DETROIT, MI- Connections that were made last week between Israeli and Michigan companies could lead to big economic impacts for the state, according to officials.
About 30 delegates from 18 Israeli companies visited Metro Detroit automotive suppliers and manufacturers during the “Michigan Israel Automotive Event” from Monday through Friday in an effort to “foster economic development and partnerships.”
“The companies that we have here today are all companies that are actively engaged in doing business here in the states,” said Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Mike Finney following a panel Wednesday morning at the Compuware Building in downtown Detroit for the delegates and Michigan business representatives. “Several of them are looking to expand their operations into North America and we want to make sure that Michigan is a primary area of location for them,” he continued. According to officials, the delegates met with high-ranking executives at many of the major companies in the Metro Detroit automotive and technology industry, including Delphi, Microsoft, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC.
Nir Hasson, Jungo Ltd. worldwide sales manager of connectivity software division, said the Israeli software developer focused its efforts on growing its client base for implementing its in-vehicle vehicle technology platform.

Speakers at the Automotive Power Breakfast in Detroit included Uri Pachter (left to right), of the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute; Hannan Lis, founder and CEO of Lis Ventures LLC; and Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Mike Finney.
The five-day event was hosted by the Michigan Israel Business Bridge, a nonprofit organization established to facilitate business and investment opportunities between the two areas; the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute, a nonprofit business organization in Israel; and the Government of Israel Economic Mission to the Midwest.