Letters of Support for Michigan House Bill 5031 (2025) Regarding SmartZone 15-Year Extension Options

Summary

A compilation of letters to the Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness and the Michigan Legislature supporting House Bill 5031 (2025), dated in February 2026. The letters state that the bill would amend the Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to let Certified Technology Parks, known as Michigan SmartZones, extend their agreements for an additional 15 years. Writers include Accelerate UP, Airdev, Inc., Aphelion USA, LLC, CBell Holdings LLC, Headwaters North Corporation, the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, InvestUP, the College of Business at Northern Michigan University and Writeup Lab, LLC. Several letters describe the Innovate Marquette SmartZone and state that its current TIF plan expiration date is 2029. The InvestUP letter, addressed to Chairman Mike Hoadley, estimates that an innovation fund created 102 jobs and $16.3 million in follow-on funding.

Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used

Full text

ACCELERATEUP

February 11, 2026

Chair and Members
Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness
Michigan House of Representatives

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025) - Certified Technology Park (SmartZone) 15-Year Extension Option

Dear Chair and Committee Members:

On behalf of Accelerate UP, | write to express our strong support for House Bill 5031 (2025), which would amend
the Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to provide a clear pathway for Certified Technology Parks (also known
as Michigan SmartZones) to extend their agreements for an additional 15 years, subject to local approvals and

statutory requirements.

Michigan SmartZones were launched to accelerate economic activity in defined geographic areas and increase
jobs and business starts in high-technology sectors. SmartZones are funded primarily through tax increment
revenue (TIR) authorized and governed through a tax increment financing (TIF) plan, and these locally controlled
dollars support eligible entrepreneurial and innovation activities, including business planning, entrepreneurial
training, coordination of venture capital, business mentoring, incubator services, and coordination of research
and development with universities and industry.

In our region, the Innovate Marquette SmartZone is a core component of the entrepreneurship and innovation
ecosystem and supports the formation and growth of technology-based businesses in partnership with local and
regional stakeholders. The current Innovate Marquette TIF plan expiration date is 2029, and the SmartZone’s
reported TIR reflects a meaningful share of its operating capacity.

House Bill 5031 is important for continuity and planning. A defined, long-horizon extension option enables
communities and partners to sustain services, retain momentum, and maintain the long-term support systems
required to commercialize ideas, develop companies, and compete for talent and investment, particularly in rural
and smaller-market regions where entrepreneurship support capacity is difficult to replace quickly.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to advance HB 5031 and support its passage. We would
welcome the opportunity to provide additional local perspective, data, or testimony.

Sincerely,

Alexander Kofsky
Executive Director
Accelerate UP

(906) 250-9182
alex@accelerateup.com

c
\
Oairdev

February 10, 2026
To the Members of the Michigan State Legislature,

| am writing on behalf of Airdev, Inc. to express our support for Michigan House
Bill 5031, which would extend SmartZone funding for an additional 15 years.

As a custom software development partner of Innovate Marquette, we have seen
firsthand the value that SmartZone programs bring to Michigan's innovation
ecosystem. Innovate Marquette plays an important role in helping local
entrepreneurs and businesses develop new technologies, connect with service

providers, and create jobs in the Marquette area.

Extending SmartZone funding will allow Innovate Marquette and the other
SmartZones across the state to continue fostering the kind of high-tech business
growth that strengthens Michigan's economy and supports its communities.

We respectfully urge the Legislature to support House Bill 5031.

Sincerely,

Hifi

Andrew Haller

Co-CEO, Airdev
Aphelion USA, LLC
3019 Shreeve Street,
Midland, MI 48642

February 13‘, 2026

Chair and Members
Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness
Michigan House of Representatives

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025) — Certified Technology Park (SmartZone) 15-Year
Extension Option

Dear Chair and Committee Members:

On behalf of Aphelion USA, LLC, I’m writing to express my strong support for House Bill 5031
(2025). This bill updates the Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to give Certified Technology
Parks (Michigan SmartZones) a clear way to extend their agreements for an additional 15 years,
subject to local approval and the requirements in statute.

Michigan SmartZones were created to drive growth in targeted areas by supporting high-tech
startups and job creation. They’re funded mainly through tax increment revenue (TIR) under a
local tax increment financing (TIF) plan, and those locally controlled dollars go directly toward
proven innovation services; business planning, entrepreneur training, mentoring, incubator
support, connecting companies with venture capital, and coordinating R&D with universities and
industry.

In our region, I’ve seen firsthand how the Innovate Marquette SmartZone functions as a
cornerstone of our entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. It consistently supports the
formation and growth of technology-based businesses by working side-by-side with local and
regional partners.

House Bill 5031 matters because continuity is everything. A clear, long-term extension option
gives communities and partners the runway to plan ahead, sustain services, and keep
momentum. That long-term stability is even more important in rural and smaller-market regions,
where it’s hard to replace entrepreneurship capacity once it’s lost.

For those reasons, | respectfully urge the Committee to advance HB 5031 and support its
passage. If helpful, | would welcome the opportunity to share additional local perspective, data,
or testimony.

Sincerely,
Andrew M. York

Founder & Owner, Aphelion USA, LLC
ayork@aphelionusa.com
CBELL HOLDINGS LLC

Striving for Excellence.

2/10/26

Chair and Members
Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness
Michigan House of Representatives

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025) - Certified Technology Park (SmartZone) 15-Year Extension Option

Dear Chair and Committee Members:

On behalf of CBell Holdings LLC, | write to express our strong support for House Bill 5031 (2025), which would amend the
Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to provide a clear pathway for Certified Technology Parks (also known as Michigan
SmartZones) to extend their agreements for an additional 15 years, subject to local approvals and statutory requirements.

Michigan SmartZones were launched to accelerate economic activity in defined geographic areas and increase jobs and
business starts in high-technology sectors. SmartZones are funded primarily through tax increment revenue (TIR) authorized
and governed through a tax increment financing (TIF) plan, and these locally controlled dollars support eligible entrepreneurial
and innovation activities, including business planning, entrepreneurial training, coordination of venture capital, business
mentoring, incubator services, and coordination of research and development with universities and industry.

In our region, the Innovate Marquette SmartZone is a core component of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem and
supports the formation and growth of technology-based businesses in partnership with local and regional stakeholders.
Personally, as an entrepreneur, investor, student, and Marquette resident, the Innovate Marquette SmartZone has made a large
impact on my life, and many others. They have helped me grow substantially in every aspect of business... bringing high
potential technology and ideas to life. Through the SmartZone | have been able to gain invaluable experience that aligns
directly with my long term goals in life. | would like to see Innovate Marquette be able to continue on this path of helping

incredible people.

House Bill 5031 is important for continuity and planning. A defined, long-horizon extension option enables communities and
partners to sustain services, retain momentum, and maintain the long-term support systems required to commercialize ideas,
develop companies, and compete for talent and investment, particularly in rural and smaller-market regions where
entrepreneurship support capacity is difficult to replace quickly.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to advance HB 5031 and support its passage. We would welcome the
opportunity to provide additional local perspective, data, or testimony.

Sincerely,
Caleb Bell
Founder and CEO
CBell Holdings LLC

(906) 362-7419
caleb@calebjbell.com

fi. @calebbellmat GS caleb@calebjbell.com

&) www.calebjbell.com () 906-362-7419

February 10, 2026

Chair and Members
Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness
Michigan House of Representatives

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025) - Certified Technology Park (SmartZone) 15-Year Extension Option
Dear Chair and Committee Members

On behalf of Headwaters North Corporation, | write to express our strong support for House Bil! 5031 (2025). which would
amend the Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to provide a clear pathway for Certified Technology Parks (also
known as Michigan SmartZones) to extend their agreements for an additional 15 years, subject to local approvals and
statutory requirements.

Michigan SmartZones were launched to accelerate economic activity in defined geographic areas and increase joOs and
business starts in high-technology sectors. SmartZones are funded primarily through tax increment revenue (TIR)
authorized and governed through a tax increment financing (TIF) plan, and these locally controlled dollars support eligible
entrepreneurial and innovation activities, including business planning, entrepreneurial training, coordination of venture
capital, business mentoring, incubator services, and coordination of research and development with universities and
industry.

In our region, the Headwaters North SmartZone is a core component of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem
and supports the formation and growth of technology-based businesses in partnership with local and regional
stakeholders.

House Bill 5031 is important for continuity and planning. A defined, long-horizon extension option enables communities
and partners to sustain services, retain momentum, and maintain the long-term support systems required to
commercialize ideas, develop companies, and compete for talent and investment, particularly in rural and smaller-market
regions where entrepreneurship support capacity is difficult to replace quickly.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to advance HB 5031 and support its passage. We would welcome
the opportunity to provide additional local perspective, data, or testimony.

Sincerely, ,

‘i
‘

Nikki Storey

Chief Executive Officer
Headwaters North Corporation
906-440-6829
Nikki.storey@headwatersnorth.org

February 12, 2026

Chair and Members
Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness
Michigan House of Representatives

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025) - Certified Technology Park (SmartZone) 15-Year Extension Option

Dear Chair and Committee Members:

On behalf of the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, I write to express our strong support for House Bill 5031
(2025), which would amend the Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to provide a clear pathway for Certified
Technology Parks (also known as Michigan SmartZones) to extend their agreements for an additional 15 years,
subject to local approvals and statutory requirements.

Michigan SmartZones were launched to accelerate economic activity in defined geographic areas and increase
jobs and business starts in high-technology sectors. SmartZones are funded primarily through tax increment
revenue (TIR) authorized and governed through a tax increment financing (TIF) plan, and these locally controlled
dollars support eligible entrepreneurial and innovation activities, including business planning, entrepreneurial
training, coordination of venture capital, business mentoring, incubator services, and coordination of research
and development with universities and industry.

In our region, the Innovate Marquette SmartZone is a core component of the entrepreneurship and innovation
ecosystem and supports the formation and growth of technology-based businesses in partnership with local and
regional stakeholders. We, at the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, believe that high-tech small business growth
is the most efficient The Innovate Marquette SmartZone is vital to ensuring that entrepreneurs who are early in
their company-building journey receive the tools and support they need to maximize their chances of success.

House Bill 5031 is important for continuity and planning. A defined, long-horizon extension option enables
communities and partners to sustain services, retain momentum, and maintain the long-term support systems
required to commercialize ideas, develop companies, and compete for talent and investment, particularly in rural
and smaller-market regions where entrepreneurship support capacity is difficult to replace quickly.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to advance HB 5031 and support its passage. We would
welcome the opportunity to provide additional local perspective, data, or testimony.

Sincerely,

|-F

Jim Tenzillo

Managing Director

Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund
M: 847.401.1419

E: jtenzillo@gmail.com
yN

INVESTUP

February 9, 2026

Representative Mike Hoadley

State Representative, District 99

Chairman, Committee on Economic Competitiveness
S-1288 House Office Building

P.O. Box 30014

Lansing, MI 48909

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025).

Dear Chairman Hoadley:

On behalf of InvestUP, along with its Board of Directors, which represent eleven industry
sectors across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) and do business in each of the 15
U.P. counties and across the state and nation, | wanted to express the organization’s
collective support for House Bill 5031, which as you know would amend the Recodified
Tax Increment Financing Act to provide a clear pathway for Certified Technology Parks
(also known as Michigan SmartZones) to extend their agreements for an additional 15
years, subject to local approvals and statutory requirements.

Michigan SmartZones were launched to accelerate economic activity in defined
geographic areas and increase jobs and business starts in high-technology sectors. We
have seen that vision prove true in our region, including through our partner in Marquette,
with the Innovate Marquette SmartZone (IMSZ). In regularly collaborating with IMSZ,
we have seen first-hand the positive impact they are making in the regional (or maybe
local) economy.”

However, the partnership with IMSZ goes beyond simply collaborating and supporting
entrepreneurs, but has seen us work together on data collection so we can make real
time decisions on economic direction and on executing shared vision, such as when we
partnered to create an innovation fund, which we now estimate has created 102 jobs,
resulting in $16.3 million in follow-on funding and generated nearly $31 million of revenue
in the State.

This type of investment is especially important as the literature tells us that entrepreneurs
and innovators are, not surprisingly, risktakers — and by virtue of that generally earlier in
their career and younger. We are suffering an acute population challenge in the Upper
Peninsula, as | would venture to say is the case for most of rural Michigan: Our
population is aging dramatically. Thus, this type of programming is imperative to help us
offset this challenge.

House Bill 5031 is vital for us to continue this type of success — the continuity and
planning the bill permits are essential.
~

OFFICE OF THE DEAN

Be)
Nf NORTHERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
) 1401 Presque Isle Avenue

UNIVERSITY Marquette, MI 49855-5301

¥ February 13, 2026 906-227-2947 | Fax: 906-227-2605
www.nmu.edu/Business

Re: Letter of Support for Michigan House Bill 5031 - Extension of SmartZone Funding
Dear Honorable Members of the Michigan Legislature:

On behalf of the College of Business at Northern Michigan University, I am writing to express strong
support for Michigan House Bill 5031, which would extend SmartZone funding and ensure the
continued success of Innovate Marquette as one of Michigan’s designated SmartZones.

SmartZones, funded through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), serve as
high-impact innovation districts designed to stimulate technology-based economic development,
business incubation, entrepreneurial growth, and high-wage job creation. In the Upper Peninsula,
Innovate Marquette plays a vital role in strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem.

The College of Business at Northern Michigan University is AACSB-accredited, a distinction held by
fewer than six percent of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation emphasizes innovation,
impact, engagement, and continuous improvement—principles that closely align with the
SmartZone model. Innovate Marquette provides an applied platform through which our students
and faculty can translate research, analytics, cybersecurity expertise, and entrepreneurial
education into real-world economic outcomes.

Additionally, Northern Michigan University is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in
Cyber Defense, reinforcing our commitment to advanced technology, cybersecurity workforce
development, and innovation-driven economic growth. The collaboration between Innovate
Marquette and NMU strengthens technology commercialization pathways, supports high-growth
startup activity, and enhances talent retention in a rural and geographically expansive region.

The extension of SmartZone funding through House Bill 5031 provides the long-term stability
necessary for strategic planning, deeper private-sector engagement, investment attraction, and
sustained economic impact. A 15-year funding horizon enables the development of scalable
innovation pipelines that connect higher education, industry, and community stakeholders in
meaningful and measurable ways.

For these reasons, I Strongly encourage passage of Michigan House Bill 5031 and the continued
investment in SmartZone communities such as Innovate Marquette. This legislation represents a
strategic investment in Michigan's innovation infrastructure and long-term economic

competitiveness. ~. °°".
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to Michigan’s economic future.

Sincerely,

Carol Johnson

Dean, College of Business
Northern Michigan University
WJ NORTHERN INITIATIVES

a Money and Know-How

February 12, 2026

Chair and Members
Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness
Michigan House of Representatives

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025) — Certified Technology Park (SmartZone) 15-Year Extension Option

Dear Chair and Committee Members:

On behalf of Northern Initiatives, | write to express our strong support for House Bill 5031 (2025), which would amend the
Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to provide a clear pathway for Certified Technology Parks (also known as Michigan
SmartZones) to extend their agreements for an additional 15 years, subject to local approvals and statutory requirements.

Michigan SmartZones were launched to accelerate economic activity in defined geographic areas and increase jobs and business
starts in high-technology sectors. SmartZones are funded primarily through tax increment revenue (TIR) authorized and governed
through a tax increment financing (TIF) plan, and these locally controlled dollars support eligible entrepreneurial and innovation
activities, including business planning, entrepreneurial training, coordination of venture capital, business mentoring, incubator
services, and coordination of research and development with universities and industry.

In our region, the Innovate Marquette SmartZone is a core component of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem and
supports the formation and growth of technology-based businesses in partnership with local and regional stakeholders. The current
Innovate Marquette TIF plan expiration date is 2029, and the SmartZone’s reported TIR reflects a meaningful share of its operating

capacity.

House Bill 5031 is important for continuity and planning. A defined, long-horizon extension option enables communities and
partners to sustain services, retain momentum, and maintain the long-term support systems required to commercialize ideas,
develop companies, and compete for talent and investment, particularly in rural and smaller-market regions where
entrepreneurship support capacity is difficult to replace quickly.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to advance HB 5031 and support its passage. We would welcome the
opportunity to provide additional local perspective, data, or testimony. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Elissa Sangalli,
CEO/President
esangalli@northerninitiatives.org

101 W. Washington, Suite 9 e Marquette MI 49855 e www.northerninitiatives.org

—
Clear,
powerful
ey communication

February 10, 2026

Chair and Members
Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness
Michigan House of Representatives

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025) — Certified Technology Park (SmartZone) 15-Year Extension Option

Dear Chair and Committee Members:

On behalf of Siren PR, LLC, | write to express our strong support for House Bill 5031 (2025), which would amend the
Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to provide a clear pathway for Certified Technology Parks (also known as
Michigan SmartZones) to extend their agreements for an additional 15 years, subject to local approvals and statutory

requirements.

Michigan SmartZones were launched to accelerate economic activity in defined geographic areas and increase jobs and
business starts in high-technology sectors. SmartZones are funded primarily through tax increment revenue (TIR)
authorized and governed through a tax increment financing (TIF) plan, and these locally controlled dollars support eligible
entrepreneurial and innovation activities, including business planning, entrepreneurial training, coordination of venture
capital, business mentoring, incubator services, and coordination of research and development with universities and

industry.

In our region, the Innovate Marquette SmartZone is a core component of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem
and supports the formation and growth of technology-based businesses in partnership with local and regional
stakeholders.

House Bill 5031 is important for continuity and planning. A defined, long-horizon extension option enables communities
and partners to sustain services, retain momentum, and maintain the long-term support systems required to
commercialize ideas, develop companies, and compete for talent and investment, particularly in rural and smaller-market

regions where entrepreneurship support capacity is difficult to replace quickly.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to advance HB 5031 and support its passage. We would welcome
the opportunity to provide additional local perspective, data, or testimony.

Sincerely,
Adela Piper
CEO

Siren PR, LLC

248.264.7022
adela@sirenstrategy.co

(248) 264-7022
SirenStrategy.co
WARD LAW OFFICE

REGISTERED PATENT ATTORNEYS

Ward Law Office LLC — Ohio Bar Admissions: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; and Ward Law Office PLC — Michigan
120 1/2 S. Washington Street, Suite 207 Canadian Intellectual Property Office, Non-Resident 21415 Civic Center Drive, Suite 100
Tiffin, Ohio 44883 Virtual Offices Across the United States of America Southfield, Michigan 48076
Direct: (419) 408-5500 legal@wardpatent.com | www.wardpatent.com Direct: (248) 579-2197

February 13, 2026

Chair and Members
Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness
Michigan House of Representatives

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025) — Certified Technology Park (SmartZone) 15-Year Extension Option

Dear Chair and Committee Members:

On behalf of WARD LAW OFFICE PLC, | write to express our strong support for House Bill 5031 (2025), which would
amend the Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to provide a clear pathway for Certified Technology Parks (also known
as Michigan SmartZones) to extend their agreements for an additional 15 years, subject to local approvals and statutory

requirements.

Michigan SmartZones were launched to accelerate economic activity in defined geographic areas and increase jobs and
business starts in high-technology sectors. SmartZones are funded primarily through tax increment revenue (TIR)
authorized and governed through a tax increment financing (TIF) plan, and these locally controlled dollars support eligible
entrepreneurial and innovation activities, including business planning, entrepreneurial training, coordination of venture
capital, business mentoring, incubator services, and coordination of research and development with universities and

industry.

In our region, the Innovate Marquette SmartZone is a core component of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem
and supports the formation and growth of technology-based businesses in partnership with local and regional stakeholders.
The current Innovate Marquette TIF plan expiration date is 2029, and the SmartZone’s reported TIR reflects a meaningful

share of its operating capacity.

House Bill 5031 is important for continuity and planning. A defined, long-horizon extension option enables communities
and partners to sustain services, retain momentum, and maintain the long-term support systems required to commercialize
ideas, develop companies, and compete for talent and investment, particularly in rural and smaller-market regions where
entrepreneurship support capacity is difficult to replace quickly.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to advance HB 5031 and support its passage. We would welcome
the opportunity to provide additional local perspective, data, or testimony.

Sincerely,
/Jacob M. Ward/

Jacob M. Ward
Founder and Registered Patent Attorney
WARD LAW OFFICE PLC

248-579-2197
jake@wardpatent.com
WRITEUP LAB 4a —

Chair and Members
Michigan House Committee on Economic Competitiveness
Michigan House of Representatives

Re: Support for House Bill 5031 (2025) — Certified Technology Park (SmartZone) 15-Year Extension Option

Dear Chair and Committee Members:

On behalf of Writeup Lab LLC, | write to express our strong support for House Bill 5031 (2025), which would
amend the Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act to provide a clear pathway for Certified Technology Parks
(also known as Michigan SmartZones) to extend their agreements for an additional 15 years, subject to local

approvals and statutory requirements.

Michigan SmartZones were launched to accelerate economic activity in defined geographic areas and increase
jobs and business starts in high-technology sectors. SmartZones are funded primarily through tax increment
revenue (TIR) authorized and governed through a tax increment financing (TIF) plan, and these locally
controlled dollars support eligible entrepreneurial and innovation activities, including business planning,
entrepreneurial training, coordination of venture capital, business mentoring, incubator services, and
coordination of research and development with universities and industry.

In our region, the Innovate Marquette SmartZone is a core component of the entrepreneurship and
innovation ecosystem and supports the formation and growth of technology-based businesses in partnership
with local and regional stakeholders. | have personally had the pleasure of working with many Marquette
small businesses to help them access SmartZone and SBDC resources, and | have seen first-hand how valuable
these entrepreneurial services are to the success of our innovation ecosystem. The current Innovate
Marquette TIF plan expiration date is 2029, and the SmartZone’s reported TIR reflects a meaningful share of

its operating capacity.

House Bill 5031 is important for continuity and planning. A defined, long-horizon extension option enables
communities and partners to sustain services, retain momentum, and maintain the long-term support systems
required to commercialize ideas, develop companies, and compete for talent and investment, particularly in
rural and smaller-market regions where entrepreneurship support capacity is difficult to replace quickly.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to advance HB 5031 and support its passage. We
would welcome the opportunity to provide additional local perspective, data, or testimony.

Sincerely,

Laura C. Cesa, Ph.D.

Founder & Principal Consultant
Writeup Lab, LLC

(616) 315-6426
laura@writeuplab.net

File and source

File

2026-02-19_testimony_hb-5031-letters-of-support_62906.pdf

Size

682,873 bytes

SHA-256

32c86a836e62973a9327a6d2fbda00c313e49b9759c2b66ff6560cb00b06c7e0

Our copy

2026-02-19_testimony_hb-5031-letters-of-support_62906.pdf

Original

www.house.mi.gov