FAQ

Questions

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Question: "What is this diversification summit and why should I attend?"

Answer: At the Southwest Michigan Manufacturing Diversification Summit, Michigan manufacturers from around the state are invited to hear from industry experts in four high-demand sectors. These speakers will help attendees understand how to build a diversification strategy and provide insight into manufacturing opportunities in those sectors. This summit is specifically designed to address the needs of the Southwest Michigan Region.

Industry sectors represented at the conference include:

  • Aerospace Manufacturing
  • Defense/Government Contracts
  • Medical Devices
  • Renewable Energy
Companies that attend the summit will be asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire. Those that demonstrate the potential to diversify, as determined by sector service providers, will receive a $10,000 matching grant from the Economic Development Job Training program to assist in the diversification process.

Question: "What is Michigan's Manufacturing Diversification Strategy?"

Answer: Michigan is a world leader in manufacturing innovation. This fact is already being recognized by new and growing industry sector leaders as they choose Michigan manufacturers to make their products. To aid manufacturing companies in making a transition and capitalizing on the current challenge, the state plans to do the following as part of the Manufacturing Diversification Strategy led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC):

  • In the first program year, aid 400 manufacturing firms in navigating the diversification process
  • Assist 100 firms in achieving quality systems certification in four new markets
  • Showcase Michigan's manufacturing talent at national events
  • Create an online matchmaking database to connect these Michigan manufacturers to national OEMs
  • As the most important goal, realize $1 billion in new multi-year contracts upon completion of the first year of this program

Question: "Tell me more about Michigan's vision for Aerospace Manufacturing."

Answer: The Aerospace industry offers a natural fit for Michigan manufacturers, especially those that have worked in the automotive industry. New market demand conditions and Michigan's current forays into this arena offer an opportunity for increased market share.

  • The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) reports that for 2007, the fourth consecutive year, U.S. aerospace sales increased in virtually every sector with total sales of nearly $200 billion.
  • AIA projected sales growth to $211 billion in 2008, spurred by demand for commercial and corporate, as well as military jets and helicopters.
  • Michigan has 155 direct aerospace manufacturers and suppliers of products and parts. These firms employ 6,826 people and have annual sales of $810 million (as compiled by Oakland County Planning and Economic Development.)

Working with the MEDC in this sector is Craig Wolff from the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA).

Click here for more information on Michigan's Aerospace Manufacturing strategy: Diversification Aerospace Factsheet

Question: "Tell me more about Michigan's vision for Defense/Government Contracts."

Answer: Michigan companies have the right talent and capacity to capture more federal defense and homeland security contracts than they do currently. It is the mixture of talent and capabilities, unrecognized federal contract dollars in Michigan and new resources provided by the state that will aid Michigan companies in competing in this market space.

  • Michigan's engineering and manufacturing expertise can solve some of the defense manufacturing industry's toughest problems.
  • From ground vehicles to alternative fuels to high-tech polymers and coatings, Michigan businesses are well positioned to provide equipment and materials to safeguard the men and women in our armed forces.
  • Each year the federal government spends between $400-$800 billion on defense. Approximately $4 billion comes to Michigan. However, much of that is outsourced, leaving roughly $1 billion in Michigan to fuel our economy and provide Michigan jobs.
  • The Michigan Defense Contract Coordination Center (DC3) was created within the MEDC to bring more federal contracts and dollars to Michigan-based companies.
  • The DC3 and the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) work together matching the capabilities of Michigan entrepreneurs, companies and researchers with federal contract opportunities.

Click here for more information on Michigan's Defense/Government Contract strategy: Diversification Defense Factsheet

Question: "Tell me more about Michigan's vision for Medical Devices."

Answer: Michigan's manufacturing and pharmaceuticals industries have created an environment in which the medical device industry is thriving. This fast-growing industry offers strong potential for Michigan-based auto suppliers to capture new contract manufacturing opportunities. Industry projections illustrate the extent of the opportunity:

  • Nationwide, more than 20,000 medical device makers comprise a market estimated at $220 billion.
  • Growth areas include orthopedics, cardiovascular, obesity, women's health and drug delivery devices such as stents and pumps.
  • The contract medical device manufacturing segment, an $18 billion market in 2007, is expected to grow to $32 billion by 2011.

Working within this growing industry with the MEDC, is CJPS, a consulting firm in Troy run by Christophe Sevrain.

Click here for more information on Michigan's Medical Devices strategy: Diversificaion Medial Factsheet

Question: "Tell me more about Michigan's vision for Renewable Energy."

Answer: There is an opportunity for Michigan manufacturers to use their expertise to make components of wind turbines due to the following game changing policy and market conditions:

  • Michigan's new Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which will require that 10% of the state's energy needs be generated from renewable sources by 2015, and it is estimated that all of the state's utilities will purchase and install wind turbines over the next seven years.
  • Further driving the demand for wind turbines and repair parts is the fact that 26 other states across the country have instituted an RPS for their states, and foreign turbine manufacturers lack the full capacity to keep up with their turbine orders.
  • We have over 900 firms operating that could apply their capabilities to the wind industry. It is estimated that the wind industry alone could support 24,000 jobs.
  • NextEnergy is a Michigan based industry expert that is already taking the lead in converting our manufacturing expertise to capitalize on advantageous market conditions.

Click here for more information on Michigan's Renewable Energy strategy: Diversification Wind Factsheet

Question: "I am unable to attend the August 19, 2009 event in Dowagiac. Will there be another opportunity to attend a Diversification Summit in the future?"

Answer: The August 19, 2009 Southwest Michigan Manufacturing Diversification Summit is the only summit occurring for this region; however, other Diversification Summits will be held throughout the year in several locations throughout Michigan. To find out the dates and locations of future summits, please contact Mandy Rossman at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, 517.241.5236.

Question: "Can I invite more than one person from my organization to attend this summit?"

Answer: Yes, but please note that seating for this event is limited and each participant is required to pay the $40 registration fee.

PAYMENT AND REGISTRATION

Question: "I just registered for the event online. Now what do I do?"

Answer: Once you have completed the registration and payment information on the website, your registration is complete.

Question: "What is included in the $40 registration fee?"

Answer: The $40 registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch and snack. In addition summit materials are provided throughout the day of the event.

Question: "I can't pay for this event right now. Can I send a check later?"

Answer: Yes, Participants may send in a check for $40.00, payable to Southwest Michigan First with their contact information by August 12, 2009 to the following address:
Southwest Michigan First
Attn: Megan Roschek
P.O. Box 50827
Kalamazoo, MI 49005-0827

Participants who have not submitted or confirmed payment by August 12, 2009 are subject to cancellation of their registration.

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