Smitten with the mitten: Online Tech honored for improving economy in state of Michigan

Online Tech was one of 46 Michigan companies recognized as an Economic Bright Spot by Corp! magazine during an award ceremony and symposium held Thursday in Livonia.

For seven years, the magazine has honored Michigan companies and entrepreneurs that “are a driving force in the economy and the state’s innovation.” Online Tech earned the distinction for the second consecutive year.

Corp! publisher Jennifer Kluge said award winners were selected for showing passion not only for their own business but for improving the economy throughout the state of Michigan, as well.

“We were one of many companies to be honored, and we’re proud to be one of them,” said Online Tech Co-CEO Yan Ness. “Contributing to the state’s economic turnaround is gratifying, as is expanding into new markets and showing that a technology company doesn’t have to be based in Silicon Valley to be successful.”

In late 2013, Online Tech invested $10 million to turn a Westland building into its Metro Detroit Data Center, bringing the company’s total Michigan data center footprint to 100,000 square feet. In February 2014, it invested $3 million to double the overall capacity of its Mid-Michigan Data Center located in Flint Township. The company also operates two data centers and its corporate headquarters in Ann Arbor.

Planned expansion across the Great Lakes region began in May 2014 with the $10 million acquisition and planned build-out of its Indianapolis Data Center.

Michigan Economic Bright Spot winners – which ranged from small businesses with 10 employees to multinational corporations with thousands of employees – will be featured in the June 19 digital e-publication on corpmagazine.com. A complete list of winners is available.

RESOURCES:
Corp! Magazine Announces Michigan’s Economic Bright Spots Award Winners
6 Ann Arbor companies recognized by Corp! magazine as drivers of Michigan’s economy