WMU News

Bailey named to Technology Tri-Corridor Committee

Oct. 21, 2003

LANSING, Mich. -- Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has created a Technology Tri-Corridor Steering
Committee and has selected Dr. Judith I. Bailey, president of Western Michigan University, to serve among the 19 charter members of the group.

Made up of representatives from the life sciences, homeland security, and emerging automotive industries, the committee will chart the strategic direction of Michigan's newest economic development initiative.

"The steering committee, which includes some of Michigan's best and brightest in our emerging sectors, will serve as a catalyst for building on our high-tech automotive heritage while continuing to diversify our state's economy," Granholm said. "Building on Michigan's incredible life sciences success, the new Technology Tri-Corridor will create a magnet to attract even more technology- oriented businesses.

The new steering committee members include representatives from the public, university, and business communities. The members are:

Donald Jakeway, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

David Hollister, Department of Consumer and Industry Services/Labor and Economic Growth

Jay B. Rising, State Treasurer

Peter McPherson, Michigan State University

Mary Sue Coleman, University of Michigan

Irvin Reid, Ph.D., Wayne State University

Judith Bailey, Ph.D., Western Michigan University

David L. Van Andel, Van Andel Research Institute

John W. Brown, Stryker Corporation

David Canter (Chair), Pfizer Global Research & Development

Kenneth Baker, Altarum

Dennis Wend, TACOM

David Cole, Ph.D., Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation, Automotive Research Center

Paul Massaron, PEM Consulting and Wayne State University board member

Richard Sloan, Sloan Ventures, LLC

Michael Jandernoa, Perrigo Company

Mary L. Campbell, EDF Ventures

Two additional members will be named by the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representaties and the majority leader of the Senate.

The Technology Tri-Corridor was created by the Governor to continue the growth of the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, while also focusing on the emerging homeland security and critical advanced automotive technology sectors.

Michigan has had tremendous success in the life sciences. The state has welcomed more than 70 new life sciences companies since the program was created in 1999. The approximately $190 million awarded has helped to leverage more than $4 billion in venture capital and other private sector investment.

The state can expect to see equally promising results in the other two sectors. The federal government has committed $1 billion to assist in the development of homeland security technologies. The Life Sciences Corridor program has already invested 30 percent--or $20 million--of its funds to proposals with homeland security applications proving the growth of this sector in the state.

In addition, Michigan has more than 200,000 jobs tied to the automotive industry. Yet, there appears to be alternative technologies on the horizon that will reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil and reduce harmful emissions. The Big Three alone have committed more than $4 billion to alternative energy technology. This auto industry evolution places Michigan in the position of tremendous opportunity, or risk, depending on its reaction to this emerging automotive technology.

The MEDC is charged with administering the Technology Tri-Corridor program. In the months ahead, the corporation will be working with the steering committee members in developing a request for proposals and establishing general guidelines for funding. For more information on the Technology Tri-Corridor and the MEDC's other programs and initiatives, visit the Web site at <www.michigan.org>.

Media contact: Matt Kurz, 269 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu


WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
269 387-8400

http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news