Dear Visitor,

I can't tell you how excited I am to be welcoming you to the Michigan Israel Business Bridge website.

I stepped into the role of Executive Director on April 1, 2008.  My background is in sales, business development, and consulting, having worked for large medical device maker Medtronic for the past 7 years and prior to that with high-tech start-ups in Israel seeking market entry strategies in North America. I'm honored to have been chosen to help lead this new organization in its mission to facilitate business and investment between Michigan and Israel for their mutual economic benefit.

As Executive Director, I intend to lead the organization in a manner that upholds our defining characteristics:

• Independent
• Business-focused
• Inclusive
• Benefiting both Michigan and Israel

MIBB already has much to be proud of and even more to look forward to. The MIBB has been active since early 2007, and I feel it is worthwhile to note some of our key achievements thus far:

• Executed a large business matchmaking conference in November 2007 between 12 Michigan-based automotive companies and 16 Israeli automotive suppliers and technology companies. Several deals have emerged from this event.
• Developed business matchmaking agendas for 12 different Israeli companies visiting Michigan. Three of these companies have visited Michigan more than once and are seriously considering establishing a business presence in the state.
  
• Led a life science business mission to Israel for Southwest Michigan First, a Kalamazoo-based economic development organization, and separately, a general business mission for 8 state legislators.
  
• Established a Michigan office in Ann Arbor.
  
• Recruited over 65 members.
• Recruited a diverse board of directors comprised of successful professionals from across the state of Michigan.

This fall and in early 2009 we are already have several events in the works, including our first general membership meeting, the 2nd Annual Israel-Michigan automotive partnering event, and a members-only business mission to Israel. In addition, we have an active pipeline of Michigan-Israel business opportunities that are described further below.

To gain access to all these exciting activities you must become a member. The MIBB is a membership-driven organization and your dues help us deliver value and grow. If you haven't already joined, I urge you to consider membership. Visit our website for further details.  What do you get from membership?

• Access to Michigan-Israel business opportunities
• Being part of this unique network of Michigan and Israeli business professionals
• Satisfaction in helping the economies of Michigan and Israel

I'm looking forward to serving all of you and leading the MIBB to new heights.

All the best,

Ron Perry