President's Message

It is with pride, gratitude and excitement that I write this letter for the first official newsletter of the Michigan Israel Business Bridge (MIBB).

Pride because just two years ago Susan Herman and I began exploring the possibility of a statewide organization dedicated to promoting business and economic partnerships between Michigan and Israel. In those two years relationships were built with government officials in both Michigan and Israel; the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) created a position dedicated to business development with Israel; Michigan Legislative leaders participated in a trade mission to Israel; an extremely successful event, which matched Israeli automotive supply companies with Michigan companies was held; over 20 Israeli companies visited Michigan to explore partnership opportunities and many people have  expressed interest in actively participating with the MIBB.

Gratitude because a group of dedicated volunteers helped make the vision of MIBB a reality; because far-sighted individuals -- seeing the potential of MIBB have become Founders and have helped secure MIBB's future with financial backing; because many of you have agreed to sit on our board of directors or participate in a committee; and because many of you have made donations or offered in-kind services.

Excitement because MIBB is officially incorporated as a 501 (c) (6) non profit organization; because we have an office and an extremely well qualified executive director, Ron Perry; because MIBB can play a vital role in Michigan economic growth and transition to a high tech economy and because the potential of what MIBB can accomplish with adequate resources and funding is unlimited.

The MIBB can make us all proud but we need to nourish it as it grows. In order for the MIBB to be successful and sustainable, we need to raise sufficient funds. You can help by joining MIBB if you are not already a member, assisting in recruiting other members, and making contributions beyond your membership dues. The larger our network grows, the more that we will be able to accomplish. Please join me as part of the MIBB and share the excitement as we continue to grow and flourish.

Sincerely,

Chuck Newman

President and Co-Founder, MIBB

CEO, ReCellular

Director's Message

Dear MIBB members,

I can't tell you how excited I am to be sending out the first edition of the MIBB e-newsletter. We have had a couple of newsletters go out in the past, but they were sent when MIBB was still a volunteer organization, and our future was yet unclear. This is our first monthly edition as a firmly-established, professionally-staffed organization.

Speaking of which, 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. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or feedback.

Best,
Ron Perry
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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 Perry at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

AUTOMOTIVE

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.

COSMETICS

Israeli all natural cosmetics products and essential oils company seeks U.S. distribution partner.

Israeli soap company which produces olive oil-based products 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 investment for R&D and marketing.

LIFE SCIENCES

Michigan-based medical device start-up founded by Israeli entrepreneurs seeks $400K seed investment to develop unique 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 $15-18M in new US-based financing round. Company currently conducting Phase I/IIa US clinical trials. University of Michigan is central U.S. investigation site. For those interested in learning more, the founder will be in SE Michigan on July 25 and the CEO on Aug 8.

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.

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.

MANUFACTURING

Early stage Israeli company with Michigan office seeks $3M in growth capital to further R&D, sales and marketing activities for innovative technology that automates welding for complex, small batch manufacturing.

Established Israeli product design and development company seeks business connections in Michigan with companies that manufacture individual mobility products (eg, Amigo) and sit-down power lawn mowers (eg, LM Holloway).

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.

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.

Other MIBB News

MIBB Establishes New Office

MIBB opened a new office in June, located at 3520 Green Court in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The office is located in the Altarum Building and shares office space with MichBio and Great Lakes Entrepreneurial Quest.

MIBB Hires New Intern

David Zimet was hired in July as a marketing intern. He was born in Herzliyah, Israel and moved to Ann Arbor at age 5. Since moving David has been very involved in the local Jewish community having studied at the Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor, served on the board of directors of the Jewish Community Center of Washtenaw County and Hillel at EMU. David is a junior at the Eastern Michigan University College of Business, studying international business and marketing and is very excited to put those passions to work at MIBB.

MIBB Leads First Business Mission to Israel

In May, the MIBB facilitated a life science-focused business mission to Israel on behalf of Southwest Michigan First (SWMF), the regional economic development organization, and Kalexsyn, a medicinal chemistry contract research organization. Both are based in Kalamazoo. Participating from Southwest Michigan First were Ron Kitchens, CEO, and Paul Neeb, VP and director of life sciences development. David Zimmermann, CEO of Kalexsyn and managing partner of AzoRx, a preclinical and clinical research project management company, also participated. Ron Perry, Executive Director of MIBB led the mission.

The goal of the mission was to initiate business relationships with Israeli medical device and pharmaceutical companies, investors, and other key pla