from the chair

Reflecting on the past provides an opportunity to appreciate how the economy in Ann Arbor has evolved and adapted to be one of the most enviable in the state, if not the country.

As recent as 30 years ago, this wasn’t the case. Like most of the Midwest, our economy was heavily based in manufacturing; the businesses and jobs in the Ann Arbor region weren’t diverse. The model wasn’t sustainable, as we’d soon learn.

When the global economy began to lean more heavily toward tech, Ann Arbor was better positioned than most regions to respond. We are home to one of the world’s largest research universities and innovation was already beating at the heart of our community. When manufacturing began to lose prominence, we were able to shift and — in what was becoming a shrinking pond of opportunity — begin to make waves that would extend beyond the city center into our broader region.

Ann Arbor SPARK keeps the tides rising, to the benefit of our economy, our quality of life, and our reputation as a place where businesses and individuals thrive. Without SPARK, that outward momentum wouldn’t have extended as quickly as it has. Ann Arbor SPARK’s work is specific, strategic, and focused on attracting and growing the high tech companies that are the future of economic growth.

The rising tides of opportunity have expanded beyond the city and into our surrounding communities. We see growth and prosperity throughout the broader region. We should all be proud of this growth and confident in the foundation it has created. It’s on this foundation that Ann Arbor SPARK and its partners will continue its work to attract and nurture innovation-based businesses and the jobs those companies create.

Sincerely,

David N. Parsigian
CHAIR OF THE BOARD, ANN ARBOR SPARK

from the president and CEO

I have the privilege of experiencing first-hand, every day, Ann Arbor’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Every day, I work at the SPARK Central Innovation Center and get to experience the next-generation entrepreneur growing their business. This experience is invigorating and inspiring, and it’s one that’s easy to take for granted.

Since coming to Ann Arbor seven years ago, I’ve seen the downtown tech corridor mature. Where there were once empty storefronts and offices now are companies like Barracuda and LLamasoft. Every year, startups like Spellbound and Heal Pay graduate our incubator for their own office spaces — those companies are located above a popular local brewpub and BBQ restaurant, respectively.

I’ve seen this growth and maturity expand from the city center out to our neighboring communities. Nostrum Energy graduated from the incubator this year and is now located in Pittsfield Township. Groundspeed continues to grow and has new offices in Ann Arbor Township. Autonomous shuttle company Navya built a production facility in Saline. In the last three years, Pop Daddy has grown from a regional food startup to selling across the U.S. and Canada — growth made possible by an expansion of its facilities in Livingston County.

Our downtown, the heart of our region, is a vibrant, desirable place to both work and play. This economic prosperity radiates out, benefiting the quality of life in our region and the quality of opportunities for job seekers, investors, and business owners. It’s exciting that we are well positioned now and into the future for continued success, and have a team at Ann Arbor SPARK committed to furthering this success for years to come.

Regards,

Paul Krutko
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ANN ARBOR SPARK