September 17-19 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi

Novi, Mich., September 17, 2013 – NextEnergy and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will provide complimentary matchmaking services for businesses during The Battery Show, happening September 17-19 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, to help expand Michigan's advanced energy storage (AES) systems cluster.

The Matchmaking Forum will provide opportunities for non-US battery product manufacturers to connect with US organizations to establish or increase their presence in the US through joint ventures, contract manufacturing, suppliers, research/product development, sales/distribution, and after-market services.

"We are thrilled by the enthusiasm we have seen," said Steve Bakkal Director of the Michigan Energy Office at the MEDC. "Nearly 100 companies from around the globe have registered for the Matchmaking Forum, demonstrating a significant opportunity for additional economic development within the sector. Michigan has become the hub for the advanced energy storage sector, and we hope the Forum will accelerate those connections and further the state's presence within the sector."

The Battery Show provides opportunities for industry leaders including technical leaders, scientists, engineers, project leaders, buyers and senior executives to launch new products, make new contacts and maintain existing relationships. The event will also showcase new advanced battery technologies for electric and hybrid vehicles, utility and renewable energy support, portable electronics, medical technology, military and telecommunications.

Approximately 115 meetings will take place at The Battery Show during the Matchmaking Forum, which will help facilitate connections between companies from across the globe. Connections made during the forum have the potential to result in future procurements, market opportunities, license technology and joint venture partnership opportunities "The Matchmaking Forum provides a critical opportunity to address industry challenges and build bridges for battery power innovation," said Dan Radomski, Vice President of industry and venture development at NextEnergy. "These conversations have the potential to impact the very future of Michigan's advanced battery storage industry, an industry which has grown exponentially over the last several years."

NextEnergy will host a booth with Michigan's Advanced Energy Storage (MIAES) during The Battery Show to provide businesses the opportunity to meet with supply chain specialists regarding potential partnerships. At the booth, NextEnergy and their partnering organizations within the MIAES cluster will also provide information about workforce development programs.

MIAES is a partnership of 13 Michigan organizations including Automation Alley, Center for Automotive, Research, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, Michigan Academy for Green Mobility Alliance, Macomb Community College, Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, Michigan Workforce Development Agency, NextEnergy, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, and Wayne State University that came together to provide services and support to
companies in the Michigan advanced energy storage sector. MIAES seeks to accelerate innovation, business formation and job creation throughout the state.

For more information about The Battery Show Matchmaking Forum visit thebatteryshow.com/matchmaking-forum. For more information about the MIAES visit chargeupmi.org.

About NextEnergy:
Founded in 2002 as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NextEnergy is one of the nation's leading accelerators of advanced energy technologies, businesses and industries. NextEnergy drives technology demonstration and commercialization; delivers industry and venture development services; and provides an authoritative voice in the public sector. Since its inception, NextEnergy has helped attract more than $1 billion of new investment in the state of Michigan, including programs in excess of $150 million in which NextEnergy has directly participated. For more information, visit nextenergy.org.

About the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership serving as the state's marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, tourism, film and digital incentives, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth. MEDC offers a number of business assistance services and capital programs for business attraction and acceleration, economic gardening, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, talent enhancement and urban and community development. MEDC, founded in 1999, also developed and manages the state's popular Pure Michigan brand. For more information, visit www.michiganbusiness.org.