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12 November 30 • 2017 jn Michigan Israel Business Bridge becomes Michigan Israel Business Accelerator. New Name, Stronger Profile A fter a decade of building business-to-business relationships between companies in Michigan and in Israel, the nonprofit public/ private organization known for a decade as the Michigan Israel Business Bridge announced Nov. 20 it changed its name to the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA). The organi- zation will boost its profile in the area with new board members and a Downtown Detroit office with a beefed up staff to sup- port its efforts in making con- nections between Israeli and Michigan companies. MIBA is setting its sights on Israeli and Michigan busi- ness ventures that advance the convergence of technology, industry and research in such sectors as advance manufac- turing, mobility, cyber, defense, water, health and life science, and agri- culture and will also collaborate with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business develop- ment, job awareness and community and talent development, with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. The new reset could serve as a nationwide model for other states looking to do more busi- ness with Israel. "We are leading alli- ances between com- panies in Michigan and Israel from the front and hope to be emulated as a model for other states looking to strengthen business ties with Israel," said Deloitte Managing Partner Mark Davidoff, who is helping to lead the transition. "We are now building upon the foundation of public/private business part- nerships that started 25 years ago under the leadership of Gov. John Engler and continues under Gov. Rick Snyder, the MEDC and the three leadership missions to Israel that have occurred since November 2015. MIBA will be the single portal for business-to- business connections between Michigan and Israel." Beth S. Gotthelf, MIBA president and an attorney with Butzel Long, added, "With the tremendous progress made to date and the convergence of the strategic direction of Michigan and Israel, it is the right time to build on the organi- zation's success and expand the opportuni- ties for greater out- comes. "There is more opportunity than ever for Michigan and Israel-based companies, from mature orga- nizations to start-ups, to col- laborate for the benefit of all," she said. One Israeli startup launching business deals in Michigan that has benefited from network- ing through MIBA is security technology communications company Gabriel. Responding to the disturbing trend of U.S. mass shootings at soft targets such as schools and other pub- lic and private build- ings, Gabriel designs software and mobile applications, high-tech sensors and devices, and strives to provide better and potentially life-saving communica- tions solutions. "Michigan's strong economy continues to offer opportuni- ties for businesses from around the world to find success here thanks to our tremendous resources and talented workforce," Gov. Snyder said. "Our ever-expand- ing collaboration with Israel — especially in the areas of mobility and entrepreneurship — will allow us to build upon that relationship and create more jobs within both our bor- ders." The timing of the announce- ment to re-energize efforts to strengthen business ties between Michigan and Israel comes on the heels of an unprecedented resolution passed by the Central Student Government of the University of Michigan asking for the uni- versity's Board of Governors to divest in three companies conducting business in Israel. MIBA Executive Director Hadas Bernard said the resolution will be inconsequential in their efforts, mention- ing that it is illegal under Michigan law. In January 2017, Gov. Snyder signed into law a bipartisan pro-Israel bill that made it illegal to boycott and divest from Israel. The bill prohibits the state government of Michigan from contracting with businesses that boycott a strategic partner of the United States. "What took place at the University of Michigan was reli- giously based propaganda that took place in a forum that did not educate people on the real- ity of Israel; the reality is there is a robust exchange between the economies of Israel and Michigan," Bernard said, men- tioning recent openings of offices of Israeli companies in Michigan and automotive com- panies such as General Motors and Daimler Chrysler opening up research centers in Israel. Bernard said plans are also in the works for Israeli compa- nies specializing in water tech- nology management to make Michigan inroads to tackle the state's water infrastructure woes. "The reality is that Israel is an ally to the state of Michigan from sectors in business and military defense to water infrastructure issues. Because the new Israeli shekel is the second-strongest currency in the world behind China, it makes perfect sense for Israeli businesses to research busi- ness opportunities here in Michigan." An MIBA office is projected to be open in the first quarter of 2018. • STACY GITTLEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER jews d in the Mark Davidoff Beth Gotthelf Gov. Rick Snyder Hadas Bernard