www.mybaycity.com February 21, 2009
Business Article 3589
Sponsored by Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Saginaw Future Inc. 17th Annual Business Meeting Outlines Bright Future!

Outlined Future Solar Opportunities For The Great Lakes Bay Region

February 21, 2009
By: MyBayCity Staff


On Friday Saginaw Future Inc. held their annual business meeting at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth.

Saginaw Future Inc. (SFI) honored 30 award companies that invested an incredible $1.1 billion in Saginaw County and the Great Lakes Bay Region. The Economic Excellence Awards were presented today at Saginaw Future's 17th Annual Business Meeting, which was attended by over 400 business and community leaders.

Throughout the past year, SFI assisted community businesses with expansion projects and attracted new companies that chose to Locate at the Source of solar, medical and advanced manufacturing technology. In total, these firms expect to create some 658 new jobs and retain 1,596 jobs for the area.

"The huge investment and job creation in these tough economic times is a testament to the business leadership and quality companies located in Saginaw County and the Great Lakes Bay Region," said Herbert Spence III, 2008 chairman of the Saginaw Future Inc. Board of Directors. "These projects are a source of economic hope for the region."

Three solar related projects will have a significant impact on the local economy:

· $1 billion expansion by Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, largest worldwide producer of polycrystalline silicon

· $3 million investment by Dow Corning Corp. in its 27,000 sq. ft. Solar Solutions Application Center in Freeland

· Dow Corning will begin manufacturing high purity monosilane, a key specialty gas used to manufacture thin-film solar cells and liquid crystal displays, at it soon to be built facility in Thomas Township.

Saginaw Future Inc. President JoAnn Crary stated, "In 2008, we saw key investments in the solar industry that created a number of expansions by support industries. Saginaw Future and the recently launched Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership have developed a targeted marketing plan to attract new solar investment to the region."

The SFI 17th Annual Business Meeting featured speaker was Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation's President and CEO Rick Doornbos. Doornbos summarized HSC's latest expansion project and outlined future solar opportunities for the Great Lakes Bay Region.

In addition to solar development, more than $21 million was invested in medical device technology projects. There was also new Saginaw County investment in aerospace, government contracting, advanced manufacturing, professional services and agri-business.

Saginaw Future Inc. Established in 1992, Saginaw Future Inc. is a public-private partnership of business, government, labor and education. Saginaw Future has agreements in place to provide economic development services for the City of Saginaw, County of Saginaw and 16 local municipalities. Over 180 private businesses, organizations and individuals, along with three foundations, also provide contributions to the 501(c)3 economic development organization.

Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership Saginaw Future Inc., Bay Future, Inc. and Midland Tomorrow have formed a dynamic partnership to attract new business investment to the region. The Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership (EDP) is a marketing collaboration that presents a unified message and will help stimulate the region's solar industry. The Great Lakes Bay EDP has launched a specialized marketing campaign and Web site that targets the solar supply chain - Michigan Solar Advantage The partnership actively promotes to the world that the Great Lakes Bay Region is a global center for the photovoltaic industry.

Rick Doornbos

Rick is the President and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation. The company is the world's largest supplier of high purity polycrystalline silicon used in the manufacture of semiconductors, memory devices, and solar cells used in the fast growing field of renewable energy. Hemlock Semiconductor is currently working on a large expansion project to nearly double its production capacity to support the rapidly growing demand for polysilicon from its customers in the semiconductor and solar industries.

Rick is an active member of Midland Reformed Church, where he just completed serving a three year term as an elder and as a member of their consistory board. He enjoys snow skiing, summer water sports, and spending time with his family up north. Rick and his wife Sandy have been married for 29 years. They have three children.



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