Automation Alley, Technology's Matchmaker for Business
February E-Newsletter
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Automation Alley Opens Product Lifecycle Management Center at Oakland University's OU INC

A 3-D printer in use at the Automation Alley Product Lifecycle Management Center at Oakland University.
In an effort to address the tremendous need in Southeast Michigan for affordable training and certification of local employees, students and individuals in the product lifecycle management (PLM) arena, Automation Alley announced the opening of the Automation Alley Product Lifecycle Management Center at Oakland University, Feb. 20, at a VIP press event attended by technology business leaders from across the region.

Located inside OU INC, a SmartZone business accelerator on the campus of Oakland University, the Automation Alley Product Lifecycle Management Center – in partnership with Siemens, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Geometric Solutions, solidThinking, Inc. and Oakland University's School of Engineering and Computer Science – will offer affordable training and PLM certification using cutting-edge equipment and software, including computer aided design (CAD), computer aided engineering (CAE) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM), as well as other state-of-the-art PLM technologies including digital factory simulation, 3-D scanning and 3-D printing. [read more]

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Automation Alley to Release Tech Report, Provide Economic Analysis at Luncheon, March 27

Have you registered for Automation Alley's Technology Industry Outlook Luncheon? Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to join Southeast Michigan's business community as we discuss the true story of our region's technology economy.

What does the future hold for our region's innovation-led industries and technology-related growth? How does Southeast Michigan stack up when compared to other high-tech hubs across the country? Automation Alley will answer these questions and much more at its inaugural Technology Industry Outlook Luncheon on March 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Detroit Marriott Troy. [read more]

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Automation Alley $1M Training Grant Projected to Train 472 Local Employees for New and Existing High-tech Jobs in 2014

24 Southeast Michigan companies awarded portion of Technical Talent Development Program Challenge Fund to train new and existing employees

Automation Alley has awarded $1 million in technical training to 24 local companies through the second round of its Technical Talent Development Program (TTDP) Challenge Fund, helping to ensure that Southeast Michigan’s information technology workforce is among the most skilled in the nation.

The 24 companies awarded a portion of the $1 million are projected to train 472 local workers for new and existing high-tech jobs in 2014 and include both large corporations and small to medium-size businesses from across Southeast Michigan. [read more]

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Automation Alley Releases 2013 Annual Report, Highlighting Organization's Growth

Automation Alley 2014 Annual Report

This past year was a busy one at Automation Alley, and we are proud to share with you all of the ways our organization has grown as we release our 2013 Annual Report. The report highlights our organization's relationships with members companies and regional partners and provides a concise overview of accomplishments and growth in the areas of international business, entrepreneurship, talent development and defense and manufacturing. The report also provides a breakdown of Automation Alley committee activities and events. [read more]

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Follow us on Instagram!
Automation Alley: We Grow Businesses Video of 3D Printer Tesla Electric Car at NAIAS Attendees at the PLM Center VIP Preview
What is PLM Full House for Global Economic Outlook The Grater Detroit Region is FIRST in the number of Engineering and Engeneering Technologies Degrees

Stay on top of the latest from Automation Alley through our new Instagram feed, @automationalley! We'll be capturing and sharing the happenings at our offices in downtown Detroit and our headquarters in Troy, our brand new Product Lifecycle Management Center at Oakland University, and the best moments from our workshops, networking events and the Annual Awards Gala. In addition, you won't want to miss our weekly infographics. Each Thursday, we present cool stats about our association and Southeast Michigan's economy to share on social media. Check it out and give us a follow!

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Five Minutes with Eriola Grabocka

Eriola Grabocka Title: International Business Specialist
Start Date: January 2014
Education: Eriola holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations with a minor in International Business Management from Oakland University.

Job in a nutshell: Automation Alley's International Business Services are designed to assist local companies looking to expand and diversify their businesses by stepping into international markets as well as international companies looking to explore business opportunities in Southeast Michigan. New to the International Business Services team is Eriola Grabocka, who will assist the department with upcoming trade missions and trade shows. "We take Michigan companies to foreign markets to help them expand abroad and export their products," Eriola said. "And my job is to assist in those efforts."

Favorite part of the job: After gaining experience working in international business with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Eriola is excited to be back with Automation Alley, where she started her career as an intern and then a full-time staffer on the Member Relations team. She is thrilled about the opportunity to now work in international business at Automation Alley with Lisa Lasser, international business services supervisor, and Noel Nevshehir, director of international business services.

"Even when I went to work for MEDC, I told everybody there that Noel is my role model," she said. "He's traveled to I think it's more than 90 countries and I've learned a lot from him in the past. I'm looking forward to learning a lot more from him. I'm also very excited to assist on our trade missions. Hopefully, I'll get to go on one of the upcoming trade missions. I love traveling, and it's one of the main reasons I went into the international field." [read more]

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Regional Event

Central Michigan University to Host New Venture Competition 2014

Central Michigan UniversityDiscover what it takes to launch a startup business and be part of business growth in Michigan at the Central Michigan University New Venture Competition 2014, to be held March 28 on the Mt. Pleasant campus of Central Michigan University at the College of Business.

CMU's New Venture Competition provides a forum and serves as a catalyst for students to turn their ideas into sustainable business ventures. All participating teams gain insight, advice, mentorship and expertise from seasoned entrepreneurs, alumni, venture capital experts, angel investors and community leaders. In 2013, the CMU New Venture Competition awarded more than $65,000 in startup cash and in-kind prizes. Today, 15 teams are in business as a result.

For the third year, students from Michigan Technological University are invited to compete with CMU students to further expand the possibility for startup business success in Michigan.

For more information or to register, click here.

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Featured Member Benefit: Networking Events
Members networking at the recent Morning Member Mingle at Dokka Fasteneners.
Automation Alley members network and make new business connections at a recent Morning Member Mingle.

With more than 100 events a year, Automation Alley offers exclusive access to a variety of opportunities for members to make business connections in fun, interesting and unique environments. Automation Alley’s networking events are consistently ranked among the most popular benefits of an Automation Alley membership.

At Automation Alley, we understand that collaboration is a key component to the success and growth of our local technology economy. Whether it’s trading business cards at a summer barbeque or swapping emails over evening cocktails, members make important business connections all year long through Automation Alley networking events. [read more]

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Featured Foundation Member

Organization: Quality Metalcraft Inc.
Location: Livonia
Member Since: 2007
Website: qualitymetalcraft.com

QMC Logo

Quality Metacraft Inc. (QMC) is a stamped metal and assembly supplier that specializes in providing flexible manufacturing solutions for the automotive, trucking, defense and aerospace industries. Located in Livonia, Mich., our campus covers all phases of design, engineering and manufacturing. Over the past 50 years, QMC has grown from an 11,400-sq.-ft. facility to over 415,000 sq. ft. of dedicated manufacturing area.

Specializing in rapid prototype to full volume production, QMC strives to offer the best in class, quality, cost and timing, along with using excellence and customer satisfaction as our standard. QMC also houses one of the largest zinc alloy foundries in North America with a pour capacity of 60,000 lbs. per day. With over 10 million pounds of kirksite on hand, QMC can competitively produce any metal stamping and assembled component.

Some of the current production projects that are underway at our facility include the Dodge Ram hood assembly, Chevy Volt complete front floor pan assembly, Cadillac Coupe complete rear floor pan assembly and more. In addition to the automotive work, QMC’s experience, reputation and execution have allowed the company to transition into the architectural and defense industries.

QMC has recently been awarded major stamping programs that will allow for the purchase of a 2,500-ton transfer press and a 600-ton progressive press to enhance its current press room equipment. Along with these press purchases, QMC will undergo a building expansion to its Farmington Road manufacturing facility, with ground breaking scheduled for spring 2014.

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Butzel Long Client Alert

Battle for Primary Care: Emerging Changes in the Primary Care Delivery
Environment

Click here for the full update.

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Coming Up at Automation Alley

Code ReConnect Information Session – 3/19

Are you seeking employment in the information technology industry but lack the skills and credentials needed for the job? Join Automation Alley for Code ReConnect, a new technical training program designed to provide participants with the high-level training to place them on a path to career success.

Through Automation Alley’s Technical Talent Development Program (TTDP), Automation Alley, Kelly Services, Michigan Works! Agencies of Oakland County and Oakland Community College are partnering to offer Code ReConnect. TTDP is made possible by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

The information session for this program will be held March 19 at Automation Alley Headquarters in Troy. The program will begin April 28 and run through June 6 at the MTEC Facility, 2900 Featherstone Road, on Oakland Community College’s Auburn Hills Campus. Students will be expected to test for certification the week of June 9, following the completion of classes. The goal is to select 12 to 16 candidates for participation in the Code ReConnect program.

For more information or to register, click here.