Membership Why Join MIBB|
Why Michigan? Why Israel? Why Now? Michigan—land of the great lakes and home to the motor city. Israel—land of the desert and the Bible. What could these two disparate states have to learn from each other? How can partnerships between the two contribute to their mutual economic growth? The Michigan Israel Business Bridge (MIBB) was founded in 2007 with the purpose of facilitating business and investment connections between Michigan and Israel. This non-profit organization was established because Michigan and Israel have complementary needs and capabilities that make them natural strategic partners in business and economic development ventures. The MIBB’s unique mission makes it the best positioned to facilitate individual, business, academic and governmental relationships that will help both states meet their economic goals. Why Michigan? Why Israel? Michigan is at an economic crossroads. The challenges of transition to a more diversified economy are enormous. As Michigan continues to develop its growth sectors, global economic connections are more important than ever. Like Michigan, Israel is no stranger to hardship. Since its 1948 founding, the young state has faced ongoing threats to its security while struggling to form a modern government and economy. Yet through this adversity, Israel has triumphed, and become a model of a modern development. Israel is a global scientific leader. It has the highest number of scientists per capita, the third highest number of U.S. patent’s per capita, and over 5000 high-tech start-up companies. It has become an expert in several of the areas that Michigan is trying to grow—life sciences, homeland security, alternative energy, and water technology—as well as a variety of others that Michigan can benefit from. Due to the quantity and quality of Israeli technology and entrepreneurship, the country is a premier destination for investors looking for opportunities that will shape the future. Other U.S. states and countries around the world have been pursuing business relationships with Israel for years. While Michigan is a latecomer to the game, there are many opportunities for relationships between companies and organizations in both states that will be particularly mutually attractive. Michigan has distinct assets that make it an especially attractive partner to Israeli companies. Michigan is at the forefront of innovation in the automotive/advanced manufacturing, life sciences, homeland security, alternative energy and nanotechnology sectors. It is a global leader in research and development, through its skilled workforce, the automotive industry, and multiple research universities. It is strategically located on an international border with easy access to the rest of the country and the world through an extensive rail and highway system along with 19 airports. It is through these strengths that Michigan will emerge from its economic downturn, yet it will not do so without engaging strong international partners. With its complementary industry and entrepreneurship, Israel is the right partner for Michigan. Why the Michigan Israel Business Bridge? The MIBB is the preeminent, member-based Network for providing business matchmaking and referral services between Michigan and Israel companies and organizations. Its diverse membership includes businesspeople, companies, communities, investors, and economic development organizations in Michigan and Israel. These individuals and entities come from a variety of backgrounds and industry sectors, including automotive manufacturing, military/homeland security, IT, life science, consumer products, real estate, law, and strategy consulting. It is because of its Access to this unique network that the MIBB has been successful in its endeavors. It acts as a Catalyst for its members to accelerate and enhance their R&D projects, capital raising activities, talent and customer acquisition programs, and facility and supplier identification initiatives. The MIBB Leverages its resources and connections to facilitate the initiation and growth of business relationships between Michigan and Israel. The MIBB is supported by a professional staff that knows Israeli culture and business practice, along with an active working board from across the State of Michigan. The MIBB also enjoys strong support from communities—individuals, companies, universities and economic development corporations—throughout the state who wish to see the development of both economies. In just over two years, the MIBB already has a proven track record of success. Some examples of the MIBB’s accomplishments include the following:
By 2012, the MIBB aims to have over 400 members in Michigan and Israel, 10 Israeli companies with a physical presence in Michigan, 20 Michigan companies conducting business in Israel, a $15M Michigan-Israel venture fund, and a Michigan incubator for Israeli companies. Conclusion Michigan and Israel are natural partners that can mutually benefit from each other’s strengths and capabilities (see Appendix A). The Governor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation have already recognized the value of forging business relationships with Israel as evidenced by their recent investment mission to the country, largely coordinated by the MIBB. Given the incredible amount of opportunities possible through the pairing of Michigan and Israeli businesses, universities and investors, the time to move forward with these relationships is now. As the premier catalyst for Michigan and Israeli companies and institutions to form and develop mutually beneficial relationships, the MIBB is the right partner for the State of Michigan as it seeks to expand its business activities in Israel. Michigan and Israel's Needs and Capabilities
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