FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces TiiCKER Expanding in Grand Rapids, Creating 73 High-Tech Jobs
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that TiiCKER, the world’s first shareholder loyalty and engagement platform, is expanding in Grand Rapids, further building on the state’s efforts to position itself as the global leader in high-tech innovation.
“Today's investment by TiiCKER will build on Michigan’s tech strengths and create 73 good-paying, high-skill jobs in West Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “TiiCKER’s downtown Grand Rapids expansion reinforces our reputation as a world leader in innovation, makes our cities more attractive places to live and work, and continues to power our tech and information technology sectors. Thanks to our effective fiscal management, hardworking people, and innovative businesses, Michigan’s economy is growing with an unemployment rate comparable to the lowest levels since the 1970s, 61,000 jobs added year over year, rising wages, and strong small businesses growth. Our future is bright, and investments like today’s will help us continue moving our state forward.”
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4.8 million and create 73 high-wage jobs over a three-year period. The company chose Michigan for the project over competing sites in Florida, Missouri and New York because of its attractiveness as a location for talent to live, work and play.
TiiCKER, Inc. is the world’s first intelligent software platform that brings together individual investors with the brands they love through a shareholder rewards program. The company’s headquarters are in Grand Rapids, and currently has seven employees across its Detroit and Grand Rapids offices.
The company is experiencing continued growth and plans to purchase the building it is currently leasing at 61 Commerce Avenue SW in Grand Rapids, which will serve as the company’s corporate headquarters and will have space to house additional employees as it experiences further growth. TiiCKER also anticipates creating high-tech co-working space on the first floor to sustain and grow the high-tech ecosystem in Grand Rapids.
“TiiCKER was launched to allow public companies to connect with, and market to, their retail shareholders. We’ve since become the world’s largest shareholder loyalty platform with triple-digit user growth and strong customer momentum in the past year,” said Jeff Lambert (Tii:JEFE), Founder and CEO of TiiCKER. “It’s time for our team to expand in line with our platform’s growth, and we appreciate that our investments in Michigan talent are being supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund, MEDC and The Right Place. As we grow, these funds will help us recruit and retain high-tech and sales talent in Michigan – my home and an incredible place to work, play and scale a world-class startup.”
The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a $510,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant in support of the project. The project supports a business in Michigan’s target industries of tech and professional and corporate services and advances the MEDC’s efforts to foster high-wage job growth throughout the state. TiiCKER’s growth in downtown Grand Rapids will bring immediate jobs to the area and will also ensure the company’s long-term viability and future investment in Michigan.
“Congratulations to the TiiCKER team on your continued growth and success! We’re pleased to earn your continued investment in Michigan, which demonstrates that our state can successfully compete with the coasts for venture funding and high-tech companies,” said MEDC Sr. Vice President of Regional Prosperity Matt McCauley. “We are grateful to the Governor, bipartisan leaders in the Legislature and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. We’re proud to join The Right Place in supporting TiiCKER, and will continue working to grow jobs and provide greater employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for our friends and neighbors in West Michigan.”
The Right Place is providing staff time in support of the project. For information on careers with Tiicker, visit https://tiicker.applytojob.com/apply.
“As a region, we are committed to fostering a diverse and thriving technology sector,” said Jen Wangler, Vice President of Technology at The Right Place and project lead. “TiiCKER’s decision to expand in Grand Rapids proves that we are making significant strides in achieving this goal. We’re thrilled to have a Wall Street pioneer building in our community.”
TiiCKER invented verified shareholder perks in 2020 with the launch of its web and app platforms, which now spans nearly $600 million in retail investor holdings and hundreds of perks from public companies and brands. TiiCKER is the world’s first intelligent software platform to engage, verify and reward retail shareholders with discounts, deals and other offerings from a diverse range of public companies, while at the same time, allowing investor relations and C-suite executives to engage with previously ignored retail investors.
“TiiCKER’s job commitments and investment in Grand Rapids are another example of the economic development momentum in the city,” said Jeremiah Gracia, Director of Economic Development for the City of Grand Rapids. “We appreciate the addition of another tech company in downtown Grand Rapids and the company’s decision to purchase and renovate real estate that will accommodate its growth and provide additional office space for other growing companies.”
“I am thrilled that TiiCKER and its employees have found success here in West Michigan and I wish them a smooth transition as they increase their team,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “Although I may be a little biased, it’s clear that TiiCKER leaders made the right decision by choosing to stay and expand right here in Grand Rapids, and I have every confidence that their new hires will enjoy the friendly culture, vibrant downtown, and room to grow that our city offers.”
“Grand Rapids is growing every day, and is quickly becoming a hot spot for new businesses and enterprises to thrive in,” said State Representative Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids). “The expansion of TiiCKER in my district is welcome news, as it will mean immediate new jobs to our city and will help pave the way for tech industry growth in Grand Rapids going forward.”
TiiCKER is the latest tech company to choose to expand in the state of Michigan. Other recent investments include:
Learn why Michigan is leading the way in tech and innovation here.
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