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Upcoming Activities
FALL 2008
Attention to Those in the Lansing Area:
Join MIBB and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) for an interactive luncheon discussion on Michigan-Israel business opportunities featuring guests from the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest. In attendance will be Gershon Kedar, Deputy Consul General, and Robert Schwartz, Senior Policy Advisor.
Friday, September 5, 2008
11:30am-1:00pm
Troppo Restaurant
101 S. Washington Square
Lansing
Seating is limited to 15 people only. Please RSVP to
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as soon as possible!
From Our Friends at the American Technion Society:
The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Yale School of Management are partnering to research Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. We encourage you to come hear Professor Boaz Golany, the co-principal investigator of this initiative, on the following dates:
Monday, September 22, 2008
7:30 PM
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
8 AM and 11:30 AM
Breakfast and lunch.
Locations TBD. Please contact Jo Rosen,
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to RSVP and for further details.
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Details forthcoming on additional membership events in the coming months.
Also, stay tuned for details on our 2nd Annual Michigan-Israel Automotive Partnership Event, to be held in November, together with our co-sponsors, Automation Alley, Oakland County Economic Development, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute.
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Officers
Chuck Newman, President
Joseph A. Parini, Vice President
Noam Y. Raz, Vice President
Susan Herman, Secretary
Jeff Chutz, Treasurer
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We Thank Our Founders and Corporate Level Partners
Founder's Society
Hannan Lis
Mike Levine
Scott Kellman
Ralph Gerson
Corporate Sponsors
 Jay Levin
Corporate Patrons
Harvey Hohauser & Associates
Mark Bernstein
Mark Milgrom
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Michigan Links
Israel Links
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From the President and Executive Director
Dear MIBB members,
As summer draws to a close, we are excited to reflect on the progress we have made over the first several months of our existence, but even more enthusiastic about the activities coming this fall.
Next week we are co-hosting a luncheon in Lansing with our economic development partners there, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership. Gershon Kedar and Bob Schwartz from the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest will be speaking about business opportunities between Israel and Michigan. See the upcoming activities section on the left for further details.
We are rapidly making plans for our 2nd annual Israel-Michigan automotive partnering event in November. This event, to be put on in collaboration with Automation Alley and several other partners, will this year include a broader array of Israeli companies relevant to the automotive industry, such as those in the alternative energy sector. MIBB members will gain exclusive access to this event.
We need members to become actively involved in MIBB committees! Do you have professional expertise in one of our target business sectors (automotive, manufacturing, life sciences, alternative energy, homeland security, software/IT)? We need your help to evaluate business opportunities in these areas. Want to help organize a MIBB membership event? Join our membership committee. See below for further information.
MIBB's "deal pipeline" continues to grow. See below for a list of the exciting business opportunities coming our way from Israel and Michigan. Interested in further information on these
deals? Contact Ron to become a member. Access to these Michigan-Israel business opportunities is a key benefit of membership in MIBB.
Our enthusiasm in serving you and the MIBB continues to grow. Want to discuss a new idea, make a suggestion, join a committee? Contact us - the line is always open.
Best,
Ron Perry, Executive Director
mobile: 734-604-2479
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Chuck Newman, President
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Business Opportunities Available to Members
The following is a list of companies that have approached the MIBB. These business opportunities are exclusively available to MIBB members. For further information on a specific opportunity(ies), please contact Ron.
AUTOMOTIVE
Established Israeli company producing anti-corrosion packaging for the automotive and steel industries seeking buyer contacts in Big 3 and Tier 1/2 suppliers.
Established Israeli automotive parts company seeks variety of U.S. business opportunities. In order of priority (a) acquiring starter battery manufacturer, (b) acquiring lead acid battery
recycling operation, (c) entering into business collaboration with automotive accessories company, and (d) exploring business opportunities with companies involved in new battery technology and electric/hybrid vehicles.
CONSUMER
Michigan inventor seeks business collaboration with Israeli game companies to manufacture, distribute, and/or market new chess game variant endorsed by 7 international grandmasters.
COSMETICS
Israeli company producing all natural cosmetics and essential oils seeks U.S. distribution partner.
HOMELAND SECURITY
Established Israeli-based developer of optical, opto-mechanical, and electro-optical systems for homeland security defense applications seeks new customers in the Michigan/U.S. market, as well as $3M expansion capital for R&D and marketing. Company has local representative in Michigan and intends to establish in Michigan pending funding.
LIFE SCIENCES
Michigan-based medical device start-up founded by Israeli entrepreneurs seeks $400K seed investment to develop innovative glucose monitoring and insulin dosaging product for diabetics. Company has secured commitment for $100K and seeks other Michigan co-investor(s).
Israeli venture-backed company with gene-based therapy solutions for peripheral artery disease and coronary artery disease (PAD and CAD) patients seeks $5-7M in new US-based financing round. Company currently conducting Phase I/IIa US clinical trials. University of Michigan is central U.S. investigation site. Company would potentially establish in Ann Arbor pending funding.
Established Israeli company specializing in design, engineering and production of plastic and electronics products seeks business partnerships with Michigan-based medical device manufacturers
to help penetrate the US market. Also seeking assistance in reaching customers in the manufacturing, automotive, and military markets.
Israeli pharmaceutical start-up developing therapies for age-related macular degeneration and non-small cell lung cancer seeks $800K in new funding to be co-invested with previous round investors. Company would potentially establish Ann Arbor site to pursue pre-clinical research trial with University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Institute.
Israeli pharmaceutical start-up developing nitric-oxide based therapies for hypertension, epilepsy and other clinical applications seeks $5M investment for R&D and establishment of Michigan-based site.
Israeli medical device start-up that has developed intra-ocular lens implant for post-cataract surgery patients, thus eliminating need for eyeglasses, seeks $3-4M investment to gain regulatory
approval and enter the U.S. market. Already selling product in Europe.
Israeli medical device start-up that has developed device based-solutions to treat sufferers of dry mouth (xerostomia) seeks $1.5M investment and business partnerships with US oral-health
companies.
Israeli medical device start-up that has developed new thermal ablation, outpatient-based treatment for prostate cancer seeks capital investment to continue R&D and establish U.S. presence.
Israeli biotech start-up seeks $1M post-incubator investment to further develop gene therapy platform for HIV/AIDS therapy. Company also seeks scientific collaboration with HIV/AIDS
researchers.
Israeli company that develops multimedia products for life science companies (marketing and promotional videos/simulations, presentations, training programs, and web
design/development) seeking to sell its services in the Michigan and U.S. markets.
MANUFACTURING
Early stage Israeli company with Michigan office seeks $3M in growth capital to further R&D, sales and marketing for innovative technology that automates welding for complex, small batch manufacturing.
Established Israeli company specializing in design, engineering and production of plastic and electronic products seeks business partnerships with Michigan-based medical device manufacturers
to help penetrate the U.S. market. Also seeking assistance in reaching new customers in automotive, manufacturing, and military markets.
Established Israeli product design and development company seeks new customer contacts in Michigan with companies that manufacture individual mobility products and sit-down power lawn mowers.
SOFTWARE
Israeli web 2.0 company seeks partnership with Michigan insurance company to be a beta site for its software. Company develops unique web-based technology to enhance online customer interaction experience.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Michigan subsidiary of Israeli telecommunications company seeking new customers for its data and voice broadband monitoring solutions.
TRANSPORTATION
Israeli-based company developing new technology to increase durability of railroad tracks seeks €700K capital investment and U.S.-based strategic partnerships.
Established Israeli company with unique fleet management and monitoring system, which helps reduce costs and increase driver safety, seeks Michigan-based customers in heavy vehicle market.
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Other MIBB News
Successful MIBB Recruitment Event Hosted by Guardian Industries
Michigan and Israeli businesspeople offer perspectives on cross-border business opportunities
On July 23, 2008, the Michigan-Israel Business Bridge facilitated a recruitment event and breakfast discussion on Michigan-Israel business opportunities. A cross section of 45 people from the Oakland County business community attended this event, which was graciously hosted by Guardian Industries at their headquarters in Auburn Hills. The event included a panel of speakers who spoke about different aspects of Michigan-Israel business relationships.
Chuck Newman, President and co-founder of MIBB, and CEO of Dexter-based ReCellular kicked off the discussion with an overview of the MIBB - its origins, activities to date, and
membership benefits. He also conveyed the perspectives of David Zimmermann, CEO of Kalamazoo-based Kalexsyn and AzoRx (medicinal chemistry CRO and CRO project management company), who was unfortunately unable to attend. David had recently been to Israel on a life science business mission facilitated by the MIBB, and was extremely impressed by the quality of the companies and the science he had met in Israel. He was optimistic on the potential for Kalexsyn and AzoRx to recruit new customers in Israel.
Ralph Gerson, Executive Vice President, and Jon Aaron, Assistant to the President, of Guardian Industries spoke about their positive experience doing business in Israel. Ralph discussed the Guardian acquisition and operation of the Phoenicia America-Israel (Flat Glass) company in Nazeret Illit, and Jon commented on his experience identifying venture investments on behalf of the Davidson family. The Davidson venture investment effort, conducted in collaboration with local Israeli partners, has already made investments in the water and telecommunications sectors.
Efi Lebel, CEO of Israeli company SmartTCP, spoke about his company's unique robotic welding technology for for complex fabrications in small batch production. SmartTCP technology is "disruptive", providing manufacturers with a new way to apply robotic welding to what was previously carried out as manual labor. Efi discussed the company's decision to locate in Michigan, which was based in part on the availability of a superb international airport, and proximity to customers throughout the Midwest. SmartTCP is currently seeking to raise $3M in capital to expand marketing, sales, and R&D efforts.
Maureen Krauss, Deputy Director, Oakland County Economic Development and Community Affairs, wrapped up the panel of speakers with a discussion of the financial, talent, and other resources available to Israeli companies locating in Oakland County. She gave the example of Raval USA, the US-subsidiary of the Israeli manufacturer of valves and venting systems for vehicle fuel tanks, which recently made the decision to establish a $7M manufacturing facility at an existing site in Rochester Hills.
  Jim Jonas & Mike Tobin Efi Lebel, CEO of Smart TCP
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Members in the News
The Michigan Israel Business Bridge would like to congratulate Chuck Newman and ReCellular on a landmark $15 million investment in the company by IGC. This milestone investment will allow ReCellular to accelerate its revenue growth and expand operations, bringing more job opportunities to Michigan. For more information, click here.
MIBB members, we'd love to highlight your accomplishments in future newsletters. Please share your professional milestones or any articles you or your company are featured in by emailing Ron.
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Member Spotlight
Mark Milgrom, a Metro-Detroit native, joined MIBB because he views it as  a "logical idea that should have been established a long time ago." Mark is an active volunteer in a variety of Michigan and Jewish community organizations and therefore was interested in helping the two states by joining the MIBB. "Five or six years ago our economies were the exact opposite. Now more than ever Michigan needs the help so it's the perfect time to start the MIBB. If we can create a business model when times are bad imagine what it could look like when the economy is good."
When asked why it is important for others to join the MIBB, Milgrom responded simply that it's a personal decision. "Some join for the wide range of business opportunities available to members, some as patriotic Michiganders wanting to help their state, some because of their connection to Israel, and some because they don't want to be left out."
Milgrom, a software engineer, spent most of his career working for Silicon Valley companies. His most memorable experience was working for a small start-up. When he joined the company he was the 100th employee and when he left there were approximately 10,000. Milgrom feels that the MIBB has the same growth potential.
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Volunteers Needed for Committees
The MIBB is seeking volunteers to serve on the committees listed below. As a membership-driven organization, we rely on the help of our members to grow and ensure our success. To assist us in compiling a concise, up to date list of volunteers, please email Ron Perry with the committee(s) you're interested in serving on, even if you've already expressed interest.
1. Membership
2. Fundraising
3. Marketing
4. Website (need technical expertise and content writers)
5. Event Planning
6. Industry Clusters (to help evaluate new business opportunities)
- Alternative Energy
- Automotive & Manufacturing
- Homeland Security
- Life Sciences
- Software
- Water
7. Other areas of interest (please specify)
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Membership Information
MIBB has already recruited prestigious businesspeople, venture capitalists, law firms, accounting firms and others to be members. Membership in MIBB is good for Michigan, good for Israel, and good for your business. As a member of MIBB you will be able to play a direct part in improving the economy of Michigan and Israel. MIBB membership will allow you to profit from the matchmaking efforts of its staff and members.
To find out out more about becoming a member click here. To download a membership application, please visit our website or click here.
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MIBB Would Like to Thank All Members for Their Support
For more information on becoming a member, please visit our website by clicking here.
MIBB extends a warm welcome to its newest members:
Corporate Members
Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP (Mark Davidoff)
GVA Detroit (Levi Smith)
Harvey Hohauser & Associates (Harvey Hohauser)
MassMutual Financial Group (Howard Sherizen)
Quality Engineering Corporation (Eyal Dolev)
Professionals
Andy Rudick
Dan Brady
Daniel Cherrin
David Shtulman
Ilan Rubinfeld MD
Jack Miner
Marcia Stein
Matthew Stein
Sam Fine
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Activities 
