Press Release

70 COMPANIES HONORED AS EMERGING SECTORS® SURPASSES $1 BILLION TOTAL INVESTMENT MILESTONE

Contact:  Steve Huber, Marketing & Communications supervisor
Oakland County Department of Economic Development & Community Affairs
Phone:  Office (248) 858-1848 Cell (248) 830-9846

Pontiac, Mich. May 22, 2008 Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson hosted a celebration Thursday at the Cranbrook Institute of Science to honor and thank the first 70 companies who helped the Emerging Sectors business attraction and retention program surpass $1 billion of total investment in its first four years.

"I'm thrilled and gratified by the overwhelming success of the Emerging Sectors program," Patterson said. "These companies have put their faith in Oakland County and Michigan, despite nightly news reports of a tired economy. Oakland County continues to attract the high-paying, highly-skilled jobs that will ensure the future growth of our county and the state."

Each of the companies was presented with a custom-made personalized crystal award.

Patterson created the Emerging Sectors program in 2004 to help diversify Oakland County's economy and replace lost manufacturing jobs. It targets international companies that wish to expand their operations into North America as well as North American companies who see Oakland County as the right business location.

Since 2004, when the program began, Emerging Sectors has attracted investment of $1.03 billion, created 11,873 jobs, retained 3,230 jobs and generated more than $25.6 million in taxes. Seventy-two successes companies who are either new to Oakland County or have expanded in Oakland County now highlight the program.

Charter One Bank and Crain's Detroit Business sponsored Thursday's event.