www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/040507/loc_2007040554.s -
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Published on: 4/5/2007
Last Visited: 4/5/2007
"In a couple of months, there should be a couple of nice announcements," said Maureen Krauss, county deputy director of community and economic development.
"I would say we have two really strong prospects that will be announced by the end of the year and we'll work them real hard to make sure they're in Oakland County," Krauss said Monday.
Krauss declined to name the strongest prospects, but said the companies the economic development trip dealt with were two-thirds automotiverelated and one-third information technology-related.
The 10-day trip included seminars in four Indian cities and contacts with more than 150 businesses.It generated numerous leads for the county."We counted 28 leads we think will go somewhere, where we think they'll come over here and make an investment," Krauss said.
The economic partnership has previously visited India on economic development missions although this was Oakland County's first trip.
The partnership is backed by 100 public or private investors, including Oakland County, and seeks to develop a 10-county region that, besides Oakland, includes the counties of Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne, plus the city of Detroit.
There are currently 11 Indian companies with a presence in Oakland County and more than 20 in the region, Krauss said.
The Detroit Regional Economic Partnership has been wooing foreign businesses and investments for six years.