LEAP Announces Region’s New Startup Innovation Manager
LANSING, Mich. – The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Carr as the region’s new Startup Innovation Manager. Joe will work in LEAP’s New Economy Division, working closely with its Director Tony Willis. Joe replaces the position recently vacated by Quin Stinchfield.
“Joe brings a deep and dynamic experience by owning and working with a wide variety of startup companies, from Chicago to Detroit to right here in Metro Lansing. His recent 3D Printer consulting work, work within our local incubators, and other local work, like creating the area’s Fashion Group with 120 members, all add up to an extraordinary individual ready to help move our entrepreneurial eco system forward to the next level,” said Bob Trezise, LEAP’s President and CEO.
Joe was recently the Technology Specialist at the East Lansing Pubic Library, a manufacturing consultant, as well as Co-Founder of Maizena, the winning company of the 2014 Startup Weekend competition.
Joe will assist the many business startups working with LEAP, help lead and coordinate the over three dozen entrepreneurial events throughout the year with over 3,000 attendees, help build LEAP’s new Equity Investment Fund called Lansing PROTO, as well as manage the City of Lansing’s fashion incubator, The Runway.
“LEAP’s New Economy Division had its biggest year of new business formation in 2015, helping 31 business startups across the three county area create 62 jobs and over $1 million in private investment. LEAP continues to play a critical role with so many partners, like Spartan Innovations and NeoCenter, building a vibrant, startup culture that our companies and our global talent like young people and students, require and expect,” said Tony Willis, LEAP’s New Economy Division Director.
“I look forward to hitting the ground fast as part of the amazing LEAP team, bringing together new program ideas and partnerships, especially for the Runway, guiding us all toward a robust, exciting, and opportunity-filled global entrepreneurial economy,” said Joe.
Category: LEAP Announcements, Press Releases