BUSINESS PLANNING & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Earlier this year, Saginaw Future Inc., a Michigan-based economic development agency, hired Christophe Sevrain, CEO of management consulting firm CJPS Enterprises, to lead the organization's medical devices initiative. Since then, Sevrain has developed an implementation plan to create life sciences jobs in the Michigan region by capitalizing on opportunities with existing and start-up companies.

CJPS Enterprises has collaborated with Saginaw Future, Midland Tomorrow, and Bay Future to identify funding sources, training programs, and other key resources available for businesses interested in relocating to Michigan's central region. With its pool of manufacturing knowledge and talent, the Saginaw Valley offers a solid foundation for the growth of medical device manufacturers. Saginaw Future's goal for the new initiative calls for the expansion or attraction of at least 20 businesses over the next two to three years. The initiative is focused on the following five areas.

• Working with researchers, physicians, and other care providers to create intellectual property and develop new businesses.
• Consulting with already-established medical device companies with the goal of growing their businesses through strategic alliances.
• Coordinating with local officials and developers to create business park concepts more tailored to medical device manufacturing.
• Assisting companies unfamiliar with the medical industry in understanding regulatory requirements.
• Identifying and assessing potential corporate acquisitions to bring new jobs to the region.