The current and future state of Michigan's entrepreneurial economy will be in the forefront as the findings of the 2006-07 Michigan Entrepreneurship Score Card are presented at Central Michigan University April 18.

As a sponsor of the Michigan Entrepreneurship Score Card, CMU's LaBelle Entrepreneurial Center will host a presentation by Mark Clevey, executive director of the Small Business Foundation of Michigan and director of the Michigan Entrepreneurship Score Card project, who will present the findings of the score card from 8 to 9:30 a.m. April 18 in Grawn Hall's Pierpont Auditorium.

The Michigan Entrepreneurship Score Card uses 127 standard metrics to benchmark Michigan against other state's "entrepreneurial dynamism," which includes entrepreneurial change, vitality and culture. The purpose of the report is to provide reliable benchmark data that can be used to foster an entrepreneurial economy in Michigan. The report is highly regarded among qualified professionals and policy makers in the areas of economic development, public policy, investment, regulation, education and entrepreneurship.

"The College of Business Administration is pleased to be associated with such an important measure of economic health for the State of Michigan," said D. Michael Fields, dean of the College of Business Administration. "The score card serves as an important benchmark as the State of Michigan moves forward to develop new entrepreneurial initiatives."

Clevey, a nationally recognized specialist in cutting-edge entrepreneurial business development, also will discuss a number of public policy recommendations designed to foster an entrepreneurial economy in Michigan. Increased funding for entrepreneurship education and university-based entrepreneurship degree programs is one of the most prominent of these recommendations. The Small Business Foundation of Michigan in collaboration with the Edward Lowe Foundation publishes the score card.

The presentation is free and open to the public, and a continental breakfast will be served. Everyone attending will receive a copy of the 2006-07 score card. Those wishing to attend should RSVP by Friday, April 13, via e-mail to robin.mcquaid@cmich.edu or via telephone at 989-774-3270.