Research and Innovation

Mount Pleasant firm offers businesses, government entities information at the click of a mouse

Jeff Barr Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The most important thing when it comes to a successful business is knowing what to focus on. For Amalgam LLC, a GIS firm based in Mt. Pleasant, the focus could easily be technology, but instead the company has found a more successful strategy--focusing on people.

Dow Kokam brings new energy to alternative vehicle industry

Howard Lovy Tuesday, June 07, 2011

New and alternative energies hold the promise of a strong industrial future for Mid Michigan. One of the companies contributing to that future is the Dow Kokam battery enterprise. Writer Howard Lovy talks to the visionaries who are making it happen about what that future may hold.

Economic forecast for the Great Lakes Bay Region? Very bright

Jenny Cromie Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Solar power is the future, there is little doubt in that. But it's more than just the future of power in the world--it's part of Mid Michigan's economic future as well. Second Wave feature writer Jenny Cromie investigates the companies expected to be players in the business of harnessing the sun's energy.

Innovations in the construction industry coming from Bay City�s Eovations

Jeff Barr Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Eovations LLC, a start-up company that just invested $16 million in its new headquarters in Bay City, makes a product that replicates wood but doesn't degrade in the weather.

Clean water: Central Michigan University students strive to bring it to India slums

Sam Eggleston Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Imagine not having fresh water when you wanted to drink it, or not even knowing that the water you use every day is actually dangerous. That's the situation in many parts of the world, which is something the Central Michigan University Clean Water Initiative wants to see come to an end. That's why they're doing their part in helping be a part of the answer by helping create a solution for those in need in the slums of Ahmedabad, India.

CMU entrepreneur aims to hit big-name store shelves with wild game soup this fall

Kim North Shine Tuesday, October 19, 2010

While Cason Thorsby was earning his bachelor's and master's degrees from Central Michigan University, he had a project simmering on the side -- Dixie Dave's Wild Game Soup. This fall, the 24-year-old Thorsby is looking forward to seeing his product on the shelves at Cabela's, Gander Mountain, and other big-time retailers.

Midland company driving sustainability and growing communities with biodiesel

Jenny Cromie Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Mission trips to rural Mexico and a desire to create a cleaner way to power vehicles led Richard Shull -- a former mechanical engineer from Dow Corning -- to start up his own biodiesel company three years ago, Midland-based Point Hope Energy. The technology also will help power economic opportunities in underdeveloped countries. Managing editor Jenny Cromie reports on this fascinating enterprise that puts social responsibility ahead of profits.

An anti-business business thrives in a tough economy

Cynthia J. Drake Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Business is booming at GreenTree Cooperative Grocery in Mount Pleasant, where customers are invited to own a piece of the business. Despite current economic conditions, the business is doing so well that employees predict GreenTree will outgrow its space within the next five years.

Young professionals networks growing, on the move in Great Lakes Bay region

Margaret Essex Tuesday, August 03, 2010

They're growing, they're on the rise, and they're making a difference. And thanks to the chambers of commerce in Bay City, Midland, Mount Pleasant and Saginaw, young professionals now have a way to socialize, network with other professionals, and maximize career opportunities all at the same time.

Battery-powered business drives new technology to market, cost savings to consumers

Jenny Cromie Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Two years ago, Ed Shaffer decided to leave his management job at Dow Chemical so that he could start up his own advanced battery company. He withdrew money out of his 401k and opened up shop in his garage. Today, the entrepreneur's multi-million company is on the verge of turning a century-old technology on its head.