Automation Alley
Encyclopedia
Automation Alley is a technology business association driving the growth and image of Southeast Michigan’s economy through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives.
Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 1,000 businesses, educational institutions and government entities from the City of Detroit and the surrounding eight county region. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through entrepreneurial and exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.
Visit www.automationalley.com for additional information.
The first phase of development, where the organization's basic structure was formed, began with a member roster of 44 organizations. The beginning of the second phase turned Automation Alley into a working organization and dramatically increased membership. Four member-driven committees were established and member benefits, including seminars, networking events, and a quarterly newsletter were created. During the second phase, a national marketing campaign was launched to attract high-tech talent to the area.
In 2001, a trade mission program was established with the assistance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The initial funding enabled Automation Alley to create a program to aid small businesses in boosting their sales through the use of exports.
In the summer of 2003, Automation Alley embarked upon a new phase of development with the creation of a business accelerator. With Automation Alley's support and resources, ideas are turned into usable, marketable technology solutions. Assistance includes limited pre-seed and commercialization funding, business plan and strategy development support as well as a powerful network of experts and mentors.
Automation Alley Headquarters opened in the fall of 2004 and is located in the designated Automation Alley Technology Park-Troy, south of Big Beaver between John R and Rochester Roads. A variety of events take place at the facility, including educational seminars and events.
To summarize, Automation Alley continually works on behalf of its members and Southeast Michigan. The organization's many successes and accomplishments are a true testament to the strength the organization, its members and the technology economy in the region.
Benefits and opportunities:
Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 1,000 businesses, educational institutions and government entities from the City of Detroit and the surrounding eight county region. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through entrepreneurial and exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.
Visit www.automationalley.com for additional information.
History
The genesis of Automation Alley can be traced back to Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s 1997 State of the County address, where Patterson unveiled his vision for leveraging the combined strength of the county's high-tech companies into a national marketing strategy that could be used as a tool to attract skilled talent and cutting-edge businesses.The first phase of development, where the organization's basic structure was formed, began with a member roster of 44 organizations. The beginning of the second phase turned Automation Alley into a working organization and dramatically increased membership. Four member-driven committees were established and member benefits, including seminars, networking events, and a quarterly newsletter were created. During the second phase, a national marketing campaign was launched to attract high-tech talent to the area.
In 2001, a trade mission program was established with the assistance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The initial funding enabled Automation Alley to create a program to aid small businesses in boosting their sales through the use of exports.
In the summer of 2003, Automation Alley embarked upon a new phase of development with the creation of a business accelerator. With Automation Alley's support and resources, ideas are turned into usable, marketable technology solutions. Assistance includes limited pre-seed and commercialization funding, business plan and strategy development support as well as a powerful network of experts and mentors.
Automation Alley Headquarters opened in the fall of 2004 and is located in the designated Automation Alley Technology Park-Troy, south of Big Beaver between John R and Rochester Roads. A variety of events take place at the facility, including educational seminars and events.
To summarize, Automation Alley continually works on behalf of its members and Southeast Michigan. The organization's many successes and accomplishments are a true testament to the strength the organization, its members and the technology economy in the region.
Member Benefits
Automation Alley creates a variety of opportunities to help members succeed. With an ongoing offering of programs and benefits, Automation Alley works to assist entrepreneurs, small business owners and Fortune 500 companies.Benefits and opportunities:
- Educational seminars and networking events that assist in building professional connections
- Free meeting space for seminars, presentations and more
- Resource guides with information on the latest trends in human resources, finance, marketing and social media
- A robust job board with posted positions in Southeast Michigan
- An informative press release system that allows members to share their news
- Online Member Directory that promotes members' key businesses, services and products
- Diversification opportunities with the U.S. military
- Consulting with retired military consultants at no cost
- Trade missions to countries around the world
- Counseling services and business plan assistance for entrepreneurs
- Seed funding for emerging technology companies