Lyons Consulting Group, an e-commerce strategy, design, development, hosting and support firm based in Chicago, Ill., will invest $1.1 million and create 30 new jobs in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area.

The firm’s expanded Ann Arbor office will now be a full service, customer focused e-commerce consulting firm that will enable the company’s continued growth in the highly competitive e-commerce industry. Lyons chose to expand in Ann Arbor over other locations in the Midwest and Southwest, according to Ann Arbor SPARK. In choosing Ann Arbor over competing locations, Lyons cited access to the city’s rich e-commerce talent base as key considerations. Company officials are currently scouting sites for its expansion. The company expects to move from its current facility to a new, larger facility mid-2013.

“Originally, we were seeking to set up a remote development office and expand our footprint outside of Chicago,” said Rich Lyons, president and CEO of Lyons Consulting Group. “Given Ann Arbor’s depth of talent, experience and e-commerce know-how, it was a logical destination for providing fuller service offerings to leading online retailers now and into the future. We are truly excited to add an Ann Arbor office to the Lyons portfolio.”

“Lyons is the perfect example of how Ann Arbor SPARK works with organizations to identify and support their needs as they grow,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “Not only did Ann Arbor SPARK work to attract Lyons to the region, it helped the company find its initial space as well as potential new locations for its expansion. Additionally, Ann Arbor SPARK made meaningful connections that support Lyons’ talent development and recruitment.”

“Ann Arbor SPARK helped Lyons identify and connect with the right niche tech groups, job boards, and thought leaders in the region,” added Tony LaRusso, general manager of Lyons Consulting Group in Ann Arbor. “We have had great success so far connecting with the local universities to discuss our talent needs and request specific assistance in finding graduates who will fill those needs now and into the future. Beyond just making connections, going forward, Ann Arbor SPARK will also provide us with hands-on assistance attracting and hiring the right professionals for the positions that will be created through the expansion.”

Ann Arbor SPARK helped Lyons Consulting Group secure incentives valued at more than $300,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the City of Ann Arbor to support its expansion in the region.

"The City of Ann Arbor is thrilled with Lyons CG's location choice," said Steve Powers, City Administrator. "City Council has identified the need to increase and diversify private-sector employment in the city, and MEDC and SPARK's work has resulted in positive action consistent with council's goal. We look forward to working with Lyons CG on its expansion in Ann Arbor.