In This Issue

• From the Board Chair: Future Perfect in West Michigan
• Attraction: Wind Energy in Michigan
• Expansion: Global Forex Trading
• Manufacturing: Diversification is Key
• Innovation: A Year of Success

Attraction: Wind Energy in Michigan

Rockford | Bergé Partnership

Spain-based Bergé Logística Energética and Grand Rapids-based Rockford Construction announced the formation of Rockford Bergé on March 11th, a company combining wind farm construction with comprehensive logistical services.

Rockford Bergé is a one-of-a-kind company in Michigan, offering construction and logistical services for clients who wish to construct wind farms. This strategic partnership adds a critical component to Michigan’s ability to build a wind energy market in the state.

Approximately half of the parts for wind turbines in the United States currently come from overseas as the support industries are being developed in North America. As Michigan continues to build its wind energy infrastructure, not only in wind farms but in the manufacturing supply chain, our ability to efficiently transport and erect turbine parts and towers is essential.

This relationship may not have developed without the assistance of The Right Place and Birgit Klohs. As result of The Right Place’s robust international business network, a local consultant representing Bergé first contacted Klohs with an idea for a potential joint venture partnership with a Spanish-based logistics services. After seeing the strategic advantages and potential for Rockford Construction and Bergé, Klohs brought the two companies together setting the foundation for what would become Rockford Bergé.

German Trade Mission

Birgit Klohs, President and CEO of The Right Place, recently completed a three-week European Trade Mission to Germany. The purpose of the trip; wind energy business development.
During the three-week trade mission, Klohs had 23 appointments with potential business prospects for West Michigan as well as participating in the first German-American Energy Conference in Berlin. Representing Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Klohs addressed the conference on the potential for wind energy and the wind energy supply chain in Michigan.

As West Michigan companies continue to compete on in a global market, it is crucial that the region’s economic developers lead the effort in fostering new business relationships overseas. Foreign direct investment in West Michigan’s economy continues to create jobs and new business opportunities for our region. In fact, Michigan ranks fourth in the nation in total foreign investment, hosting companies from more than 20 countries which support more than 200,000 jobs.

Why Michigan? Facts About Wind Energy Potential in Michigan

• Michigan is ranked 14th overall state in wind generation potential – does not include offshore.
• 16,650 MW of potential onshore wind power, plus an additional 40,000 MW of potential offshore.
• World class manufacturing ranked 4th overall in potential in wind system production capacity.
• Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandates 10% energy usage from alternative sources by 2015 and 20% by 2025.
• About one-third of our precision plastics and metal manufacturing companies – nearly 700 companies in all – are already equipped to tap into this emerging market.
• Five major Michigan universities and colleges offer alternative energy programs.