 159 venues — all vying for a top prize of $250,000. With a combined total of nearly $450,000 in funds awarded, organizers claim that ArtPrize distributed more money than any other art competition in the world. The real winners were the retaurants, retailers, and hotels who benefited from the influx of art aficianados to the city during the two and a half week competition. Mark your calendar now for next year's event, which is scheduled for September 22 – October 10.

Solar Industry Heats Up

Two companies that manufacture energy storage devices and solar panels reached an agreement to buy Ford Motor Company's closed Wixom Assembly Plant. The 50-year-old plant will get a $725 million facelift and be turned into a green energy park that could someday employ as many as 3-4,000 people including 750 direct jobs by Clairvoyant and 2,500 direct jobs by Xtreme Power. Dow Corning also announced the start of construction of a new plant in Thomas Township that will manufacture monosilane gas, a key material used to make thin-film solar cells, and plans to unveil a solar panel installation and Solar Discovery Center at its corporate headquarters in Midland.

TARDEC Gives Our Homeland Some Security

The United States Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren continued its pattern of building great local supplier relationships. TARDEC awarded a five-year, $430 million contract for engineering and manufacturing services to Sterling Heights-based General Dynamics Land Systems. More than a dozen small firms along with Lawrence Tech and Michigan Tech, will collaborate with General Dynamics on the project.

Wine Industry Grows

Seven new wineries opened in 2009, bringing the total using predominantly Michigan-grown fruit to 71. This continued expansion is helping to position Michigan as one of the nation's premiere areas for agri-tourism and wine production. Our wine and grape industries now contribute nearly $800 million to the state's economy annually, and sales of Michigan wines rose 5 percent last year, while overall wine sales remained flat.

Wolverines Set Research Record

University of Michigan researchers disclosed 350 new inventions in fiscal year 2009, setting a new record. Royalties from university-developed technologies rose 20 percent during that period, another all-time high. The university licensed eight new startups in the fiscal year that ended June 30, according to the U of M Office of Technology Transfer. The university conducted more than $1 billion in research for the year--a record high.

One More Jolt from Volt

In early December General Motors announced it would invest $336 million in the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to begin production of the Chevrolet Volt electric car in 2010. This brings GM's combined Volt-related investments in Michigan to $700 million, spread among eight plants. Detroit-Hamtramck will be the final assembly location for the Volt, using tooling from Grand Blanc, lithium-ion batteries from GM's Brownstown Township battery pack manufacturing facility, camshafts and connecting rods from Bay City, and stampings and the Volt's 1.4L engine-generator from Flint.

3 Cars and a Fountain

OK, so this choice may be surprising because it makes the list for ignoring the economic impact of a decision. GM, in an effort to reduce costs, pulled its sponsorship of the popular General Motors Fountain at Comerica Park that splashed water in celebration of Tiger home runs. While the prime location reportedly drew offers from other companies for between $1.5 million and $2 million over the next three years, Tigers' owner Mike Ilitch decided to honor the Big Three together on the fountain. This season, Ford, GM, and Chrysler logos appeared side by side above a sign that simply read, “The Detroit Tigers support our automakers.” It is unifying, creative thinking like this that paves the way for a brighter future that honors our past and ignites our future. Home run, Mr. I.

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User Comments (2)

What a great recap Lisa. It sure puts a good light on 2009 and has me excited for 2010. Thanks for all of your efforts in guiding us to think Michigan first. Through true togetherness we can turn it all around. Connectedly yours- Terry Bean http://www.terrybean.magntize.com

Posted By: terry in waterford

Bravo for identifying & spreading upbeat, inspiring news! Here's to moving forward in positive ways in the New Year!

Posted By: Jon in Chicago

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12 Great Economic Stories of 2009

by Lisa Diggs

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