Advancing Michigan's innovation ecosystem, one Israeli connection at a time.
Who we are
We are a nonprofit economic development organization funded by the state of Michigan, philanthropic partners, and corporate sponsors committed to accelerating Michigan’s innovative ecosystem through Israeli business connections.
MIBA Innovation Update Report
To our Innovation partners and stakeholders,
The Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA) continues our efforts to accelerate Michigan’s innovation ecosystem. 2019 was marked with great progress on many fronts. Last year we adopted a refreshed Mission & Vision Statement, rebranded our website, redefined professional staff roles to further our objectives, developed our five-year strategic plan, and most of all: repositioned ourselves to advance Michigan’s innovative ecosystem through Israeli connections.
Read more by downloading the MIBA Innovation Update Report below.
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Featured Member
Rick Portwood,
Display Group
Rick earned his BBA from Northwood University, majoring in Advertising, Marketing, and Business Management.
Rick founded Display Group in 1991. He first gained experience in the display industry after working for a cousin who owned Display Creations, a business located in downtown Detroit since 1922. That business was known for providing display items for the famous window decor of the well-known Hudson's department store. Following his cousin's retirement, Rick decided to start his own company, and the Display Group was born in Royal Oak, Michigan. In 1992, he moved the company into Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, operating there for 23 years. In 2015 Rick purchased a building attached to the renowned Packard Plant on the east side of downtown Detroit and moved Display Group to their new home.
Beginning in 1992, Rick has purchased and renovated seven buildings in Detroit. In 2016, the three Corktown buildings were sold to Bedrock Real Estate. In 2020, another historic Packard building was added bringing total square footage to just under 500,000 square feet.
Display Group specializes in the design and creation of both temporary and permanent environments for a diverse group of clients. Display Group has perfected a core group of competencies for the event production industry. With an emphasis on quality and service, we offer our clients turn-key solutions for any event.
In 2015, Display Group started DG-3D, a digital production studio. DG-3D creates custom properties for exhibit and experiential environments for clients throughout the country.
In 2018, Display Group formed a joint venture with Fairway Productions to create AVL Creative, a live event company handling Audio, Video, and Lighting. In 2020, AVL Creative started bldg22, a new sound stage to host virtual events and shows.
Rick is a recipient of the Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40 award, as well as Northwood University’s Outstanding Alumni Award. He currently serves as the Treasurer of the Pewabic Pottery Board and is a past president of The Detroit Athletic Club Beavers.
Rick enjoys travel, swimming, water polo, and live music.
Want to be featured in this space? Become a member and have the opportunity to be highlighted on our Featured Member Section! Contact Veronica Hanna-Senger for more information veronica@michiganisrael.com.
