Overview

Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, drives growth in Southeast Michigan's economy.

Automation Alley is a non-profit organization that drives growth and economic development through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives. Automation Alley attracts the creators and consumers of diverse technologies from a variety of industries around the world.

The Automation Alley region encompasses the City of Detroit and counties of Genesee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne.

History

The genesis of Automation Alley can be traced back to Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s 1997 State of the County address.  At this time, Patterson unveiled his vision for leveraging the combined strength of Oakland County's high-tech companies into a national marketing strategy that could be used as a tool to attract skilled talent and cutting-edge businesses.

Shortly after this new initiative was announced, the first phase of development began with a member roster of 44 organizations. It was in this phase that the basic structure of the organization was formed. Marketing materials were created, a Web site was launched and an event schedule was developed.

The beginning of the second phase turned Automation Alley into a working organization and dramatically increased membership.  Four member-driven committees were established and member benefits, including seminars, networking events and a quarterly newsletter, were created. In the second phase, a national marketing campaign was also launched to attract high-tech talent to the area.

In 2001, a trade mission program was established with the assistance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce.  The initial funding enabled Automation Alley to create a program to aid small businesses in boosting their sales through the use of exports.

Automation Alley has conducted trade missions to Mexico, China, Germany, India, Central and Eastern Europe and to date has garnered more than $147 million in signed contracts for participants and the region.

In the summer of 2003, Automation Alley embarked upon a new phase of development with the creation of a business accelerator.  Today, Automation Alley continues to bring together businesses, educators and government to help entrepreneurs accelerate the commercialization of new technologies and services. With Automation Alley's support and resources, ideas are turned into usable, marketable technology solutions. Assistance includes limited pre-seed and commercialization funding, business plan and strategy development support as well as a powerful network of experts and mentors.

Automation Alley Headquarters opened in the fall of 2004 and is located in the designated Automation Alley Technology Park-Troy, south of Big Beaver between John R and Rochester Roads. A variety of events take place at the facility, including technology shows, demonstrations and exhibitions.

To summarize, Automation Alley continually works on behalf of its members and Southeast Michigan. The organization's many successes and accomplishments are a true testament to the strength the organization, its members and the technology economy in Southeast Michigan.