New Study Supports Detroit Region's Ranking as a High Technology Hub, Reports Detroit Regional Chamber

'Rust Belt' no longer describes Southeast Michigan

DETROIT, Oct. 4 -- Detroit is the third-most broadband-wired city in the United States, according to a study by Neilson//Net Ratings. The Detroit area surpassed more well-known high-tech regions such as Seattle and Silicon Valley, and came in just behind San Diego and Phoenix.

"For years the Detroit Regional Chamber has been promoting this region as a high technology hub," said Chamber President and CEO Richard E. Blouse Jr., CCE. "Michigan -- and particularly Southeast Michigan -- is regarded as the world's leader in advanced manufacturing and automotive research and development. Through this study we now know our residents are as tech savvy as our industries."

Other facts supporting the Detroit Region and the state of Michigan as a high technology destination:

* Michigan ranks 4th nationally for total employment in high tech industries with 568,000 high tech workers including more than 70,000 in our automotive industry alone.

* Michigan has seen the fastest growth in the nation for its life sciences industry.

* The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor ranks No. 1 in the nation for research, with $591 million in 2001. Tech centers, other universities, government and non-profit organizations invest nearly $19 billion in research & development

* There are more robotics companies in the Detroit Region than in any other single state.

* Ninety percent of U.S. automotive R&D takes place in the Detroit region and over half of the top 150 North American automotive suppliers are located in Southeast Michigan.

"The bottom line: if you're involved in the automotive industry you need to be in Detroit," said Blouse. "And in the years to come the same will hold true for life sciences and other technology sectors."

For a copy of the Neilson//Net Ratings study, visit: http://www.nielsen-netratings.com/pr/pr_040915.pdf

The Detroit Regional Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in the country. The Chamber's mission -- to power the economy for Southeast Michigan -- is carried out through business attraction efforts, public policy advocacy, strategic partnerships and quality products and services for members.

For more information, contact Amy Hennes at (313) 596-0367 or e-mail: ahennes@detroitchamber.com