Dearborn, MI - Today, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) discussed jobs and growth opportunities with employees at Accio Energy and GDI InfoTech, two Ann Arbor based companies. Congressman Dingell listened to detailed explanations from these 21st century companies about their work and how the government can assist them in generating employment opportunities in Michigan’s 15th district. These stop-bys are part of a series of “Small Business Week” events that will occur throughout the week.
After today’s meetings, Congressman Dingell said: “I have, and will continue, to meet with local companies to figure out how business and government can work as a team to create opportunities for 15th district residents. I want to see we are doing everything possible to bridge the gap between R&D and production.”
Accio Energy is developing new wind energy technology that directly converts wind energy to electricity without any moving parts (such as turbines). The technology is dramatically different from existing approaches to wind energy generation, and is scalable, reliable, and affordable. Dr. Dawn White, President of Accio Energy, is committed to building businesses in Michigan, with economic development benefits such as employment growth, renewable energy/economic diversification, and attraction of outside capital. The company recently won a $250,000 U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) contract to continue developing its potentially revolutionary wind energy device.
“At Accio Energy, we are excited about leveraging the tremendous manufacturing base in Michigan to bring renewable energies to the world,” said Dr. White. “We deeply appreciate the interest and support of Congressman Dingell who has made such a wide range of contributions for small businesses and the people of the State of Michigan.”
The Congressman then met with GDI Infotech, an information integration and management company which has received numerous awards for growth. They have been in business for 17 years as a privately-held, certified minority-owned business headquartered in Ann Arbor. GDI Infotech recently spun off a new company - InfoReady Corporation and a new product - InfoReady4Grants. InfoReady4Grants product is designed for finding relevant federal and foundation grant opportunities quickly and foster effective collaboration between research community and other key stakeholders such as commercialization partners and economic development agencies.
“The opportunity to meet with Congressman Dingell and discuss the needs, concerns and successes of small business is very helpful,” said Bhushan Kulkarni, CEO of InfoReady Corporation and Chairman of the Board at GDI. “Our vision at InfoReady Corporation is to work with organizations to find and secure more federal revenue to bring back to their communities to spur economic development and the Congressman is just the partner we need to work with to be successful! We are very appreciative of the time he spent with us today.”
During these meetings, Dingell heard more about what Accio Energy and GDI Infotech do, what concerns they face as small businesses, what opportunities they see, and what Congress can do for companies like them. He also heard new innovative ideas that are crucial for reinventing Michigan.
“Accio Energy is committed to both creating jobs in Michigan and making renewable energy technologies a reality,” Dingell said. “GDI Infotech's recent spin-off product - InfoReady4Grants presents excellent opportunity for Michigan to bring in more federal grant revenue in our region and foster effective collaboration. These companies are an excellent example of why small businesses are so crucial to moving our economy and country forward, and I will continue to fight for legislation that supports them.”
