MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township has been identified as one of eight top performing communities in the state of Michigan at fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic development in a study by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. Meridian Township was also recognized as a four star community.

“Meridian Township continues to provide leadership with regards to economic development best practices, our community and staff are outstanding, we will continue to be proactive and aggressive in our approach,” said Peter Menser, Meridian Township’s Associate Planner.

The eCities research surveyed 140 communities from 37 counties in Michigan that are home to 36 percent of Michigan residents and 40 percent of its college graduates. These communities had more than $1.8 billion in 2012 commercial construction.

“We are pleased to have had more communities than ever from throughout the state participate this year in the eCities research,” said Tim Davis, Director of iLabs. “This project assists local communities by identifying best practices and methods that they can implement to aid in job growth, economic diversification and development of entrepreneurs.”

The communities were honored at a ceremony at UM-Dearborn on Thursday, November 14th. Support for eCities 2013 is provided in part by the DTE Energy Foundation, Point & Pay, Oakland County Economic Development and Community Affairs Office, and UM-Dearborn’s College of Business.

The annual eCities research project, which began in 2007, uses data supplied by the participants as well as other public records to assemble a six-factor, 32-item index of entrepreneurial activity, looking at such factors as clustering, incentives, growth, policies, community and education. The study focuses on entrepreneurship because of its importance to expansion and diversification of Michigan’s regional economies and the impact small businesses have on job creation. To date, 165 communities across Michigan have participated in the study.

An additional 52 communities across the state are also recognized as five and four star performers.