The month of November marks the sixth annual Celebration of Regional Growth, in which the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce recognizes contributions made by outstanding organizations in our region.

When we started the celebration in 2006, the chamber intended for the event to become an annual recognition of the many great organizations in the tri-county area that have made major commitments to the region. During the past six years, the celebration has honored 30 organizations that are helping change the face of our area.

The organizations that have been recognized at the Celebration of Regional Growth have made a tremendous impact on our area in a number of ways. Some of that impact can be easily seen through the investment of more than $1 billion in building projects and new jobs made in the past six years. Those investments represent much more than just bricks and mortar. The organizations making those investments reflect the growing entrepreneurial spirit that is causing a shift in our economic landscape. Mid-Michigan’s new economy combines our traditional manufacturing heritage with exciting new growth sectors that will lead us into the future.

Insurance and financial services

The area’s insurance industry continued to grow during the recession and now employs more than 8,000 people. The event has recognized several of these great organizations, including Auto-Owners Insurance for its commitment to building a $45 million data center in Delta Township; Delta Dental for its green building project and expansion to its Okemos headquarters; Accident Fund for construction of its new world headquarters in Downtown Lansing and Jackson National Life for its expansion projects in Alaeidon Township and Lansing.

We are also fortunate to have such a strong banking and financial services sector in our region. Two of our honorees the past five years, MSU Federal Credit Union and GreenStone Financial Services, were recognized for construction of new corporate headquarters.

Technology and advanced research

Perhaps no announcement has generated more excitement in the area than when we received word that the U.S. Department of Energy would locate its Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (F-RIB) at Michigan State University, recognized at the celebration in 2009. That project will result in an estimated $1 billion in new economic activity. Niowave, recognized in 2008, is a rapidly growing high-tech manufacturing firm producing equipment for atomic research. The Technology Innovation Center (2009) in East Lansing facilitates the development of technology-based entrepreneurship in our area.

International trade

Our area is beginning to recognize the untapped potential that can be realized in global markets. The Celebration of Regional Growth has recognized two of the leaders in the international area. Capital Region International Airport (2008) is now an international port of entry, Port Lansing, and is home to a Foreign Trade Zone, which offers new opportunities for importing and exporting. Neogen Corporation (2006 and 2010) received the celebration’s first International Trade Award in recognition of its worldwide activity in food and animal safety and life sciences.

Advanced manufacturing

General Motors (2009) has transformed its manufacturing operations into state-of-the-art facilities that set the standard for high-tech manufacturing and demonstrates GM’s commitment to a long-term presence in our area. Demmer Corporation (2007) and Spartan Motors (2006) have demonstrated how to take their traditional manufacturing experience and diversify into exciting new markets in defense and homeland security. Mahle products in St. Johns was recognized in 2008 for its $18.2 million expansion of its engine components company.

Energy and environment

Lansing Board of Water & Light (2010) has been recognized as one of the leading municipally owned utilities in the country and a leader in cleaner energy and energy efficiency. Granger was recognized in 2009 for adding five landfill gas utilization projects where trash is recycled into green power.

There are many other great success stories recognized during the past six years including corporate leaders such as Emergent BioSolutions; Liquid Web; Gestamp; Ingham Regional Medical Center; Sparrow Health System; Techsmith; Two Men and A Truck/ INTERNATIONAL®; Dean Transportation; HRU Technical Resources; Meijer, Inc.; Peckham Industries; The Christman Company; Wieland-Davco Corporation and the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

We should all be thankful for these great organizations and many others that deserve to be recognized for their innovation and success, as well as their commitment to a vibrant quality of life in the Lansing area.

		Tim Daman is president and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.