Dr. Kaufman explored the possibility for SmartZone satellites within the 7-county I-69 Thumb Region. Dr. Kaufman’s team used Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify economic opportunities based on US Census data, NAICS codes and infrastructure assets. The project team envisioned regional economic development as a function of four factors: available land; available labor; connectivity of related firms; and need. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) approach, multiple data layers were combinedto create a SmartZone feasibility model. The model used six data layers (variables) that explained the most variance in a multiple regression model. All model parameters were significant at the 0.5 level, with existing business density and available buildings exhibiting the highest coefficients. The variables were: all businesses, available buildings, available vacant land, travel time less than 30 minutes, commercial traffic density, and transport/warehouse businesses. These layers were overlaid on each other and the result was the identification of two areas where SmartZone satellites were the most feasible, Flint and Port Huron. Their potential is underscored by their proximity to transportation, educated labor force, dense population, and available building space.