Lean Rocket Lab in Downtown Jackson. JTV photo.
Lean Rocket Lab was chosen as First Place Winner of the “Entrepreneurial Award” at the 2019 Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) awards ceremony this week in Chicago.
Lean Rocket Lab was chosen for their unique approach to enhancing the Entrepreneurial culture in a city or region, as well as unique approaches for assisting young companies through the start-up/early stage of a business life cycle.
Tim Rogers, President and CEO of The Enterprise Group, accepted the award along with Ray De Winkle, Director of Business Customer Strategy and Growth at Consumers Energy. The Enterprise Group and Consumers Energy provide support to the Lean Rocket Lab with grant funding, grant administration, and guidance as they focus on matching both Jackson area manufacturing expertise with growth companies bringing emerging technology to market.
Lean Rocket Lab is a business start-up accelerator and incubator, providing a collaborative workspace of entrepreneurs, advanced educational programming, business resources, and access to various stages of capital.
Award entries were accepted in two markets per category – large division (community population over 50,000) and small division (community population less than 50,000).
“We see this as not just an award for the Lean Rocket Lab, but an award for the community of Jackson”, said Brandon Marken, CEO of Lean Rocket Lab. “This award is regional validation for our community’s high-tech manufacturing expertise and ability to not just welcome innovators, entrepreneurs, and business people; but provide assistance in helping them launch and grow.”
Marken, who will host a one year anniversary event of Lean Rocket Lab next month, credits the community’s support for the Lab’s award. “We are honored to receive this award and are thankful for the partnership with our community stakeholders like the Enterprise Group and Consumers Energy; it is truly incredible to be a part of the Jackson community”, said Marken.
Mid-America EDC members are economic development professionals who share best practices to add value in their organizations and communities. Mid-America EDC is a multi-state association dedicated to being the leading resource for making contact with site selectors, advancing regional economic development programs, and accessing thought leadership.
For many years, The Mid-America Economic Development Council has sponsored the annual Economic Development Awards competition to recognize and stimulate the creative use of quality marketing by economic development organizations throughout the twelve-state Mid-America region in promoting their respective communities. The Mid-America Economic Development Council’s awards partner is Conway Inc., and all first place award winners will be highlighted in the January issue of Site Selection magazine.
