Ann Arbor

Navitas Systems to create 125 jobs with $9.3M investment

By Newsroom

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October 30, 2013

Navitas Advanced Solutions Group, a subsidiary of Navitas Systems, plans to invest $9.3 million into a new facility to manufacture battery storage technology in Ann Arbor, creating 125 new jobs. Navitas Systems, which is based in Illinois, bought the government contract business from A123 Systems early this year and spun it off into Navitas Advanced Solutions Group. The company has since hired half a dozen people and now has a staff of 37 employees and one intern. Those sorts of roots played a major role in decision to invest further in Ann Arbor. "Twenty five of 37 people were already in Ann Arbor," says Les Alexander, general manager of Navitas Advances Solutions Group. "We already have an established presence here. We have been here since 1996 (when the company was called TJ Technologies)." Navitas Advances Solutions Group is currently working on some military and commercial products that are expected to hit production in the latter half of 2014. That should trigger the hiring for this current investment. "The bulk of that hiring (the 125 jobs) will be done in 2014 and 2015," Alexander says. Navitas Systems received a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. It will also receive a property tax abatement. Source: Les Alexander, general manager of Navitas Advances Solutions Group Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Welcome to the six county Ann Arbor region

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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October 30, 2013

What do Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties have in common? They all want to trade on the Ann Arbor name to attract business. Oddly, next door Wayne County isn't included. Excerpt: "To kick off its outreach efforts, Greater Ann Arbor Region partners have created a new website that includes a robust suite of research data, available properties and other tools that businesses can use to evaluate location options. The website also features case studies of successful regional businesses, including VenTower of Monroe, C. Raker and Sons of Hillsdale, and NuStep of Ann Arbor. In coming months, the partners will kick off a targeted email and social media marketing campaign to create awareness of the Greater Ann Arbor Region. Efforts will also include hosting site selectors for tours of the region." Read the rest here.

U-M is a magnet for Fulbright scholarships

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In The News

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October 30, 2013

With 36 U-M students and faculty members receiving Fulbrights (32 accepting), the university ranks among the tippy top in the nation. This year, Princeton University and Arizona State University were ranked behind U-M in a tie for third with 26 grantees. Check out who won what here.

At double the size and staff, Lily Grace blooms on Main St.

By Natalie Burg

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Development News

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October 30, 2013

As Lily Grace Cosmetics approaches its second anniversary, the small business has twice as much to celebrate as it did a few months ago. In response to feedback from her customers, owner Cyndi Clark has doubled Lily Grace's footprint and added spa services to her cosmetics offerings. "It was the clients," says Clark. "Our clients wanted something like this downtown. We have a lot of great hair stylists who do cuts and color, but no one just does a blow-dry. And some people just want to pop in and get their nails done." Lily Grace formerly took up about 1,000 square feet on Main St. Now, the business has expanded to include the suite's downstairs space for a total of 2,100 square feet. The new space includes areas for massage, hair styling, facials, manicures and pedicures. But these are your ordinary spa services. Clark travelled the world and connected with spa treatment innovators to bring the best of the best to Lily Grace. "I just wanted it to be special. We're in Ann Arbor for goodness sake," says Clark. "We all travel all over the world, so I wanted to get the best in my profession. It's important that I bring something new to Ann Arbor. That's what my clients want." The expanded Lily Grace quietly opened for business last week. The staff has grown along with the physical upgrades. Clark has already added four new staff employees to her original five-person staff, and expects to add an additional four spa employees soon. Clark's eyes continue to be on growth as Lily Grace enters its third year. Her connections in the health and beauty industry have helped her bring a number of exclusive brand names to the Ann Arbor market, and she intends to expand upon those exclusive offerings by Jan. of 2014. Source: Cyndi Clark, Lily Grace Cosmetics Writer: Natalie Burg

The Last Word’s cocktails impress

By Newsroom

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Arts and Culture

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October 30, 2013

Somebody in Detroit likes to imbibe at Ann Arbor's The Last word. A lot. Hope they had a designated driver. Excerpt: "And that’s part of the process. The staff at the Last Word says they enjoy “learning and gaining experience through experimentation” — that this gives them the ability to feature new flavors for their guests. Their drive is not fueled by whether a drink fails or succeeds but rather the process of creating something new being fun." Read the rest here.

Orange Leaf aims for February opening with frozen treats, community values

By Natalie Burg

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Arts and Culture

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October 30, 2013

A new kind of frozen yogurt experience is "coming spoon" to Plymouth Rd. in Ann Arbor. The growing national franchise Orange Leaf combines healthy frozen treats with a commitment to the community, and by Feb. of next year, the Traver Village Shopping Center will be the next community to reap the delicious benefits. "Orange Leaf likes to put their mission out there," says Jason Zalewski, who owns the forthcoming Ann Arbor location along with his partner, Scott McLean. "The want to promote community and families. We'll be heavily involved in the community." Zalewski and McLean opened a location in Macomb County in June, and are looking forward to growing the business in Michigan. About 300 Orange Leaf Yogurt Stores are now open in the US, and the Ann Arbor location is among 110 stores that will soon be added to the ranks. "We had a good summer in Macomb, and we're looking forward to moving to the Ann Arbor market," says Zalewski. "We'll be bringing a healthier option for frozen yogurt and custard than is currently available." Orange Leaf offers 18 different flavors of store-made frozen yogurt every day, including sugar free, peanut free and gluten free options, and more than 50 topping choices. Zalewski says the store will be active in the community, facilitating school fundraisers and donating to local charities. The 2,600 square foot location is now under renovation and is expect to open in Feb. 2014 with approximately 20 employees. Source: Jason Zalewski, Orange Leaf Writer: Natalie Burg

Ann Arbor’s re:group hires 4, looks to add 6 more

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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October 23, 2013

Digital marketing agency re:group is quickly reaching the point where it needs to make a decision. Add more office space or start thinking of innovative ways to accommodate its new employees, like stacking desks on top of each other. Actually, that last option probably isn't feasible. Look for re:group to handle its growth in a more traditional manner. "We're looking at adding space because we're running out of places to put people," Carey Jernigan, vice president of development for re:group. The downtown Ann Arbor-based company has hired four people over the last year, expanding its staff to 25 people. It is also looking to make six hires, specifically for positions in computer programming, account executive and social media, among others. It is also looking for an intern. Behind re:group's growth is a jump in its overall workload. The 10-year-old company has kept its existing clients, like DTE Energy and Health Plus, while also adding a number of new customers. Its new clients include Tutor Doctor and Community Bank & Trust of Florida. "We tripled our revenue last year," Jernigan says. "It's a combination of hard work and bringing in new clients." Jernigan expect this growth curve to continue through as re:group keeps focusing on grow its business in the normal sectors it serves, such as bio-tech, financial services and franchising. "This is where we continue to grow and attract clients," Jernigan says. Source: Carey Jernigan, vice president of development for re:group Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

U-M’s Solar Car Team finishes 9th in World Solar Challenge

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In The News

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October 23, 2013

It was a heartbreaker for U-M's solar car team. One of the most decorated teams of its kind in the United States -the team has finished third in five of the challenges- the team's solar-powered roadster struggled to make a comeback after a crash during its crossing of the Australian Outback. Excerpt: "“Everything happened pretty quickly, but I heard the driver over the radio say that he was fine so that gave me some relief,” Chudler says. “I'm really impressed with how our team rallied after the crash. The damage to the car was definitely not insignificant, but we were able to fix it up overnight and get the car safe and ready to drive the next morning. It was a whole-team effort and everyone performed remarkably.”" Read the rest here.

Universal Marketing Group plans to hire 150 in Ann Arbor

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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October 23, 2013

Universal Marketing Group is opening a new call center in Ann Arbor this month, an investment that is expected to created 150 new jobs much sooner rather than later. "We're planning to have that staffed with 150 people by the end of the year," says Jason Birch, partner & CFO of Universal Marketing Group. The 10-year-old company has grown at its Toledo headquarters each time it has needed to expand. This time it the company decided it needed a second location to help supplement its growth. Its founders spend a lot of time in Ann Arbor. They like its proximity to the company's headquarters and the depth of Tree Town's talent pool. "We needed scalability and a community of Ann Arbor's size and diversity gives us that option," Birch says. He adds that all 150 jobs are open now and that they range from call center operators to supervisors to administrative. Interviewing for these jobs is expected to begin before the end of the month. Universal Marketing Group will occupy the former Borders headquarters in a deal brokered with the help of Ann Arbor SPARK. It received $600,000 in incentives from the Michigan Economic Development Corp to make the $575,000 investment to create the call center. The project could expand to 400 new jobs by 2016. Source: Jason Birch, partner & CFO of Universal Marketing Group Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Ann Arbor pop-punk band Pity Sex among 10 bands to watch

By Newsroom

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Arts and Culture

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October 23, 2013

Each October more than 1000 bands from around the world descend on New York for CMJ, the five-day music industry conference that can chart the future success (or obscurity) of those who attend. Billboard singled out Ann Arbor's pop-punk band Pity Sex as one of their bands to watch. Excerpt: "Lovelorn Ann Arbor pop-punk outfit Pity Sex have a penchant for fuzzy guitars and dreamy shoegaze vocals. Black-clad and bespectacled singer Brennan Greaves wields an obvious gift for melody, as does co-singer/better-half Britty Drake. " Listen to the band here. Read more about CMJ here.