metro Alliance from page 22 was sponsored in cooperation with the Government of Israel Economic Mission to the Midwest and the Israel Export Institute. Kerrigan emphasized the most important thing is to open the door to doing business here in Michigan and bringing talent and innovation to the state. It's up to the Israeli companies to showcase the technology and pricing capa- bilities, he said. "When the Israeli companies are looking to expand their opera- tions, we want to make sure that Michigan is a primary area of loca- tion for them:' Kerrigan continued. "We see how Israeli innovation and Michigan's strong business model make for a successful collaboration and growth. We need to keep that here in Michigan." Becher is responsible for main- taining trade relationships between Israel and the 14 states that make up the Midwestern region of the United States. Speaking to the packed room, he explained how he works with MIBB to help Israeli startups get a "soft landing" in the U.S., providing them with an instant infrastructure that can save them time, effort and money. Michigan and Israel are two cen- ters of global leadership in tech- nology research and development, both sharing an entrepreneurial spirit. "The best way to support Israel is by expanding trade and business ties between Michigan and Israel," Lis said. "Such ties benefit the citizens of Michigan as well as the people of Israel:' The MIBB will lead a mission this November in Israel focusing on export, expansion and invest- ment. ❑ "I'm proud to have earned the endorsement of the Jewish News and I will continue to fight for the Jewish Community in Congress." -Brenda Lawrence "Brenda Lawrence has earned our endorsement" -Detroit Jewish News BEN HUSTLES HARDER CaCC Ben! - Former Marketing Executive turned Realtor - Innovative Marketing to sell your home quickly & for a great price - -5-Star Customer Experience! - - Past Client PERKS! MIBB Ambassador Awards Dinner "We cannot thank you enough for all the time, dedication and consideration you put in to finding us the home of our dreams. We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you. You made the process so enjoyable, easy and found us the perfect home. Thanks so much!" - Dana Shapero, Ph.D & Brad Merker, Ph.D 4 Ben Handelsman, Realtor 248-971-0446 - Cell ben@maxbroock.com www.HornesByBen.com Facebook.com/HomesByBen 275 S. Old Woodward, Birmingha 1921110 24 July 31 • 2014 JN The MIBB Ambassador Awards Dinner takes place Thursday, Sept.18, at the Detroit Athletic Club. MIBB co-founder and past president Chuck Newman will be hon- ored with the MIBB Impact Award, and General Dynamics Land Systems will be honored with the MIBB Bridge Builder Award. Donald Schenk, vice president of international tank programs at General Dynamics, will accept the award. For more information, contact info@michiganisrael. com or call (249) 642-1701.