Mid Michigan should be proud of what their cities have been accomplishing lately. Awards, it seems, are just piling up, and Midland and Frankenmuth are the two most recent recipients of recognition.
The two cities have been recognized for their work to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic development in a study by researchers at the
University of Michigan-Dearborn's Center for Innovation Research--typically referred to as iLabs.
The two cities were honored as five-star communities along with 26 other communities across the state of Michigan.
"(The) iLabs' findings support what Midland has been doing for many years -- working to encourage new business and development in our community and the entire Great Lakes Bay Region," says Midland city manager Jon Lynch. "We are proud to be considered a five-star community, and look forward to continuing positive growth in our community for years to come."
The state-wide recognition is a result of iLabs' annual research project, which uses data supplied by survey participants as well as other public records to assemble a six-factor, 30-item index to encourage entrepreneurial activity. Researchers look at such factors as clustering, incentives, growth, policies, community, and education. The study focuses on entrepreneurship because of its importance on expanding and diversifying Michigan's regional economies and the impact small businesses have on job creation.
The research surveyed more than 100 Michigan communities that are home to 128,242 entrepreneurs who earned $3.4 billion in annual income. These communities also had $1.2 billion in commercial development last year and account for nearly half of the state's commercial property.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Jon Lynch, City of Midland
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