New report says green jobs growing in Ann Arbor area

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

The Detroit-Ann Arbor area has made the Top 15 list of metro areas in the U.S. for clean-tech job activity, meaning its green-economy job creation is emerging as a factor in southeast Michigan.

The list comes from Clean Edge's Clean Tech Job Trends 2009 report. Detroit-Ann Arbor clocks in at No. 14 just below the Austin-San Marcos area in Texas.

"Michigan's commitment to clean tech as the next engine of economic growth is clear, and the initial signs of activity are positive with Hemlock Semiconductors, A123 Systems, United Solar Ovonic, and others expanding their operations or making new commitments to the region," says Dexter Gauntlett, senior research and marketing associate with Clean Edge. "But obviously the state has long way to go. And as our report shows – there's a growing level of competition by states for clean-tech companies – particularly for those that would bring coveted manufacturing jobs. Continued investment in education and training, regulatory support, and government-supported clean-tech procurement is key for any region to attract clean-tech companies so we would expect the most competitive states to continue to invest in these areas."

Among the factors driving the ranking is the metro area's ability to attract investment from new advanced battery and hybrid-electric technology firms. Other growing alternative energy firms like United Solar Ovionic played a significant part in the ranking.

The ranking was determined by an analysis of job postings, investment and patent activity, among other data. The San Francisco Bay area scored the top spot.

Source: Dexter Gauntlett, senior research and marketing associate with Clean Edge
Writer: Jon Zemke