President Mary Sue Coleman was honored Tuesday by the International Economic Development Council for her leadership on economic development issues.
At the IEDC Federal Forum in Alexandria, Va., Coleman was praised for her work helping create Ann Arbor SPARK, a partnership between U-M and the Ann Arbor community focused on economic development.
With the university as primary supporter, Ann Arbor SPARK has helped contribute to $1.4 billion in new investments in the region, created nearly 12,000 jobs and assisted more than 400 innovative startup companies.
Coleman also was cited for her work in helping create the University Research Corridor, a collaboration among U-M, Michigan State University and Wayne State University that contributes to economic development and research in the state. Her co-chairing of the National Advisory Committee on Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the U.S. Department of Commerce was also noted.
“Mary Sue Coleman is a proven leader who is creating economic opportunity in Michigan,” said Paul Krutko, IEDC past chair and current president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “Her impact is measurable and positive; she actively connects the public, private and academic sectors to the benefit of economic growth.”
In thanking IEDC for the recognition, Coleman credited the many partnerships that U-M has formed with allied groups for the success that has occurred during her presidency. She also thanked the faculty, staff and students for their contributions to the effort to launch startups, create new talent and collaborate on research.
