Economic Growth Institute Fall 2024 Newsletter
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Informing & Transforming Tomorrow's Economy

The Economic Growth Institute has provided innovative economic development programming and applied research for 40 years.

Fall 2024 Newsletter

A view of the flagpole in the Michigan diag on a fall day.

What’s happening at the Economic Growth Institute


EGI and MSU’s Industrial Training and Assessment Center are collaborating on a DOE grant to aid small manufacturers in the EV transition. Our MDRC program continues to support defense manufacturers across the state. We are also launching the Cybersmart program to boost manufacturing cybersecurity, and the Supply Chain Transformation Center remains busy serving the southeast Michigan auto supply chain.


EGI’s community team was recently honored as a finalist in the University Economic Development Association's annual awards. Looking ahead, we want to share a “save the date” for Elevate Forum 2025, which follows our successful inaugural forum.


We are also sharing photos from recent volunteer work by the EGI team and highlighting profiles of a staff member and a student who exemplify our team's dedication and values.


U-M Economic Growth Institute Finalist for UEDA Awards of Excellence “Place” Category

Aerial view of coal plant along Detroit River with title Energy Transition Impact Project above and EGI logo below.
MDRC Program Logo

Funding Available for Companies in

Battery Manufacturing and Energy Storage!

Are you a Michigan small to medium size company looking to grow and innovate? The Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium (MDRC) offers technical assistance, funding, and assessments to help you enter the Department of Defense’s energy storage and battery supply chain.


MDRC Provides

  • Deep Dive Company Assessment

  • Company Valuation

  • Development of Opportunity Plan

  • Up to $75k in cost-share funds for qualified technical projects


Eligibility Requirements

  • Located in Michigan

  • <500 Employees

  • Financial Stability

  • Critical potential in defense energy storage and battery supply chain


To learn more about the MDRC program, please reach out to
Sara Reynolds at
reynosar@umich.edu or visit our company assistance page.


GEM Mobility Talent Resource Network


Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) has officially launched the GEM Mobility Talent Resource Network! This pilot program will support businesses in the mobility sector with their talent strategy needs by matching them with Talent Service Providers. As part of the Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) Talent Transformation Project, this initiative assists businesses in attracting and retaining a robust talent community critical to the region’s success. Services provided to members include Talent Brand Strategy, Talent Intelligence and Pipeline Management, HR Consulting, Inclusion Strategies, Resources Network, and Global Talent.


Why Join?

  • Access GEM Funding: Leverage funding opportunities to drive impactful talent transformation initiatives.

  • Collaborate with Industry Leaders: Connect with top businesses and consultants in the field.

  • Innovate and Transform: Be at the forefront of innovative talent solutions and transformation projects.


Visit https://mievjobs.org/gem-network, or contact gem@semca.org to learn how you can become part of this transformative network.


EGI Staff Member Mary Ammerman

Mary Ammerman is a Project Manager at the University of Michigan's Economic Growth Institute, working with the institute’s community and industry programs. Since joining EGI in 2021, Mary has been instrumental in assisting communities and small businesses across Michigan. Her work focuses on connecting and leveraging resources, funding, and technology to help local companies and communities diversify and grow.


Mary is an Allovance Certified Decision Coach, bringing this expertise to EGI’s community work, which is the subject of an award featured in this month’s email newsletter. With proficiency in strategic planning, community engagement, process development, and cross-functional communication, Mary ensures effective communication with EGI stakeholders.


A native Michigander, Mary is passionate about engaging with new businesses and communities to ensure they have equitable access to the resources and solutions that bolster local and regional economic development.


Prior to her tenure at EGI, Mary dedicated six years to the State of Michigan government, most recently serving in the Executive Office of the Governor. In this role, she excelled in strategic planning, management, and coalition building for various statewide initiatives.


Mary holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the College of Charleston. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog, traveling, and exploring the outdoors. An adventurous cook, Mary also loves hosting family and friends for gatherings, sharing her culinary creations, and fostering community spirit.

EGI Student Chelsea Stokes

Chelsea recently earned her Master of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business. Originally from Virginia, she holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Virginia. Chelsea boasts a diverse professional background, including her roles as a technology federal consultant in the DC area and as a Product Manager at Capital One.


Joining EGI as a Research Associate in January 2024, Chelsea has been instrumental in the Supply Chain Transformation Center (STC) program, assisting automotive companies in their transition to electrification. In this role, she collaborated with Project Managers to conduct financial analyses and supported on-site company assessments. Her tenure at EGI enriched her understanding of the automotive industry and provided insights into the challenges companies face during electrification transitions.


Recently graduated, Chelsea returned to D.C. to join McKinsey & Company, where she will focus on digital strategy.







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Economic Growth Institute · 506 East Liberty Street, 3rd Floor · Ann Arbor, MI 48104-7202 · USA

EGI and MSU’s Industrial Training and Assessment Center are collaborating on a DOE grant to aid small manufacturers in the EV transition. Our MDRC program continues to support defense manufacturers across the state. We are also launching the Cybersmart program to boost manufacturing cybersecurity, and the Supply Chain Transformation Center remains busy serving the southeast Michigan auto supply chain.

EGI’s community team was recently honored as a finalist in the University Economic Development Association’s annual awards. Looking ahead, we want to share a “save the date” for Elevate Forum 2025, which follows our successful inaugural forum.

We are also sharing photos from recent volunteer work by the EGI team and highlighting profiles of a staff member and a student who exemplify our team’s dedication and values.

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