Detroit Entrepreneur and Urban Science Founder Jim Anderson to Speak at E2detroit Conference
DETROIT, Oct. 5, 2006 - Jim Anderson, president and founder of Detroit-based retail channel consulting firm Urban Science, will kick off the E2detroit conference with a keynote speech at 6:45 p.m. in the Community Arts Auditorium's Outer Gallery on the Wayne State campus. Business owners and entrepreneurs from around the state will come together during the two-day event on creating successful long-term market growth through entrepreneurship and excellence on Oct. 5 and 6 at Wayne State University.
In an address entitled "Fueling the Entrepreneurial Spirit," Anderson will relay the successes and challenges of founding and building a company. Beginning his career in 1967 as a member of Wayne State's engineering faculty, Anderson developed computer mapping techniques and created statistical models for location analysis of demographic data. As a result of his pioneering mindset and innovative approach, he was called on to develop a software program that would later revolutionize the way auto manufacturers select their retail locations.
"A person can have keen business sense and identify opportunity, but it's the dedication and audacity to make the vision a reality that truly makes an entrepreneur," said Anderson. "The spirit of dreaming up an idea and running with it through many risks and warnings is commendable and should be promoted throughout Michigan. Every successful company starts from a concept."
Anderson formed his company in 1977 to satisfy the growing need of automakers and car dealers for customer and demographic information. Now a global operation with more than 400 employees, Urban Science has earned the trust of every auto manufacturer as well as companies in the banking and retail franchise industries to optimize their retail performance.
Anderson was named 2002 Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. In 2004, he made a large donation to Wayne State University to fund a program called Engineering Ventures designed to provide engineering students with leadership and entrepreneurial skills necessary for the formation of successful new ventures. Anderson holds bachelor and Master of Science degrees in engineering from Wayne State.
Founded in 1977, Urban Science helps companies evaluate structure and manage their retail sales channels to achieve competitive, cost and customer-relationship advantages. With headquarters in Detroit, Urban Science serves its global clientele from offices in the United States, Spain, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, China, Mexico and Japan. For more information on Urban Science, visit www.urbanscience.com.
