UMI ETD Administrator continues to revolutionize dissertation submission workflow

ANN ARBOR, Mich., August 31, 2010 – ProQuest is making it easier for students to contribute their work to the world’s most widely consulted source of graduate research. The company is eliminating fees for basic submission to ProQuest Dissertation &Theses Database through its ProQuest/UMI ETD Administrator. Use of the ETD Administrator — with its simple, paper-free, online process – has grown significantly and now accounts for 60% of submissions. An assessment of ProQuest’s cost structure revealed workflow efficiencies as use has increased and the resulting cost savings are being passed along to users.

“ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database is the premier source for graduate research and serious scholars consider it an essential venue for discovery of their work. Because of this database’s importance, we’re consistently looking for ways to innovate and align the service with the needs of the scholarly community,” said Austin McLean, ProQuest’s Director of Dissertations Publishing. “Moving to a paper-free submission process was an obvious step and once we saw how well it was working, it prompted us to commission an exhaustive analysis of how this has impacted our internal workflow. The good news is that we’re experiencing cost savings significant enough to eliminate the basic fee, while still maintaining the same high quality editorial services.”

Approximately 99% of North American graduate degree-granting institutions contribute their graduate students’ works to the ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Database, enabling them to be easily discovered and accessed. Submission through the ETD Administrator has revolutionized the process, making it twice as fast and providing a significantly easier experience by eliminating the need to box and ship paper copies of each dissertation or thesis.

ProQuest/UMI ETD Administrator is designed to support the needs of universities as well as students. Participating institutions have their own customized Administrator that guides students through the process of uploading their graduate works and providing all relevant information. An alert is sent to the school’s designated contact when each student submission is complete, providing an opportunity to review the submission before it ultimately goes to ProQuest. The ETD Administrator contains the ability for a university to create customized checklists and tags, among other functionality, that tracks electronically what previously had to be done by hand. Authors at the University of California-Berkeley, which electronically submits approximately 825 dissertations annually, will save as a group more than $50,000 through the elimination of the fee.

“We have been using the ProQuest UMI ETD tool for one year,” said Jeret Lamont, University of California – Berkeley’s Assistant Director, Graduate Division, Degrees. “It has been very, very helpful—crucial to our decision to go to electronic submission.”

ProQuest’s UMI has served as the steward of significant collections, including graduate works, since 1938. During that time, thanks to successful publishing partnerships with 700 universities, UMI Dissertation Publishing has shepherded more than 2.4 million graduate works into the scholarly record for the advancement of research. In 2009, there was record usage of the ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Database, with researchers from more than 3,000 universities, governmental bodies and corporations worldwide accessing the database over 200 million times.

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database
ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Database is the seminal repository of intellectual output and emerging research from the world’s great universities. Chosen by United States Library of Congress as the official archive of American dissertations, ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Database, whose precursor was begun in 1939, now encompasses more than one quarter of a billion pages, creating a unique, continually growing trove of emerging research, landmark works and surprisingly engaging prose. Researchers rely on ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Database as a source of enlightening information, as a pivotal component in making their own scholarly production available to the world’s intellectual communities. The archive is managed at ProQuest by a team of scholars and technologists, who combine their talents to make the archive accessible, reliable and supported by continually advancing technology.

About ProQuest

ProQuest creates specialized information resources and technologies that provide the most successful ways for people to search, find, use, and share information.

A global leader in serving libraries of all types, ProQuest offers the expertise of such respected brands as UMI®, Chadwyck-Healey™, SIRS®, and eLibrary®. With Serials Solutions®, Ulrich’s™, RefWorks®, COS™, Dialog® and now Bowker® part of the ProQuest brand family, the company supports the breadth of the information community with innovative discovery solutions that power the business of books and the best in research experience.

More than a content provider or aggregator, ProQuest is an information partner, creating indispensable research solutions that connect people and information. Through innovative, user-centered discovery technology, ProQuest offers billions of pages of global content that includes historical newspapers, dissertations, and uniquely relevant resources for researchers of any level and sophistication—including content not likely to be digitized by others.

The company is nearing launch of an all-new platform that will transform delivery of several highly-regarded individual platforms into a consolidated research experience that will encompass all ProQuest family products over time.  Inspired by its customers and their end users, ProQuest is working toward a future that blends information accessibility with community to further enhance learning and encourage lifelong enrichment.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept 01, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —

Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) today reported results for its second quarter ended July 31, 2010. Highlights include:

Second quarter sales were $526.1 million, down 11.5% from the same period a year ago, with comparable store sales declining by 6.8%. Borders.com sales increased 56.2% over the prior year, to $15.5 million.
The company generated a loss from continuing operations in the second quarter of $51.6 million or $0.74 per share compared to a loss of $45.1 million or $0.75 per share for the same period a year ago.
Debt net of cash decreased compared to the first quarter by 13.7%, or $41.5 million. It increased by 2.7% compared to the second quarter of last year, to $262.1 million.

"While we continue to succeed in strengthening our financial structure, we are highly focused on driving profitable sales and increasing market share," said Mike Edwards, CEO of Borders. "Based on extensive consumer research, we are doing a number of things to excite our customers going into the critical holiday shopping season, including launching our new Borders Rewards program, which includes the new paid Borders Rewards Plus. Recognizing that online and digital will be a significant part of our business moving forward, we are focused on increasing our share of the eBook market by growing our digital offerings to position Borders as the preferred destination for digital reading. Yet as we grow our online and digital business, we cannot underestimate the importance of our brick and mortar presence. This will be top of mind as we work on improving the in-store experience by shifting our product mix to include additional non-book products that are both compelling and relevant, and providing an escape for our customers though an inspirational in-store environment and consistent customer service."

Second Quarter Results

All earnings/loss figures reported throughout this news release are on a GAAP basis unless otherwise noted, and exclude the results of discontinued operations. Beginning with this news release, the company will report results as a single segment. This change is the result of the sale of the company’s Paperchase subsidiary during the second quarter of 2010, which constituted the majority of the previously-reported International segment. The company classified the sale and operations of Paperchase as a discontinued operation.

Second quarter sales were $526.1 million, down 11.5% from the same period a year ago, with comparable store sales declining by 6.8%. Sales were positively impacted by Borders.com, which saw a second quarter increase of 56.2% over the prior year, to $15.5 million.

The company generated a second quarter loss from continuing operations of $51.6 million or $0.74 per share compared to a loss of $45.1 million or $0.75 per share for the same period a year ago, driven primarily by decreased gross margin. As a percent of sales, gross margin decreased from 23.0% to 19.3% in the second quarter, resulting from increased promotional discounts and the de-leveraging of fixed occupancy costs caused by negative comparable store sales.

SG&A expense as a percent of sales improved in the second quarter to 26.5% from 27.3%, and declined in dollars by $22.7 million. This was due to the company’s continuing aggressive expense reduction and store closure efforts, which were partially offset by de-leveraging due to negative sales trends.

Second quarter capital expenditures were $7.7 million compared to $1.2 million for the same period a year ago. Spending in the second quarter of 2010 was focused on the development of the Borders eBook store, which launched during the second quarter, and spending on "Area-e" shops.

Debt net of cash at the end of the quarter totaled $262.1 million compared to $255.3 million last year, a $6.8 million or 2.7% increase. The company was able to reduce the amount outstanding under its $90.0 million term loan by $25.0 million through the sale of its Paperchase subsidiary for $31.2 million in the quarter.

Borders’ Focus on the Future

Expanding Digital, Online and Social Media

The company is leveraging its strong brand recognition among book lovers — particularly its millions of Rewards members — to position Borders as the preferred destination for both digital content and devices. Borders’ recently launched eBook store has been very well received by customers. In line with its vision to be a trusted retailer that provides customers with a variety of eReading devices at prices that fit virtually all budgets, the company is now offering six devices including the Kobo eReader, Aluratek "Libre" eBook Reader Pro, Velocity Micro Cruz(TM) Reader and Velocity Micro Cruz(TM) Tablet as well as two Sony devices. Sales of the Kobo as well as pre-orders for the Aluratek and Velocity Micro devices have exceeded expectations. The company expects to announce additional devices in the coming weeks.

The company is taking further steps to make eReading accessible for virtually everyone by lowering the price of the Kobo unit to $129.99 and the Libre Pro to $99.99, which will make it among the most aggressively priced devices in the industry. Borders will complete its digital initiative with the roll out of its Area-e digital shops, which will conclude in early October. The shops will provide an enjoyable environment where customers can experience a variety of different eReaders, guided by knowledgeable staff, who can demonstrate the devices and answer questions.

"Borders is now an industry authority on digital content and devices," said Edwards. "We offer a large assortment of eReaders at price points that fit with most budgets and we are exploring adding new devices and brands in the fourth quarter as part of our device neutral strategy. As our newly launched eBook store and mobile apps gain traction, we believe we hold a strong growth position within a digital ecosphere that is rapidly evolving and expanding."

The company is currently executing programs to increase conversion rates and drive increased traffic to Borders.com. It recently introduced its new "Borders Textbook Marketplace," which features more than 1.4 million titles and a textbook buyback option. Borders is also expanding its merchandise mix online to include high growth and higher margin product.

Understanding the importance of connecting with customers where they spend their time, the company is expanding its social media footprint. It recently introduced the "Facebook Like" feature on all title detail pages, allowing customers to share their favorite books and other products with their friends on Facebook. The company also recently revamped its Facebook page to include rich content around topics and themes important to Borders’ customers. In just one week after the launch of the new page, the company grew its fan base by more than 100,000 members.

Committed to Improving the Retail Experience and Strengthening the Borders Brand

Borders’ research has indicated that most customers come to Borders to escape the pressures of everyday life. To promote a relaxed and hassle-free shopping experience, the company is enhancing its stores with new signage that improves navigation and highlights value offerings. Borders is also reorganizing sections to promote discovery and enhance shopability. Recognizing that it must improve store productivity to address the top line, the company is also shifting its merchandising mix to include more non-book products that complement the Borders brand.

The Children’s section represents a key growth platform. To that end, the company is taking steps to provide a retail experience that is both fun and educational for kids and their families by expanding the assortment of educational kids toys and games. In addition, the company recently launched a partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop to include several Build-A-Bear craft kits as well as other products in the Children’s area. Borders is also continuing to focus on products that increase the average ticket and provide clear margin improvements including growing its Bargain and value book category.

In addition to growing and expanding into categories that delight customers, the company is also discovering new ways to enhance guest satisfaction. Borders will soon announce a new customer service program that will complement the company’s successful — and the industry’s only — In-Stock Guarantee, which means that customers always find what they are looking for when they shop with Borders.

"We are taking steps to transform our retail model, in part through high-impact strategic partnerships, like Build-A-Bear Workshop, that enable us to offer a compelling mix of lifestyle focused products," continued Edwards. "By offering a rich and relevant selection of product – both book and non-book – together with an exceptional customer experience, we will differentiate Borders from others in the marketplace.

"The customer research we have gathered will inform these changes and ultimately redefine the Borders brand going into 2011 and beyond."

New Loyalty Program with a Focus on Customer Segmentation

As previously announced, today the company launched a new paid customer loyalty program — Borders Rewards Plus with an annual fee of $20 — as well as a free enhanced program. Borders is the only major bookseller to offer both a paid and free program. In addition, the company is using segmentation to drive customer engagement and sales through e-mails that include targeted discounts as well as personalized content such as specific title recommendations and local event notifications. Nearly 40 million people have signed up for the program since it originally launched in 2006.

Conference Call Today, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. Eastern

Management will hold a conference call today at 10 a.m. Eastern. This call will be webcast by Thomson Financial and can be accessed at www.bordersgroupinc.com. A replay will be accessible on the Web site through Sept. 15. In addition, a replay phone service will be available toll-free at (800) 642-1687, passcode 91309569; or for international calls at (706) 645-9291, passcode 91309569. The phone service will be available through Sept. 15 until 11:59 p.m. Eastern.

About Borders Group

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items. The company employs approximately 19,500 throughout the U.S., primarily in its Borders(R) and Waldenbooks(R) stores. Online shopping is offered through borders.com. Find author interviews and vibrant discussions of the products we and our customers are passionate about online at facebook.com/borders, twitter.com/borders and youtube.com/bordersmedia. For more information about the company, vist http://www.borders.com/investors.

Free, Enhanced Borders Rewards Program Also Launches Today – Programs Give Customers More Choices, Rich Benefits, Discounts and ‘Surprises and Delights’

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug 31, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —

On Sept. 1, Borders will officially unveil its new Rewards loyalty program, bringing Borders customers more choices, richer benefits and better savings. Consumers can now choose from two forms of Rewards — a free, enhanced Rewards program, or the new "Borders Rewards Plus" program, which for $20 per year delivers savings on nearly all Borders merchandise, and free shipping on virtually all online orders. Borders is the only major bookseller to provide consumers with a choice of loyalty programs.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060208/BORDERSLOGO )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060208/BORDERSLOGO )

To celebrate, members can earn "Borders Bucks" twice as fast beginning tomorrow though Sept. 6. Typically, members earn $5 in Borders Bucks for every $150 they spend annually, but during this period, Borders will double the spend to bring the member closer to the $150 threshold faster. For example, if a member spends $50, Borders will double that amount bringing the total spend to $100. If a member spends $75, Borders will double that amount bringing the total spend to $150, resulting in the member receiving $5 in Bucks.

"We saw a great opportunity to differentiate Borders in the marketplace by offering the choice of a paid program or a free program," said Borders CEO Mike Edwards. "Beginning tomorrow, the new Rewards program will provide members with more relevant content, benefits and discount offers. It’s yet another example of Borders’ commitment to creating an outstanding customer experience."

For the last several months, Borders has been conducting extensive research on what customers want most in a loyalty program. The company used the research to shape the reinvention of Rewards, which includes nearly 40 million sign ups, from a one-size-fits-all-model to one that engages with each member individually with specific discounts. Members also receive personalized and relevant content such as title recommendations and notifications of local events including author signings and other entertainment activities.

Borders Rewards Plus and the free, enhanced Borders Rewards program both offer a rich array of benefits and savings, such as exclusive in-store and online discounts, personal shopping days, free coffee, a free birthday gift, and Borders Bucks, of course.

In addition:

Members of the free, enhanced program will receive 30 percent off the list price of hardcover bestsellers and free shipping on online orders of $25 or more.
Members of the Borders Rewards Plus program will receive 40 percent off the list price of hardcover bestsellers, 20 percent off the list price of select hardcovers, 10 percent off the purchase price of most everything else — and free shipping on virtually all online orders.

Rewards for teachers

As part of its longstanding commitment to supporting educators, Borders has made its Rewards program more teacher-friendly. Upon the program’s launch, teachers who are currently Rewards members will receive a personal shopping day where they will enjoy a 10 percent discount off the purchase price on top of the 25 percent discount they already receive on eligible items. In addition, beginning Oct. 1, parents, friends and families can donate Borders Bucks they’ve accrued to their favorite teacher. The teacher can then use the donation to buy classroom supplies.

For complete information on Rewards, to sign up to become a Rewards member or register as a teacher to receive Borders Bucks, visit www.Borders.com/Rewards.

About Borders Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items. The company employs approximately 19,500 throughout the U.S., primarily in its Borders(R) and Waldenbooks(R) stores. Online shopping is offered through borders.com. Find author interviews and vibrant discussions of the products we and our customers are passionate about online at facebook.com/borders, twitter.com/borders and youtube.com/bordersmedia. For more information about the company, visit borders.com/media.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Transforming a digital photo album into a unique and memorable collage just got a lot easier thanks to ScrapWalls.com, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based startup.

“We’re focused on making the site as easy and fun as possible”

ScrapWalls allows users to construct shape collages out of their digital photo galleries in seconds by simply uploading their pictures and selecting a template. With more than 25 templates to choose from — ranging from wedding cakes to words and mountain ranges — ScrapWalls’ simple interface and automated picture-placement make it easy to transform a photo album into a cohesive image. Unlike most existing online collage services, ScrapWalls is 100 percent web-based. Nothing to download. Nothing to install. All collages are free to share online.

Scrapwalls makes it easy to customize collages by rearranging and resizing photos. Its patent-pending auto-adjustment technology will ensure everything aligns perfectly — eliminating the gaps and overlapping images that you get from other sites.

ScrapWalls offers inexpensive, high-quality prints of their collages ranging in size from 11” by 14” to 20” by 30”. The collages are printed by District Photo, the leader in digital imaging fulfillment.

“SO EASY MY GRANDMOTHER CAN USE IT”

“We’re focused on making the site as easy and fun as possible,” said ScrapWalls co-founder and University of Michigan graduate student Joe Golden. “We wanted to get to a point where even my grandmother could go from picking a shape to ordering a print in just a few minutes.”

Whether you’re a casual user or professional photographer, ScrapWalls makes it easy to create customized and intricate collages with up to several hundred photos.

A LABOR OF LOVE

Scrapwalls was created when Kevin Borders, then a graduate student at U-M, had an anniversary coming up. Borders wanted the perfect, personalized five-year anniversary gift for his girlfriend, Jennifer. So he set out to make a photo collage similar to those displayed in museums or occasionally on commercials – thousands of pictures up close, one larger picture from a distance.

“I knew what I wanted,” he said. “But there was no software out there that could do it.” So Borders wrote the original code that would eventually become ScrapWalls.

Since its inception in 2007, the program has improved dramatically. Where Borders’ original layout once required hours of resizing and arranging images, ScrapWalls’ new automated template system allows users to create and customize similar collages in a matter of seconds.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Compendia Bioscience, Inc. today announced the award of $1.3 million in SBIR Fast Track funds to incorporate micro-RNA data and analyses into the Oncomine platform.

Cancer is a highly complex disease in which all of the causes and effects are not well understood. In recent years a new type of non-coding RNA molecule — micro-RNA — has been identified as an important contributor to cancer development, progression, and metastasis, creating a need for cancer researchers to easily access and query this new data type.

Despite the growing accumulation of micro-RNA profiling data in a range of cancer-related studies, it is nearly impossible for a cancer biologist to survey the differential expression of an individual micro-RNA or micro-RNA signature across all published datasets, or to integrate knowledge about micro-RNA expression patterns with other relevant biological phenomena such as gene expression, copy number, and mutation data.

"The role of microRNAs in cancer is becoming increasingly clear and pharma/biotech are taking notice both from therapeutic and diagnostic angles. Several major pharma companies have indicated strong interest in querying and analyzing microRNA data from cancer patients," said Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rhodes, Ph.D. "We are thrilled to be able to meet this need with this newly awarded SBIR grant."

This project will systematically capture, curate, and analyze the novel micro-RNA data type in a standardized way and provide the data and analyses in an interface that promotes ongoing inquiry. This effort will require significant technical innovation to capture, organize, and present data that is both biologically and technically complex in a way that is rapidly comprehensible to the cancer biologist.

This project seeks to make micro-RNA data — which is clearly correlated with cancer diagnosis, staging, and prognosis — easily accessible via the Oncomine platform.

About Compendia Bioscience, Inc.

Compendia Bioscience is dedicated to harnessing the global collection of high throughput molecular data to provide researchers with the data and analysis tools necessary to validate biomarker and gene target discoveries, better understand mechanisms of disease, and optimize clinical outcomes. www.compendiabio.com

About Oncomine™

Oncomine combines a rapidly growing compendium of 41,000+ expertly curated cancer genomic profiles with a sophisticated analysis engine and a powerful web application for data mining and visualization. Oncomine facilitates target discovery and validation and supports the prioritization of tumor populations for drug development. http://www.compendiabio.com/products/products.htm

About SBIR

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a set-aside program for domestic small business concerns to engage in Research/Research and Development that has the potential for commercialization. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) welcomes SBIR and STTR applications from small businesses in any biomedical or behavioral research area that falls within our mission, which is to improve human health.

Submitted by Campaign Staff on Wed, 08/25/2010 – 5:23pm

In Calley, Snyder Sees ‘Partner’ Who Will Help Break Lansing’s Partisan Log Jam And Reinvent Michigan

Grand Rapids, MI. — Rick Snyder today sent a clear message that Michigan needs a fresh start by naming 33-year-old state Rep. Brian Calley as his pick for lieutenant governor during a town hall meeting at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Snyder said he was impressed by Calley’s grasp on the challenges facing the state and his experience working on tough issues.

“I was looking for a partner, not just a running mate. Brian Calley will help seize our one chance to Reinvent Michigan,” Snyder said. “He’s someone who shares my positive vision for Michigan’s future. He’s someone who can hit the ground running on Day One and help shoulder the load of working with the Legislature to reinvent our state.”

Calley, of Portland, is a relatively new face to the Michigan political scene, currently serving his second term in the state House. Well-respected and a proven conservative, he has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to work with both Republican and Democrat lawmakers to find common-sense solutions.

“With Rick Snyder, I think we have a real chance to finally break the partisan logjam in Lansing, and I want to be part of that,” Calley said. “Rick’s positive message is setting the right tone for getting things done. I am honored to be Rick Snyder’s partner in helping reinvent Michigan.”

Snyder said he knew Calley was the right person for the job after meeting with him.

“Brian is a family man and a man of integrity. He wants to make Michigan a place where his kids can grow up, get a good education and find a job instead of having to move to Chicago or Texas. He wants what all of us want – he wants Michigan to succeed,” Snyder said.

As a former banker and member of the House Tax Policy Committee, Calley has been involved in some of the most complex legislation lawmakers have worked on in recent years. He earned some name recognition statewide for leading the fight to prevent property taxes from going up when property values go down and holding meetings showing homeowners how to appeal their property taxes.

Calley made national news last year when he stood up to the government for a family accused of running an unlicensed, illegal day care because they babysat their neighbor’s children – without accepting payment – while they waited for the school bus in the morning.

Calley recently won a landslide victory in a hard-fought primary election in the highly-conservative 33rd Senate District, but he will have to forgo that campaign in order to run for lieutenant governor.

Calley is married to Julie Calley, who is an Ionia County Commissioner. They have three children. Calley is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in business administration and holds an MBA from Grand Valley State University.

Background on Brian Calley

State Rep. Brian Calley was elected to the Michigan Legislature in 2006 and was reelected in 2008. He currently serves as minority vice chair of the House Tax Policy Committee. Additionally, he serves on the health policy and banking and financial services committees.

Outside of the Legislature, Brian serves on the Red Cross Great Lakes Region Board of Directors and the Portland Economic Development Corporation Board.

Prior to his time in the state House, Brian spent 10 years as a community banker and small business lender. He was also elected to the Ionia County Board of Commissioners, serving from 2003 to 2006 as the vice chairman for all four years of his tenure there.

Since his teenage years, Brian has been involved in local, state and national Republican politics. Currently, he serves as chairman of the Ionia County Republican Committee.

In early 2009 Brian was named “2008 Outstanding Citizen of the Year” by the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce. He was also named “Legislator of the Year” for 2008 by the Small Business Association of Michigan.

Brian is a Graduate of Michigan State University (1998), with a BA in business administration and Grand Valley State University (2000) with an MBA in business administration.

Brian is an active member of Portland Baptist Church where he is a song leader and pianist as well as a past deacon, AWANA leader and Sunday school teacher. His wife Julie teaches Sunday school to middle school age children.

Brian is a member of Right to Life of Michigan, the Michigan Farm Bureau and the National Rifle Association.

Brian and Julie have been married for 14 years and live in Portland. They have a six-year-old son named Collin, a 3-year-old daughter named Reagan and a six-month-old daughter named Karagan.

DETROIT—The Business Accelerator Network for Southeast Michigan, a new regionwide network for building and retaining new business, announced today the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, the world’s largest business plan competition.

The competition aims to uncover the best and brightest new business concepts from local and global entrepreneurs, exposing those opportunities to potential investment capital and fostering their growth within Michigan with more than $1 million in cash awards, plus in-kind awards of services, staffing and software.

The competition targets early-stage businesses with proven technology and potential to generate an immediate impact on Michigan’s economy, as well as student concepts with longer-term business viability.

The New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan has granted Ann Arbor SPARK $750,000 to launch the competition on behalf of the Business Accelerator Network for Southeast Michigan, composed of four of the region’s key business accelerators—Ann Arbor SPARK, Automation Alley, Macomb-OU INCubator and TechTown. Joining the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition as partners for the event are the University Research Corridor (comprised of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University) and Business Leaders for Michigan.

The business plan competition is open to entrepreneurs in Michigan and worldwide who are willing to establish a business in the state. Participants will submit entries in nine categories, including advanced materials, advanced transportation, alternative energy, homeland security and defense, information technology, life sciences, medical devices, next generation manufacturing, and products and services. A separate track designed specifically for students to submit business concepts is open to any undergraduate or graduate student attending a Michigan university or college in fall 2010.

The competition kicks off on Aug. 24, and culminates with a gala awards brunch in Ann Arbor on Dec. 11. The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition concludes with the U-M vs. MSU Big Chill hockey game at Michigan Stadium and includes a pre-game tailgate party for all judges and participants.

"The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition highlights Michigan as the destination for innovation," said David Egner, executive director of the New Economy Initiative. "As the first of many projects of the Business Accelerator Network for Southeast Michigan, the competition will help to accelerate the transition of our region to an innovation-based economy. We are pleased that the University Research Corridor and Business Leaders for Michigan are joining with us as partners and support the message that Michigan is an ideal place to launch and grow a new business."

"The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition provides second stage entrepreneurs with the opportunity to showcase their ideas and grow their companies in a region where new business thrives due to the unique resources available," said Michael Finney, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. "We also hope to reach the large number of talented Michigan university and college students, and encourage them to submit their homegrown ideas to build upon Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem."

For more information about the Accelerate Michigan Innovation competition, visit www.acceleratemichigan.org or connect with the competition via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Business Accelerator Network for Southeast Michigan
The Business Accelerator Network for Southeast Michigan is new regionwide network for building and retaining new business in southeast Michigan. Composed of the region’s four key business accelerators—Ann Arbor SPARK, Automation Alley, Macomb-OU INCubator, and TechTown, the organization will work collaboratively to share best practices, host events focused on addressing issues and goals that impact southeast Michigan, support business plan development, and leverage funding to grow business in the region. The network is supported by a three-year, $3 million grant from the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan.

The New Economy Initiative
The New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan (NEI) is an innovative philanthropic effort to accelerate the transition of metro Detroit to an innovation-based economy that expands opportunity for all. Ten national, regional and local foundations have committed $100 million to this unprecedented eight-year initiative, including the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (Detroit), Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation (Southfield, Mich.), Ford Foundation (New York), Hudson-Webber Foundation (Detroit), W.K. Kellogg Foundation (Battle Creek, Mich.), John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (Miami), Kresge Foundation (Troy, Mich.), McGregor Fund (Detroit), Charles Stewart Mott Foundation (Flint, Mich.) and Skillman Foundation (Detroit). The participating foundations are leading the implementation and governance of the NEI. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, which initiated the collaborative, is serving as its administrative home. For more information, visit http://neweconomyinitiative.cfsem.org.

The University Research Corridor
Michigan’s University Research Corridor (URC) is an alliance of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. It was founded to leverage the power of Michigan’s research universities to transform, strengthen and diversify the state’s economy. A recent study found that the three universities have a combined impact on the state’s economy of $14.5 billion, with a vision to contribute toward the transformation of Michigan’s economy.

The URC is among the top R&D clusters in the nation (compared with U.S. regions such as Route 128 in Boston, Research Triangle in North Carolina and Silicon Valley in Northern California) for producing patents, new business and graduates with high-tech-related degrees needed in growing new fields. In addition, the three universities serve as a magnet in helping to attract new business to the state of Michigan.

Business Leaders for Michigan
Business Leaders for Michigan, the state’s business roundtable, is dedicated to making Michigan a "Top Ten" state for job and economic growth. The organization is composed exclusively of the chairpersons, chief executives or most senior executives of Michigan’s largest companies and universities, which provide more than 300,000 jobs in Michigan, generate more than $1 trillion in annual revenue, and serve more than 130,000 students. The organization’s work is defined by the Michigan Turnaround Plan, a holistic, fact-based strategy to get Michigan’s economy back on track. For more information, visit www.michiganturnaroundplan.com and www.BusinessLeadersforMichigan.com.

Ann Arbor, MI – August 24, 2010

Accuri Cytometers, Inc. and BioTech a.s. are pleased to announce the launch of the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer system in Czech Republic, Slovak Republic and Hungary.

The two companies have signed an exclusive distribution agreement giving Czech, Slovak and Hungarian researchers access to Accuri’s products for the first time. BioTech a.s. is now responsible for the marketing, sales, support and technical service for Accuri Cytometers products in these countries.

Bob Penney, Managing Director of Accuri Cytometers (Europe) Ltd said “We selected BioTech a.s. because of their excellence in serving and supporting life science researchers in Czech Republic, Slovak Republic and Hungary and their in-depth experience with flow cytometry instruments and reagents. We are excited about the opportunity to work with a company that has such high standards and customer focus.”

Petr Kvapil, CEO of BioTech a.s. said “We enthusiastically look forward to the opportunity to serve the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian markets with Accuri technology. The Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer System complements our existing product line and will further enable the access of life science researchers to flow cytometry applications.”

About Accuri Cytometers

Accuri Cytometers, Inc. is a life sciences company developing and marketing revolutionary high performance cell analysis systems designed to bring the power of flow cytometry into life science and biomedical labs everywhere. Reflecting the input of hundreds of researchers, the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer is a full-featured bench-top cell and bead analysis system that provides similar capabilities to those of industry-leading flow cytometers in an easy-to-use format and at a fraction of their cost. The Accuri system was engineered from the start to be compact, powerful and user-friendly, while also being affordable by most research laboratories. The Accuri CSampler® adds simple, reliable and user-friendly automation to the Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer System. For more information, please visit www.accuricytometers.com.

About BioTech a.s.

Established in 1997 as the supplier of biotechnology research, clinical and industrial laboratories, today BioTech is the leader in the supply of instruments, reagents and consumables for the life science industry. The main focus of BioTech’s activities is the delivery of technical and application support for high tech, state-of-the-art instruments. Headquartered in the heart of Europe – Prague, Czech Republic – with several branch offices and daughter companies in Slovakia and Hungary, BioTech has created system of quick response to all possible customer needs. BioTech a.s. is an ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 certified company. For more information, please visit www.BioTech.cz.

Special Guests: Brandon Inge and Jim Price of the Detroit Tigers

Ann Arbor Businesses Find Unique Opportunity to Connect with Local Families

Ann Arbor, MI (August 21, 2010) – Recognizing a need for a forum where Ann Arbor area businesses can make a personal connection with local families, Children’s Orchard of Ann Arbor has partnered with March of Dimes to host the community’s first annual Family Expo. Dozens of local businesses have already signed up to exhibit on September 25, 2010 from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor.

“The past several years have been very difficult for Ann Arbor area small business owners and consumers alike”, said Taylor Bond, CEO of Children’s Orchard, a locally-owned national children’s resale franchise with a flag-ship store in Ann Arbor. “Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to turn things around. The future of small business depends upon its ability to appeal to the local community and the community’s willingness to support its locally owned small businesses. We strongly support the Buy Local, Buy Michigan movements. That’s what the Children’s Orchard Family Expo is all about, providing an entertaining environment where local companies and organizations can connect with area families and give consumers the opportunity to see and sample their products and services first-hand.” 

The Family Expo will include a stage with live music and entertainment, and fun activities for children and the entire family. Detroit Tiger’s third baseman Brandon Inge and Jim Price, the radio voice of the Tigers, will be signing autographs to benefit Jack’s Place for Autism.

“This expo is a great opportunity for us to reach out to families and encourage them to support their local economy,” said Price. “We’re excited to help support non-profits like Jack’s Place for Autism.”

Other activities at the expo will include a bounce house, face painting, fashion show and more. Exhibitors and Supporters of the event include Children’s Orchard, Newcomers Welcome Service, Ann Arbor State Bank, Domino’s Pizza, Bearclaw Coffee, Costco, Saline Area Schools, Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, and many others. March of Dimes staff and family volunteers will be on hand supporting their mission by accepting donations at the door and managing a silent auction.

Organizations or businesses in the Ann Arbor area interested in exhibiting at the Family Expo should contact Jennifer Fields at (734) 994-9199 or jfields@childorch.com.

About Children’s Orchard
Founded in 1980, Children’s Orchard is the nation’s first franchise of gently used and new name-brand children’s items. With about 50 franchise locations, each Children’s Orchard location buys and sells quality used and new children’s brand name clothing, toys and accessories in an upscale retail environment.  Children’s Orchard stores are designed to emphasize quality, value, comfort and commitment to the local community.  For information about becoming a Children’s Orchard franchisee, please visit the Children’s Orchard website at www.childrensorchard.com or call (800) 999-KIDS.

The Rick for Michigan campaign continues to build momentum as it takes its positive message of Reinventing Michigan to voters across the state

Rick Snyder today welcomed the endorsement of the Small Business Association of Michigan, saying he is honored to be supported by the voice of Main Street. SBAM represents more than 10,000 small businesses across the state.

“We need to give small businesses the support they need so they can grow and create jobs and help our communities thrive. Unfortunately, what we’ve had for the past eight years is a government that often seems like it goes out of the way to stop small businesses from growing,” Snyder said. “I’ve got a 10-point plan to Reinvent Michigan and once again make our state a leader of innovation and job creation.”

Rick has been sharing his 10-point plan to Reinvent Michigan at town hall meetings across the state – he’s held 53 so far. At the town hall meetings, Rick talks directly with voters and answers their questions about how to transform Michigan’s economy and create more and better Michigan jobs. Rick’s 10-point plan to Reinvent Michigan is also available online at www.rickformichigan.com.

Rick has a proven record as a job creator, turning small startups into success stories and running a Fortune 500 company. He also helped found Ann Arbor SPARK, which is one of the most successful community-based economic development programs in the country.
Although Snyder welcomed the SBAM endorsement, he renewed his pledge to not accept PAC money or contributions from special interests.