News

2007.12.06
Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor Group Honored by State of Michigan Governor Granholm for Businesses Diversification Excellence

Michigan Diversification Celebration recognizes businesses for laying new economic foundations in competitive-edge technology sectors

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Executive Committee Chair and GM Executive Matthew P. Cullen and MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito honored several Michigan individuals, economic development organizations, and companies, including Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor Group, during the Michigan Diversification Celebration held at the state Capitol in Lansing.

"These honorees are examples of businesses that are choosing Michigan, growing in Michigan, and thriving in Michigan," Granholm said. "This is part of our aggressive and comprehensive economic plan to diversify our economy – and these honorees are contributing to our state's high-tech transformation through cutting-edge research, smart business practices, innovative products and high-tech job growth."

Awards were presented to honorees that have made a significant contribution to diversifying the economy of Michigan over the past year. The Michigan Economic Development Foundation sponsored the event.

"We are honored to be recognized by the MEDC for 'Outstanding Diversification Achievement in Alternative Energy'" said Rick Doornbos, president and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor. "Michigan has served as the home to Hemlock Semiconductor for more than 45 years, and the entire state should be proud that this is the home of the world's largest manufacturer of polysilicon, a key raw material used in solar technology. Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor are excited about the future potential of solar technology as a clean and renewable energy source and are making significant investments to support this rapidly growing industry."

"From a business vantage point, these awards show decision makers that Michigan is ripe with opportunity for growth in competitive-edge industries," Cullen said. "This celebration is an indication of the progress we are seeing in our efforts to attract and grow high-tech companies."

The 2007 Diversification Achievement Award categories and honorees:

1. Outstanding Diversification Achievement in Life Sciences
   Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo (Large Business)
   HooverPrecision Products LLC, Sault. Ste. Marie (Small Business)
   Nominated for Contributions to the Diversification of Life Sciences
   Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd., Detroit
   HealthMedia Inc., Ann Arbor
   Galaxy Machine & Retrofit Inc., Brighton
   ProNAi Therapeutics Inc., Kalamazoo
    
2. Outstanding Diversification Achievement in Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive & Materials
   Cascade Engineering, Grand Rapids (Large Business)
   ElectroJet Inc., Brighton (Small Business)
   Nominated for Contributions to the Diversification of Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive & Materials
   Aircraft Precision Products Inc., Ithaca
   Dowding Industries Inc., Eaton Rapids
   Coherix Inc., Ann Arbor
   Eagle Manufacturing Corporation, Shelby Twp.
    
3. Outstanding Diversification Achievement in Homeland Security and Defense
   Burtek Inc., Chesterfield Twp. (Large Business)
   Pixel Velocity Inc., Ann Arbor (Small Business)
   Nominated for Contributions to the Diversification of Homeland Security/Defense
   Demmer Corporation, Lansing
   Spartan Motors Inc., Charlotte
   Evigia Systems Inc., Ann Arbor
   Pilgrim Technology LLC, Midland
    
4. Outstanding Diversification Achievement in Alternative Energy
   Dow Corning’s Hemlock Semiconductor Operation, Hemlock (Large Business)
   Ilumisys Inc., Troy (Small Business)
   Nominated for Contributions to the Diversification of Alternative Energy
   ORT, Erie
   United Solar Ovonic LLC, Auburn Hills
   Edgewater Automation LLC, St. Joseph
   Tellurex Corporation, Traverse City
    
5. Outstanding Diversification Achievement - Urban Community Economic Development Partner
   Ann Arbor SPARK
    
6. Outstanding Diversification Achievement - Rural Community Economic Development Partner
   Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation
    
7. Outstanding Diversification Achievement - Individual
   Kenneth I. Rogers, Automation Alley
    
8. Outstanding Diversification Achievement - Non-profit Economic Development Partner
   Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center
    
9. Outstanding Diversification Achievement - Transformational Project
   Detroit River Front Conservancy

"These companies, organizations and individuals demonstrate the wealth of talent and entrepreneurial spirit we have in Michigan," Epolito said. "Our business climate, high-tech infrastructure and excellent workforce are helping these honorees lead the charge on diversification and new jobs."

Hemlock Semiconductor Group (www.hscpoly.com) is the world's leading provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices and passive solar cells and modules. Headquartered in Hemlock, Michigan, Hemlock Semiconductor is owned in majority and managed by Dow Corning Corporation.

Dow Corning Corporation (www.dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services, Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.