LANSING - Sen. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) today announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping two companies in her district expand through Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) tax incentives. These companies are expected to create 591 local jobs, with an additional 321 indirect jobs, and generate over $10 million in investments in the region.

“Supporting technology, research, and development is key to Michigan’s future economic success,” said Brater. “These incentives demonstrate our commitment to creating jobs, diversifying our state’s economy, and aggressively pursuing industries that will position Michigan as a leader as our nation makes its economic comeback.”

The projects include:

Quantum Learning - The producer of online educational games used in schools across the nation will invest $930,000 to launch its first educational virtual-world computer game for the consumer market from its office in Ann Arbor. The company's online educational game for schools, SkateKids Online(tm), was recently named by the Software Information Industry Association as a finalist for a CODiE award in the "best educational game or simulation" category. The virtual-world project is expected to create 137 new jobs, including 47 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates that increased economic activity created by the project will create an additional 90 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC's recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $778,978 over seven years to convince the company to choose Michigan over competing sites in Illinois and Texas. The city of Ann Arbor will provide administrative assistance to support the project.

Mercedes-Benz Hybrid LLC - The subsidiary of Daimler AG will develop and maintain a line of conventional and alternative propulsion systems in a new, permanent research and development facility in Washtenaw County. The project will generate a $9.9 million investment and create 454 total jobs, including 223 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates that increased economic activity created by the project will create an additional 231 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC's recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at approximately $7.5 million over 10 years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing southern state. The Ann Arbor region will consider a tax abatement to also support the project.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on the MEDC's initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.TheMEDC.org.

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