FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

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NCMS CHOSEN TO LEAD MICHIGAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION

Program Aims to Create Jobs

ANN ARBOR, MI – June 26, 2008. The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) has been selected as the sole peer review agency for the 2008 21st Century Jobs Fund Business Plan Competition. NCMS was selected by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) through its Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board (SEIC) based on its proven track record of R&D program management and commercialization experience.

The 21st Century Jobs Fund is a $2 billion, ten-year initiative proposed by Governor Granholm, approved by the Michigan Legislature, and administered by the MEDC to accelerate the diversification of Michigan’s economy. The first round of funding resulted in the SEIC Board awarding $126.3 million to 78 organizations. Those organizations, in turn, are doing high-tech research, commercializing new products, and creating new jobs.

“NCMS is excited to manage Michigan’s 21st Century Jobs Fund Business Plan Competition,” said Rick Jarman, NCMS President & CEO. “We will use our experience commercializing innovative technology along with our network of industry experts to identify the most promising business plans.”

NCMS is the largest cross-industry collaborative research and development consortium in North America and has a 22 year track record in the management of complex, multi-partner collaborative R&D programs which deliver innovative manufacturing innovations to market faster than traditional methods. This experience makes NCMS the ideal agency to run the 21st Century Jobs Fund Business Plan Competition for the State.

“NCMS has an excellent reputation within and outside Michigan and a solid track record,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation President & CEO James C. Epolito. “We look forward to working with such a highly esteemed group of experts to execute a successful business plan competition and grow new companies and jobs in Michigan.”

NCMS will coordinate impartial, phased reviews to select business plans most likely to yield financially viable and sustainable high-technology businesses capable of generating new jobs in Michigan.

The 2008 21st Century Jobs Fund Competition will close on June 30. Proposals must be submitted electronically and are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on that day. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is available online at: http://www.TheMEDC.org/21CBizPlan along with specifics on the application process. An application fee of $500 is required for each proposal and is due at the time of submission.
 

About NCMS

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is the largest cross-industry collaborative research and development consortium in North America, and is the only consortial effort in the U.S. devoted exclusively to manufacturing technologies, processes and practices. NCMS has over 20 years of experience in the formation and management of complex, multi-partner collaborative R&D programs, and is backed by corporate members representing virtually every manufacturing sector.

For more information, visit http://www.ncms.org

About MEDC

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the State of Michigan's one-stop resource for businesses seeking to grow in Michigan.

For more information, visit  http://www.themedc.org/

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