Michigan to Host Global Delegation to Spotlight Success in Economic Development, Innovation and Technology for Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) Visit

WASHINGTON – About 70 senior-level government, business, policy and economic leaders from about 20 countries will visit sites throughout Michigan May 5-10, 2024, for the 18th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE). The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will serve as host for this year’s event.

ACE is an initiative of the Organization of American States (OAS), held in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) and International Trade Administration, and the U.S. Department of State. Each ACE summit is held in a different region in collaboration with a local partner.

The weeklong event brings together decision-makers from across the Americas, Caribbean and beyond – including Ministers of Trade, Secretaries of Economic Development, and Ambassadors – to explore global partnerships and economic development opportunities.

Delegates will exchange knowledge and build networks – all while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development; strengthening supply chains; and increasing trade and investment opportunities to better connect and drive competitiveness across the Americas.

ACE Michigan delegates will visit almost 20 sites in Detroit, East Lansing, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, to engage with innovation hubs, advanced technology centers, leading firms, and educational/research institutions. Some of the stops include Detroit Diesel, Michigan State University, Peckham Industries, MSU Grand Rapids Innovation, Grand Valley State University, Amway, Steelcase, Kellogg, Duncan Aviation, American Center for Mobility, Michigan Central/Newlab, FANUC and TechTown Detroit/Wayne State University. For more information about ACE Michigan, visit riacevents.org/ACE/michigan.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is doubling down on Michigan as a hub of innovation and economic development in the 21st century,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The ACE's summit in Michigan will help showcase how EDA, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and other partners have helped catalyze innovation and growth throughout the region, and how we can work with our partners throughout the hemisphere to increase economic opportunity for workers in our countries.”

The delegation is slated to visit and connect with representatives from multiple EDA grantees across the state of Michigan, including the American Center for Mobility, Centrepolis Accelerator, Global Epicenter of Mobility, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (MEDTech), Michigan State University, TechTown Detroit, The Right Place and the University of Michigan.

“I’m thrilled that the ACE Michigan delegation will see firsthand the incredible place-based development work that the Department of Commerce, as well as local and regional leaders, are doing,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “Not only will we share America’s economic best practices, but also learn more about innovative approaches from other local, regional, urban, and rural economic development models that are being used around the globe.”

“On behalf of Team Michigan, we are grateful for the opportunity to host the 18th Americas Competitiveness Exchange and welcome a global delegation to our great state,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “When Louisiana hosted the 14th, I saw firsthand the impact this program has in fostering new relationships and economic opportunities. We look forward to the connections and collaborations that will emerge as we discuss and demonstrate the ‘Make It In Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects and why foreign direct investment from our hemisphere neighbors is welcome in our state. This hosting opportunity affords us another chance to spotlight Michigan’s key industries, university ecosystem and cultural landmarks to the rest of the world.”

For more information about the ACE program, please visit the ACE website.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.