Spotlight Michigan seeks to produce innovative and entrepreneurial culture in Michigan
Archive for February, 2010
Press Release 2/28
Feb 28th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2010
EAST LANSING – Spotlight Michigan, a student led organization promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, is pleased to announce another component of their year-long research.
Spotlight Michigan has selected five cities to visit between March 8 and March 12 to meet with young professional groups and economic development officials to understand their strategies for developing young entrepreneurial talent. The cities are Urbana IL, South Bend IN, Madison WI, Iowa City IA, and Kansas City MO. In Kansas city, they will be visiting the Kauffman Foundation to better understand Kauffman’s research initiatives on entrepreneurship.
This qualitative research will help identify the Lansing region’s comparative strengths and weaknesses in attracting young, talented individuals.
Any questions should be directed to Amanda VanderMeulen, Communications Director at vandermeulena@spotlightmichigan.com
State News Article
Feb 15th
Spotlight Michigan is in the news again Monday 2/15. See the article here.
Over the weekend, The State News interviewed Spotlight staff members to learn more about Spotlight’s mission and research.
Media and Technology Director Anthony Mianecki is quoted saying “It’s no secret in Michigan we’re hemorrhaging young talent.”
To combat this trend, Research Director Jennifer Seager argues, “The first step Michigan needs to take is to find a way to attract recent college graduates,” Seager said. “Without the new creative minds in society, there’s not going to be any economic churn, change in the economy.”
Recognizing Michigan’s shortcomings, Spotlight Michigan seeks to promote a more innovative and entrepreneurial culture in Michigan by cultivating and spotlighting young, talented, and entrepreneurial communities for the new economy.
Help keep the conversation going, and look for updates on our April event soon.
EVOLVE
Spotlight Michigan College Student Survey on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Feb 15th
Take the Survey
Operating under the premise that young, talented individuals are crucial to entrepreneurial and innovative change, Spotlight Michigan is conducting a comprehensive survey of college and university students in Michigan.
We hope to…
- Identify qualities of place that are important to young individuals.
- Determine the differences within the college population on key issues, such as willingness and desire to start new enterprises and their perceived needs for success.
- Uncover the conditions for retaining college graduates.
- In conjunction with local economic development agencies, and based on the results of the survey:
- Determine the relative strengths and weaknesses of communities.
- Drive public policy changes that will attract and retain entrepreneurially-minded young people.
- Consult with communities on attracting and retaining young, entrepreneurial talent.
- Spotlight communities that have implemented best practices.
Please help us help Michigan, and take our survey. Click Here
East Lansing TIC mentions Spotlight Michigan
Feb 8th
Jeff Smith of the East Lansing Technology Innovation Center (TIC) mentions Spotlight Michigan in a video commenting on efforts to blend the university and city, and the university and community to help make Lansing a center for young innovative talent.
If you haven’t heard of all the great things Jeff and the TIC are doing, check out their website, East Lansing TIC or follow them on twitter @EastLansingTIC.
