Matchmaking at the ambassador's residence

At the reception at the U.S. ambassador to Sweden's residence, the state of Michigan has an overflowing dance card.

Ambassador Michael Wood, originally from Flint, organized a special reception for Gov. Granholm, along with the representatives of Michigan State, Michigan Tech and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on Aug. 21. The other attendees are representatives of some of the nearly 40 Swedish bioenergy and biofuel companies looking to do business in the United States.

The governor and the ambassador (who said he always roots for MSU) teamed up to play a super-powered bioeconomy matchmaker that made Yente from Fiddler on the Roof look meek. Their goal was to link Swedish businesses with Michigan opportunities, as well as connect the Swedes with university expertise and other important resources.

If the number of business cards being exchanged in the drawing room was any indication, the event was a smashing success.

Steve Pueppke, director of the MSU Office of Biobased Technologies, said he spoke with electric fuel cell companies, university professors, conductor companies and gasification plant representatives.

"It was a wonderful event and gave us some good inroads for partnerships," he said.

Glenn Mroz, president of MTU, was surrounded by entrepreneurs for the entire event.

James Epolito, president and CEO of the MEDC, the governor and the ambassador moved smoothly through the crowd, connecting Michigander and Swede based on interests.

Granholm said her aim is to make Michigan the gateway to the United States for Swedish bioeconomy companies. As Ambassador Wood concluded the event with a toast using Michigan chocolate-covered cherries, it seemed the state is well on its way.