Michigan's High Tech Hope

The Detriot Free Press reports:

Ruben Moreno never expected to live in Michigan.

The California native and his fiancée, Janet Renteria, moved from Culver City to Ann Arbor a year ago for a promotion with Xoran Technologies Inc.

After a year of testing a new city and their first winter, Moreno and Renteria say they're here to stay.

"It reminds us of home, but it's not the big city. Everything is more peaceful here," said Moreno, 31.

As job losses in other cities contribute to the state's high unemployment rate, Ann Arbor stands out in attracting companies and employees.

The University of Michigan -- its students, hospital and research -- has drawn businesses for years, helping to establish a diverse economy.

Those strengths couldn't stem the 7,800 post-recession jobs Washtenaw County lost between 2002 and 2004. But they have helped the county post modest job gains -- 900 jobs last year -- about four years before Michigan is expected to experience job growth, according to U-M economics professor George Fulton.

They are exited about 900 jobs.