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LANSING – State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson) today announced that House Bill 5609, his plan to allow for up to three new Certified Technology Parks (more commonly known as a "SmartZones") has passed the House.

"This is an exciting opportunity for communities such as Jackson County to apply for SmartZone designation, because it sends a message to job providers around the world that we're open for business," Simpson said. "If designated a SmartZone, Jackson could attract high-tech jobs and economic development to our community."

SmartZones are designed to promote resource collaborations between universities, in­dustry, research organizations, government and other com­munity institutions, growing technology-based businesses and jobs. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is also required by law to actively market SmartZones to investors.

As a result of the SmartZone program statewide, 738 businesses have located or expanded in SmartZone cities, 8,300 new jobs have been created and more than $1 billion was invested in SmartZone cities by public and private entities.

In order to receive a SmartZone designation, a municipality must demonstrate that it meets certain qualifications, such as significant support from an institution of higher education, the existence of a business incubator in the area and assurance that the zone will have property specifically devoted to high-tech activity.

"Jackson County is already one step ahead of other municipalities because of the collaboration between local government, higher education and the business community to lay the groundwork for an application for SmartZone designation," Simpson said. "Becoming a SmartZone will build on Jackson County's previous efforts to transform the local economy by encouraging high-tech businesses to take root here. This is exactly the kind of economic development we need in today's global economy."

Simpson ushered HB 5609 through the Commerce Committee and passed the House in just one day. The bill now heads to the Senate for passage.

"It was important to me to move quickly on this," Simpson said. "We must take immediate steps to make Jackson a more attractive place for business investment. My plan already has the support of Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer -- now it's up to the Republican-controlled Senate to act with urgency to pass this legislation."