Source: Dusty Whitney, Dusty's Collision Writer: Natalie Burg

The first 14 ArborBike station locations have been chosen, and according to the Clean Energy Coalition, June is the target date for getting the bike share program on the road.  "The stations we have selected were chosen based on data and practicality," says Kevin Mulder of the Clean Energy Coalition. "We’re very excited to have had [The University of Michigan's] support from the beginning of this project, and we believe the integration of downtown and campus station locations is crucial to offering a comprehensive service area to residents, employees, students, and visitors To chose the 14 locations, ArborBike organized analyzed housing density, job density, student populations, existing bike infrastructure and destination spot. After narrowing down these locations, they searched for available space where the bike station equipment would fit. Solar and wireless access were also taken into consideration. The finalist list of stations will service downtown, Central Campus and North Campus.  "The main feedback we've received about the station locations is a request for additional stations outside of the first 14 proposed sites," Mulder says. "People are asking about Park & Ride lots, the west side, and the Washtenaw corridor toward Ypsilanti." Requests for additional stations is not a bad way to launch the program, and Mulder says expansion is a part of the program's long term plan. As other bike share programs have found value in keeping stations in somewhat close proximity, the Clean Energy Coalition feels confident the public will have a positive experience with the program. An ArborBike sponsorship campaign was recently launched for continued support of the project. More information about sponsorships can be found on the new Arborbike website. Source:  Kevin Mulder, Clean Energy Coalitin Writer: Natalie Burg

NeuMoDx Molecular has $21 million more in its coffers now that the Ann Arbor-based startup has secured a Series B round of financing. The investment round in the diagnostics company was led by Pfizer Ventures. Other local venture capital investors included Baird Capital, Venture Investors, Arboretum Ventures and the Wolverine Venture Fund. The startup, helmed by veteran local CEO Jeff Williams, also secured $5 million in a Series A in 2012. "It helps to have an experienced CEO," says Erik Gordon, a professor of entrepreneurship and strategy who oversees the student-run Wolverine Venture Fund at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. "We also did a lot of research in the molecular science space." NeuMoDx Molecular is developing a new platform for high volume, low-cost molecular testing. The company’s patent-pending technology integrates magnetic particle affinity capture and real time polymerase chain reaction chemistry in a multi-sample microfluidic cartridge. That enables NeuMoDx Molecular’s platform to speed up molecular testing, processing about 500 samples every eight hours. NeuMoDx Molecular is currently going through clinical trials and working to secure regulatory approval, which the new round of funding will make possible. Source: Erik Gordon, professor of entrepreneurship and strategy at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Writer: Jon Zemke

Motawi Tileworks acquired its clay supplier three years ago, an investment that is paying off in spades now. "Rovin Ceramics at this point is growing by leaps and bounds," says Nawal Motawi, founder & artistic director of Motawi Tileworks. "The brand is totally reinvigorated." The Ann Arbor-based company specializes in arts-and-craft ceramic tiles. Think the ceramic pieces of art people like to put on kitchen back splashes or around a fireplace. Motawi Tileworks acquired Rovin Ceramics when it was on its way to liquidation instead of letting the locally based company disappear. Since then Motawi Tileworks has focused on improving the company's customer service and creating a shopping experience at its store. That enabled Rovin Ceramics and Motawi Tileworks to spike their revenues and make some hires over the last year. Both companies have each created one new job in the last 12 months. "We have been focusing very much on corporate process and execution," Motawi says. "We're becoming very intentional in how we monitor our production." Source: Nawal Motawi, founder & artistic director of Motawi Tileworks Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Damian Farrell Design Group is riding the rebound of the architecture sector as the company attract more and more projects. The Ann Arbor-based firm has experienced an increase in both commercial and residential projects, spiking its revenue by 20 percent The commercial projects have trended toward new construction while the residential projects are more renovations. "It's all local right now," says Damian Farrell, owner of Damian Farrell Design Group. "We have one project in Pennsylvania but otherwise it’s all local." That has allowed Damian Farrell Design Group to make a new hire over the last year. The new studio manager brings the firm's staff to four employees and one intern. Farrell expects his company to continue growing as more and more projects come up in 2014. "People are getting more confident," Farrell says. "Money is a little bit more available right now." Source: Damian Farrell, owner of Damian Farrell Design Group Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.