Michigan is a vibrant venue for business opportunity and innovation, and the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition has proven that. The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition is the largest business plan competition in the world. Designed to fuel entrepreneurial innovation-based business growth in our state by awarding companies and students more than $1 million in cash and in-kind services, software, and staffing, the competition received over 600 entries in total. Today, Dec. 9, marks the first of a three day conference that culminates on Saturday, Dec. 11 with a keynote address by Governor Elect Rick Snyder and the announcement of the top company winners.

The best and brightest new business concepts from local and global entrepreneurs will be presented at the three day conference, exposing those opportunities to potential investment capital and fostering their growth here in Michigan. The competition targets mid-to-late-stage business start-ups with potential to generate an immediate impact on our state's economy, as well as student concepts with longer-term business viability.

Bank of Ann Arbor is proud to sponsor this competition. Bank of Ann Arbor's Technology Industry Group helps new tech businesses in their efforts to become successful tech companies The Technology Industry Group is one of only a handful of banking groups across the country focused on providing loans and cash management services to small and mid-sized innovation based businesses. Its products and services are helping new economy businesses grow and create jobs for Michigan’s future. For more information, give Michael Cole or Mark Holtz a call at 734-662-1600.

Bank of Ann Arbor is the major season sponsor for the Plymouth Canton Symphony Orchestra.  The Orchestra will celebrate its 65th anniversary this year, reports the Plymouth Observer.

AnnArbor.com attended Bank of Ann Arbor's kick-off concert featuring Ann Arbor's own The Macpodz, and created this fun video. Check out Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers at Sonic Lunch on Thursday, June 10, 2010.

In the mood for something extra-tasty for your mid-day meal this summer? Then feast your ears on Sonic Lunch, the free concert series that returns Thursdays from June 3 -Aug. 26 at the corner of Division and Liberty streets. Read the entire article on AnnArbor.com.

Bank of Ann Arbor is pleased to announce its partnership with the Main Street Area Association as the Entertainment Sponsor for Taste of Ann Arbor. Popular local bands will perform during Taste of Ann Arbor from the Sonic Lunch stage.  The full line up will be announced shortly.  "We're excited to bring the sounds of Sonic Lunch performers to the crowds at one of Ann Arbor's most enjoyable family-friendly events," said Rhonda Foxworth, Marketing Manager, Bank of Ann Arbor.  "Both Taste of Ann Arbor and Sonic Lunch bring people outside to enjoy the best of downtown Ann Arbor, so it was a natural partnership."  Taste of Ann Arbor is Sunday, June 6 from 11am to 5pm on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor.

Bank of Ann Arbor is pleased to help the Ypsilanti District Library bring author Sarah Vowell to EMU's Pease Auditorium this Thursday, April 8. Vowell is a best-selling author and is also known for her work as a contributor to the National Public Radio program "This American Life." We have free tickets available to those who become a fan of our Facebook page, and either comment on this post with your contact information or leave us a message on our Facebook wall. The event starts at 7pm. Read the AnnArbor.com write-up on the event.