Granholm Announces Business Intelligence Associates, Inc. to Launch New Operations in Kalamazoo, 599 New Jobs

Michigan Wins Information Management Company’s Investment Over NY, CA, WA, MO

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that New York-based Business Intelligence Associates, Inc. (BIA), a company that helps organizations manage the collection, transfer and preservation of digital evidence and data, plans to launch new operations in Kalamazoo. The company plans to invest approximately $8 million in the project that is expected to create up to 599 Michigan jobs, including 251 directly by the company, specifically including the hiring of attorneys and paralegals. Assistance offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) helped convince the company to choose Michigan over competing sites in New York, California, Washington and Missouri.  

“Business IntelligenceAssociates is the kind of innovative company we are targeting to help diversify and grow our economy,” Granholm said. “Our competitive business climate and outstanding workforce will be tremendous assets for the company as it establishes its first venture in Michigan.”

Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board today approved a state tax credit valued at $2.7 million over seven years to win the company’s investment. To support the project, the city of Kalamazoo will provide assistance with recruitment, job placement and job training.

“BIA’s decision to launch operations in Michigan sends a clear signal to the rest of the world that Michigan is a great place for companies to do business,” MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito said. “I applaud the city of Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan First for partnering with us to make a strong business case to win this project and the new jobs it will create.”  

An economic analysis conducted by the MEDC estimates that increased economic activity created by the new facility will create 348 indirect Michigan jobs, in addition to the 251 created directly by the company. The project is expected to generate more than $143 million in personal income for Michigan workers over the life of the tax credit.

The BIA project is one of 20 economic development projects the governor announced today. In all, they are expected to create and retain a total of 9,495 Michigan jobs.

“As the need for onshore attorney review services grow, BIA is in the perfect position to add those services along with our other sensitive data solutions.” BIA’s CEO Brian Schrader said. “Choosing Michigan, specifically Kalamazoo, as the home-base for that highly skilled workforce, is exciting and critical to BIA’s success for the review division moving forward. During our diligence review of locations, Kalamazoo continuously surfaced as a top choice; the environment and people will be an asset to BIA as we grow.”

BIA was formed in 2002 and is dedicated to developing and implementing defensible, technology-driven solutions that reduce the costs and risks related to the handling of sensitive information. BIA offers a wide range of services including Data Preservation & Collection, Information Processing & Analytics, Digital Investigations, Commercial Fraud Investigations & Analysis, Electronic Policy Consulting, Audit/Certification Services, HR Data Related Policy Services and Disaster Recovery. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, Global 2000 companies, government agencies and international law firms. Headquartered in New York City, BIA has additional facilities in San Francisco and Seattle and maintains digital evidence response units throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. BIA’s unique and positive workplace culture promotes and celebrates the refined skills of each individual hired. For more information, please visit:http://biaprotect.com/. For employment opportunities, please contact: hr@biaprotect.com.

“The selection of Kalamazoo by BIA is extremely exciting,” Southwest Michigan First CEO Ron Kitchens said. “They are an incredible company that will continue to strengthen and diversify our region’s economy. Additionally, the 251 new jobs will provide tremendous opportunity for our community to retain our top collegiate talent. The contributions of the city of Kalamazoo and the MEDC to this effort exemplify the strength of the region’s teamwork.”

In her 2008 State of the State address, Granholm emphasized the importance of creating opportunity in the changing world of the 21st century. Since January 2005, the Governor and the MEDC have announced the creation or retention of more than 257,000 jobs as a result of targeted assistance provided by the MEDC.

 

Business Intelligence Associates Inc.      
(All estimates in 2008 dollars)     

TOTAL JOBS CREATED                                                                                599

Direct                                                                                                                            251

Indirect                                                                                                                         348

NET STATE REVENUE IMPACT                                                        $8,250,000

Revenue Foregone                                                                                         $2,764,000

Revenue Gain                                                                                 $11,014,000

 

 

Personal Income Generated Over 7-Yr Tax Credit Agreement              $143,011,000

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.