The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) will host about 70 senior-level government, business, policy, and economic leaders from approximately 20 countries who will visit sites throughout Michigan this week, for the 18th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE).
ACE is an initiative of the Organization of American States (OAS), conducted in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) and International Trade Administration, and the U.S. State Department. Each ACE summit takes place in a different region in collaboration with a local partner.
The weeklong event brings together decision-makers from across the Americas, Caribbean, and beyond — including ministers of trade, secretaries of economic development, and ambassadors — to explore global partnerships and economic development opportunities.
Delegates will exchange knowledge and build networks — all while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development, strengthening supply chains, and increasing trade and investment opportunities to better connect and drive competitiveness across the Americas.
ACE Michigan delegates will visit about 20 sites in Detroit, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, to engage with innovation hubs, advanced technology centers, leading firms, and educational/research institutions.
Some of the stops include Detroit Diesel, Michigan State University, Peckham Industries, MSU Grand Rapids Innovation, Grand Valley State University, Amway, Steelcase, Kellogg, Duncan Aviation, American Center for Mobility, Michigan Central/Newlab, FANUC, and TechTown Detroit/Wayne State University.
The delegation is slated to visit and connect with representatives from multiple EDA grantees across the state of Michigan, including the American Center for Mobility, Centrepolis Accelerator, Global Epicenter of Mobility, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (MEDTech), Michigan State University, TechTown Detroit, The Right Place, and the University of Michigan.
“On behalf of Team Michigan, we are grateful for the opportunity to host the 18th Americas Competitiveness Exchange and welcome a global delegation to our great state,” says Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the MEDC. “When Louisiana hosted the 14th, I saw firsthand the impact this program has in fostering new relationships and economic opportunities.
“We look forward to the connections and collaborations that will emerge as we discuss and demonstrate the Make It In Michigan economic development strategy focused on people, places, and projects and why foreign direct investment from our hemisphere neighbors is welcome in our state. This hosting opportunity affords us another chance to spotlight Michigan’s key industries, university ecosystem, and cultural landmarks to the rest of the world.”
For more information about ACE Michigan, visit here.
