2005 Winner: Michigan SmartZones

Collaborations among universities, industry, research organizations, government and other local institutions have resulted in regionally based high-tech zones which target growth in a specific economic sector that fits the geographic region’s strengths and needs, creating clusters of high-skilled, high-paying jobs.

2005 Finalist: Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)

In order to develop and promote a recognized, voluntary and proactive environmental assurance program targeted to Michigan's agriculture industry, this program ensures that producers engage in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and are in compliance with applicable state and federal environmental regulations. MAEAP uses a systems approach based on education, site-specific risk assessments and third party verification that is developed for all Michigan farms, regardless of size, commodity or species.

2005 Finalist: FieldManager

A suite of software tools used to manage and track field-level progress of road and bridge construction projects, this program can be used by State Department of Transportation field offices, local government agencies, engineering firms and construction contractors.

2005 Finalist: Statewide Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition Initiative

This partnership among the governor's office, the Department of Human Services and communities throughout Michigan provides affordable, ethical access to tax preparation services to the working poor that yields a cost-effective method enabling eligible workers to increase household income by gaining federal and state tax refunds.

2003 Finalist: Wireless Learning

This program is designed to improve student achievement by providing K-12 students with access to 21st century learning tools, and eventually to achieve one-to-one access to wireless computing in all Michigan schools. The program provides funds for computers, software and related expenses.

Have an innovative program in your state? Apply for an Innovations award!