Kurt M. Brauer Named Chair of Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Incubator

HOLLAND, Mich. - Dec. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- Kurt M. Brauer, a partner with Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, has been selected to serve as chair of the newly created Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Incubator.

The statewide non-profit organization opened on Dec. 1 to help farmers and entrepreneurs in the agricultural technology industry develop successful business strategies.  Through specialized assistance such as validating concepts, obtaining patents and developing markets, the organization breaks down barriers to entry for start-up companies. The incubator also provides an opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs to collaborate by sharing ideas, giving improvement recommendations and testing prototypes.

“This one-of-a kind Incubator brings a new and innovative dimension to the agriculture industry in Michigan, and I am excited to have a leadership role in its success,” Brauer said. “Our board is pleased with the model that has been developed by Ottawa County, and we look forward to working with our staff, sponsors, member counties and other partners to help entrepreneurs rapidly commercialize their agricultural technology ideas.”

Brauer counsels clients in economic development and environmental compliance and regulatory matters with an emphasis on environmental, brownfield redevelopment and business expansion incentive packages. He also assists them in resolving complex real estate matters.  He is recognized in Best Lawyers in America and as a dBusiness Top Lawyer.  He is the co-chair of the firm’s Economic Incentives Practice Group.

In addition to the Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Incubator, Brauer as secretary for the board of the Farmington Hills Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.  He is a founding member of the Michigan Wetlands Association and sits on its board of directors. Brauer is also a member of the Michigan Economic Developers Association and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.  He is the most recent past chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Environmental Law Section Council.

About Warner Norcross

Warner Norcross & Judd LLP is a corporate law firm with 230 attorneys practicing in eight offices throughout Michigan:  Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb County, Midland, Muskegon and Southfield.  By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross forges a better partnership with its clients.  To learn more, visit www.wnj.com or follow us on twitter @WNJLLP.