Ann Arbor, MI--An alliance to serve the photonics industry in Michigan--Mi-Light--held its first meeting on April 10, 2013, to elect and install a board of directors. The cluster follows from funding in 2012 by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which awarded Mi-Light $89,000 to kick-off activities supporting and promoting the growth of the state’s photonics industry.
Leaders from Michigan's photonics companies, many of which are in Washtenaw County, began meeting in 2008 to collaborate on developing the state's photonics industry. The new Board members are: Michelle Stock (mlstock consulting), Chair; David Shindell (Data Optics), Vice-Chair and Acting Treasurer; Anca Sala (Baker College), Secretary; Bodo Ehlers (Rigaku); Sheila Jensen (Visotek); Michael Klos (IPG Photonics); and Richard Kurtz (Advanced Photonix).
Mi-Light is using the MEDC funding to:
1. Promote Michigan’s industry and research assets in photonics to a global audience in order to attract companies, talent, and new business.
2. Increase awareness of Michigan’s breadth and depth of photonics capabilities and assets.
3. Develop photonics education and training programs in Michigan to increase the availability of skilled technical personnel at all levels.
4. Stimulate collaboration among its members and with outside organizations.
For more information, contact Michelle Stock at [email protected] or visit www.mi-light.org.