One of my goals when I started this blog was to spread the word about the good things happening in the state of Michigan. For the past several months, I have written Best of the Net, a weekly (sometimes biweekly) summary of the best news stories from Michigan.
The bad news is that this feature has not attracted readers like I had hoped it would, so I have decided to cease writing it. The good news is that my other features are attracting more readers (and I am thrilled that people find my original content to be more interesting than summaries of other news stories), so I will continue to write my own stories about Michigan. Writing Best of the Net was time consuming and hopefully discontinuing it will allow me more time to write my own stories.
Since there are so many easy ways to access and follow news about Michigan, I assume that most people who would be interested in Best of the Net were not reading it because they had already seen its stories on Twitter or other social media. I encourage people to follow me at https://twitter.com/LLMichigander and to follow other Michigan news sources (both major newspapers and smaller independent media) for positive Michigan news stories. I regularly tweet links to positive stories and my own content and feel like Twitter is the best way to share stories that other people have written.
Finally, I recently reviewed a book and a documentary and would be interested in reviewing other books or films about Michigan. I also am interested in writing about startups and nonprofits throughout Michigan. Please contact me at jeff@lifelongmichigander.com if you would like me to write about your business, nonprofit, book, movie, or any other positive Michigan news stories.
Showing posts with label Best of the Net. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best of the Net. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Best of the Net 3/19-3/31
A dog, a child, a family, a community
Some stories remind us of humanity's capacity for kindness while also reminding us of the unique bond between humans and dogs. The Battle Creek Enquirer recently featured one such story. Five-year-old David Facey was born with cerebral palsy and severely addicted to drugs, and doctors did not believe he would live past his first birthday. Despite his health issues, Arlen and Betty Facey fostered David and later adopted him. They then invested thousands of dollars to get Venture, a service dog, for David.
Venture and David quickly bonded. David learned to accomplish physical goals with Venture's help, and Venture alerts when David's oxygen becomes low. Unfortunately, Venture suffered a leg injury that would have made him unable to serve David. However, several charities worked to raise money for Venture's surgery. Thanks to the help of strangers, Venture is now helping David succeed again.
Rebuilding lives from crumbling buildings
Jewelry company Rebel Nell uses graffiti from crumbling Detroit buildings to make jewelry. As reported by PolicyMic, Rebel Nell's co-founders have partnered with the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) to hire women staying at shelters. Rebel Nell's ultimate goal is to help the women transition into permanent housing.
Some stories remind us of humanity's capacity for kindness while also reminding us of the unique bond between humans and dogs. The Battle Creek Enquirer recently featured one such story. Five-year-old David Facey was born with cerebral palsy and severely addicted to drugs, and doctors did not believe he would live past his first birthday. Despite his health issues, Arlen and Betty Facey fostered David and later adopted him. They then invested thousands of dollars to get Venture, a service dog, for David.
Venture and David quickly bonded. David learned to accomplish physical goals with Venture's help, and Venture alerts when David's oxygen becomes low. Unfortunately, Venture suffered a leg injury that would have made him unable to serve David. However, several charities worked to raise money for Venture's surgery. Thanks to the help of strangers, Venture is now helping David succeed again.
Rebuilding lives from crumbling buildings
Jewelry company Rebel Nell uses graffiti from crumbling Detroit buildings to make jewelry. As reported by PolicyMic, Rebel Nell's co-founders have partnered with the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) to hire women staying at shelters. Rebel Nell's ultimate goal is to help the women transition into permanent housing.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Best of the Net 3/11-3/18
Detroit is happy and kind
Detroit recently made two lists that will make Detroiters proud. First, Business Insider reports that Jetpac, a company known for its "social travel" app, analyzed millions of Instagram photos for photos of people smiling and laughing. Jetpac's analysis revealed Detroit to be the ninth happiest city on its list of the twenty happiest cities in the United States.
Maybe Detroiters are happy because they help each other out. MLive reports that OnStar's roadside safety service revealed that Detroit drivers make more "Good Samaritan" calls through OnStar to assist other drivers than the drivers of any other U.S. city.
3-D printing saves a boy's life
University of Michigan doctors and engineers used 3-D printing to create a splint for 18-month-old Garrett Peterson's bronchi, the airway that conducts air into the lungs. As reported by MLive, Garrett has a rare disorder that caused his bronchi to collapse into the size of small slits. U-M doctors performed a surgery to implant the splints, and Garrett's bronchi have remained open. This procedure will allow Garrett's parents to eventually take him to their home to Utah after he has spent his entire life in hospitals.
Here's a video of Garrett's struggles and the doctors who saved him:
Detroit Institute of Music Education
Detroit has influenced American and international music for years. Now, Detroit is adding a music college. The Detroit Free Press reports that the Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME) will open at the Bamlet Building on Griswold in Downtown Detroit. DIME will offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelors degree in music with courses in guitar, bass, vocals, drums, songwriting and music entrepreneurship.
Two popular Michigan beers are back
It's hard to find a beer "Best of" list that does not include at least one beer from Bell's or Founders. Even if Mother Nature is not ready for Spring, each of these two brewers is celebrating Spring with the release of a popular beer. Bell's is releasing it's popular wheat ale (and one of my longtime favorites) Oberon on March 24.
Founders released its KBS, or Kentucky Breakfast Stout, today as part of KBS Week in the Grand Rapids area. Ratebeer.com recently named KBS the Best Beer in America. For a list of bars serving KBS in the Grand Rapids area, read this report by MLive.
Three Michigan schools go dancing
The NCAA men's basketball tournament starts this week, and Michigan has placed three teams in the "Big Dance." Although that might not seem like a big number, two talent-rich basketball states, Illinois and Indiana, surprisingly did not place even one team in the tournament this year.
Big Ten champion Michigan and Big Ten Tournament champ Michigan State hope to advance deep into the tournament while MAC champ Western Michigan look to make some noise by upsetting higher ranked teams.
Detroit recently made two lists that will make Detroiters proud. First, Business Insider reports that Jetpac, a company known for its "social travel" app, analyzed millions of Instagram photos for photos of people smiling and laughing. Jetpac's analysis revealed Detroit to be the ninth happiest city on its list of the twenty happiest cities in the United States.
Maybe Detroiters are happy because they help each other out. MLive reports that OnStar's roadside safety service revealed that Detroit drivers make more "Good Samaritan" calls through OnStar to assist other drivers than the drivers of any other U.S. city.
3-D printing saves a boy's life
University of Michigan doctors and engineers used 3-D printing to create a splint for 18-month-old Garrett Peterson's bronchi, the airway that conducts air into the lungs. As reported by MLive, Garrett has a rare disorder that caused his bronchi to collapse into the size of small slits. U-M doctors performed a surgery to implant the splints, and Garrett's bronchi have remained open. This procedure will allow Garrett's parents to eventually take him to their home to Utah after he has spent his entire life in hospitals.
Here's a video of Garrett's struggles and the doctors who saved him:
Detroit Institute of Music Education
Detroit has influenced American and international music for years. Now, Detroit is adding a music college. The Detroit Free Press reports that the Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME) will open at the Bamlet Building on Griswold in Downtown Detroit. DIME will offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelors degree in music with courses in guitar, bass, vocals, drums, songwriting and music entrepreneurship.
Two popular Michigan beers are back
It's hard to find a beer "Best of" list that does not include at least one beer from Bell's or Founders. Even if Mother Nature is not ready for Spring, each of these two brewers is celebrating Spring with the release of a popular beer. Bell's is releasing it's popular wheat ale (and one of my longtime favorites) Oberon on March 24.
Founders released its KBS, or Kentucky Breakfast Stout, today as part of KBS Week in the Grand Rapids area. Ratebeer.com recently named KBS the Best Beer in America. For a list of bars serving KBS in the Grand Rapids area, read this report by MLive.
Three Michigan schools go dancing
The NCAA men's basketball tournament starts this week, and Michigan has placed three teams in the "Big Dance." Although that might not seem like a big number, two talent-rich basketball states, Illinois and Indiana, surprisingly did not place even one team in the tournament this year.
Big Ten champion Michigan and Big Ten Tournament champ Michigan State hope to advance deep into the tournament while MAC champ Western Michigan look to make some noise by upsetting higher ranked teams.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Best of the Net 3/3-3/10
8-year-old boy feeds his peers
Cayden Taipalus, an 8-year-old elementary school student in Howell, was upset when his peers who did not have sufficient funds in their lunch accounts received a cold cheese sandwich instead of a hot lunch. The Huffington Post reports that Cayden started a grassroots campaign to raise money for his school that soon raised enough money for 34,000 meals, allowing Cayden to share the wealth with other local schools.
Young Detroiters cultivate gardens
The Detroit School Garden Collaborative allows students at 51 Detroit schools to cultivate gardens while also cultivating their minds. Michigan Nightlight explains how the program exposes some children to natural foods they have never tasted while allowing children to learn about careers in agriculture that they otherwise may not have considered.
Michigan Tech's innovative research
Michigan Technological University is conducting groundbreaking research in the U.P. Upper Peninsula's Second Wave highlights the university's leading research in 3D printing, a bionic foot for amputees, and a snow grooming machine that allows snow to be "paved" into usable roads.
Detroit poem gains recognition
The New York Times featured a poem about Detroit in its "Poetry Pairing" on March 6. "There Are Birds Here," a poem about Detroit by Jamaal May, is paired with a Times article about blight in Detroit.
Traverse City makes another travel list
Travelpulse.com has named Traverse City as one of its "Best Wine Vacations in the U.S." The travel site praises the region's wine industry's "fruity and award-winning flavorful antiques."
Michigan basketball rises to the top
The University of Michigan men's basketball clinched its first outright Big Ten championship since 1986 with a victory over Illinois last week. They then beat Indiana on Saturday to finish the season with a three-game lead over the two teams tied for second place.
Cayden Taipalus, an 8-year-old elementary school student in Howell, was upset when his peers who did not have sufficient funds in their lunch accounts received a cold cheese sandwich instead of a hot lunch. The Huffington Post reports that Cayden started a grassroots campaign to raise money for his school that soon raised enough money for 34,000 meals, allowing Cayden to share the wealth with other local schools.
Young Detroiters cultivate gardens
The Detroit School Garden Collaborative allows students at 51 Detroit schools to cultivate gardens while also cultivating their minds. Michigan Nightlight explains how the program exposes some children to natural foods they have never tasted while allowing children to learn about careers in agriculture that they otherwise may not have considered.
Michigan Tech's innovative research
Michigan Technological University is conducting groundbreaking research in the U.P. Upper Peninsula's Second Wave highlights the university's leading research in 3D printing, a bionic foot for amputees, and a snow grooming machine that allows snow to be "paved" into usable roads.
Detroit poem gains recognition
The New York Times featured a poem about Detroit in its "Poetry Pairing" on March 6. "There Are Birds Here," a poem about Detroit by Jamaal May, is paired with a Times article about blight in Detroit.
Traverse City makes another travel list
Travelpulse.com has named Traverse City as one of its "Best Wine Vacations in the U.S." The travel site praises the region's wine industry's "fruity and award-winning flavorful antiques."
Michigan basketball rises to the top
The University of Michigan men's basketball clinched its first outright Big Ten championship since 1986 with a victory over Illinois last week. They then beat Indiana on Saturday to finish the season with a three-game lead over the two teams tied for second place.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Best of the Net 2/25-3/2
Holland to Star in a New Movie
Hollywood movie makers again will be coming to Michigan to film a new movie starring Bryan Cranston and Naomi Watts. "Holland, Michigan" is scheduled to be filmed in Holland and is currently in pre-production. The Grand Rapids Business Journal describes the film as a Hitchcock-like thriller set during the tulip festival.
Eight Women Who Are Transforming Detroit
Huffington Post Detroit features eight women who epitomize the energy of Detroit's resurgence. The article highlights an artist-musician, a blight buster, a music teacher, and more women who give back to the city in different ways.
Kids Honor Their Classmate by Donating Jeans
Quiniece Henry, a 13-year-old at Forrest Hills Middle School, recently passed away from Burkitt lymphoma. Her classmates, teachers, and friends remembered her as a young girl who wanted to help others, so they decided to honor her by helping the homeless. MLive reports that a Girl Scout troop and the school's student council organized a jeans drive to collect jeans for Grand Rapids-area homeless. The drive collected 151 pairs of jeans, despite bad weather shortening the week of the drive.
Hollywood movie makers again will be coming to Michigan to film a new movie starring Bryan Cranston and Naomi Watts. "Holland, Michigan" is scheduled to be filmed in Holland and is currently in pre-production. The Grand Rapids Business Journal describes the film as a Hitchcock-like thriller set during the tulip festival.
Eight Women Who Are Transforming Detroit
Huffington Post Detroit features eight women who epitomize the energy of Detroit's resurgence. The article highlights an artist-musician, a blight buster, a music teacher, and more women who give back to the city in different ways.
Kids Honor Their Classmate by Donating Jeans
Quiniece Henry, a 13-year-old at Forrest Hills Middle School, recently passed away from Burkitt lymphoma. Her classmates, teachers, and friends remembered her as a young girl who wanted to help others, so they decided to honor her by helping the homeless. MLive reports that a Girl Scout troop and the school's student council organized a jeans drive to collect jeans for Grand Rapids-area homeless. The drive collected 151 pairs of jeans, despite bad weather shortening the week of the drive.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Best of the Net 2/18-2/24
I have been battling a nasty cold/cough the last several days, so here is an abbreviated "Best of the Net." As always, these are just a few of the many good stories coming out of the Great Lakes State.
Grand Rapids is Healthy
Grand Rapids always seems to be on lists of healthy places to live. MLive reports that the city ranks in the top 10 nationally for places to get healthy and to stay healthy according to Livability.com.
Wolverine Merits Recognition
Michipreneur reports that former University of Michigan basketball team captain David Merritt has started a fashion line, called Merit, that gives 20% of every purchase to fund college scholarships for underserved youth. Merit has one store in Ann Arbor, and shoppers can also visit the company's website at meritgoodness.com.
A U.P. Revolution
Upper Peninsula's Second Wave features Revolutions, a program in the Marquette area that aims to inspire kids to enjoy biking, snowshoeing and skiing. Revolutions is open to children between the ages of 11 and 18.
Inspiring Girls in Grand Rapids
BitCamp is a program in Grand Rapids that hopes to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, and computer science. Rapid Growth features the program's efforts to give hands-on technology experiences to girls here.
Grand Rapids is Healthy
Grand Rapids always seems to be on lists of healthy places to live. MLive reports that the city ranks in the top 10 nationally for places to get healthy and to stay healthy according to Livability.com.
Wolverine Merits Recognition
Michipreneur reports that former University of Michigan basketball team captain David Merritt has started a fashion line, called Merit, that gives 20% of every purchase to fund college scholarships for underserved youth. Merit has one store in Ann Arbor, and shoppers can also visit the company's website at meritgoodness.com.
A U.P. Revolution
Upper Peninsula's Second Wave features Revolutions, a program in the Marquette area that aims to inspire kids to enjoy biking, snowshoeing and skiing. Revolutions is open to children between the ages of 11 and 18.
Inspiring Girls in Grand Rapids
BitCamp is a program in Grand Rapids that hopes to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, and computer science. Rapid Growth features the program's efforts to give hands-on technology experiences to girls here.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Best of the Net 2/10-2/17
Traverse City Is For Lovers
Michigan has its share of romantic spots for Valentine's Day, and Travel + Leisure has named Traverse City as the 10th most romantic town in the United States, noting its romantic outdoors attractions. Travel + Leisure ranked cities based on the number of "romantic" spots, like romantic hotels, brunch spots, and picnic-friendly parks.
Run Kalamazoo
USA Today has named the Kalamazoo Marathon as one of 14 spring races all runners should try. The publication commends the marathon for its unique course through "the area's parks, trails, neighborhoods and downtown mall."
A Tree Farm In Detroit
Detroit has vacant land and blight, but instead of seeing failure, some entrepreneurs see opportunity. Hantz Farms LLC plans to open the nation's largest tree farm on 15 acres on Detroit's east side between Mack and Jefferson avenues near Pennsylvania Street. Crain's Detroit Business describes the company's struggle to start the farm and its ultimate plans for approximately 150 acres on the east side.
Making Films In Lansing
Major motion pictures have been shooting in Detroit over the last several years, but other areas of Michigan have growing filmmaking scenes as well. Capital Gains highlights the movie industry and the the growth of independent filmmakers in the Lansing area. The article also features the Capital City Film Festival and Fortnight Film Contest's contributions to Lansing's filmmaking scene.
Making A Difference In Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Urban Innovative Exchange features local artist Hugo Claudin's efforts to help his community and to increase graduation rates for local high schools. Claudin works as a Natural Helper for the Believe 2 Become program that tries to "help children succeed through summer enrichment, after-school experiences for students, and workshops and mentoring for parents." Claudin also hopes to help his community by using his gallery to highlight and encourage local artists.
Spring Is In The Air
The boys of summer are back in action, as the Detroit Tigers have reported for Spring Training. The Tigers are hoping to make another run to the World Series and are staying warm in Lakeland, Fla., until Detroit thaws. Opening Day is on March 31, when the Tigers host the Royals.
Michigan has its share of romantic spots for Valentine's Day, and Travel + Leisure has named Traverse City as the 10th most romantic town in the United States, noting its romantic outdoors attractions. Travel + Leisure ranked cities based on the number of "romantic" spots, like romantic hotels, brunch spots, and picnic-friendly parks.
Run Kalamazoo
USA Today has named the Kalamazoo Marathon as one of 14 spring races all runners should try. The publication commends the marathon for its unique course through "the area's parks, trails, neighborhoods and downtown mall."
A Tree Farm In Detroit
Detroit has vacant land and blight, but instead of seeing failure, some entrepreneurs see opportunity. Hantz Farms LLC plans to open the nation's largest tree farm on 15 acres on Detroit's east side between Mack and Jefferson avenues near Pennsylvania Street. Crain's Detroit Business describes the company's struggle to start the farm and its ultimate plans for approximately 150 acres on the east side.
Making Films In Lansing
Major motion pictures have been shooting in Detroit over the last several years, but other areas of Michigan have growing filmmaking scenes as well. Capital Gains highlights the movie industry and the the growth of independent filmmakers in the Lansing area. The article also features the Capital City Film Festival and Fortnight Film Contest's contributions to Lansing's filmmaking scene.
Making A Difference In Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Urban Innovative Exchange features local artist Hugo Claudin's efforts to help his community and to increase graduation rates for local high schools. Claudin works as a Natural Helper for the Believe 2 Become program that tries to "help children succeed through summer enrichment, after-school experiences for students, and workshops and mentoring for parents." Claudin also hopes to help his community by using his gallery to highlight and encourage local artists.
Spring Is In The Air
The boys of summer are back in action, as the Detroit Tigers have reported for Spring Training. The Tigers are hoping to make another run to the World Series and are staying warm in Lakeland, Fla., until Detroit thaws. Opening Day is on March 31, when the Tigers host the Royals.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Best of the Net 1/27-2/9
Chief For A Day
Huffington Post Detroit tells the story of Jayvon Felton's one day as chief of the Detroit Police Department. Jayvon is a 9-year-old cancer patient who dreams of being a police officer one day because of his desire to fight crime and help people. He was able to be the highest-ranking officer thanks to the efforts of the Children's Hospital of Michigan and the Detroit Police Department. Click here for the story.
Michigan Universities Foster Success
MLive reports that the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) named two Michigan universities to its list 15 programs "making a critical difference" for foster care youth. Western Michigan University's Center for Fostering Success and Michigan State University's FAME program made the top 15 from a list of 130 nominees nationally.
Detroit Is Well-Read
In October, I visited John K. King Used and Rare Books for the first time and was overwhelmed by the building's four floors overflowing with books. Apparently, I am not the only one impressed by John K. King. Business Insider named it as one of the 18 Best Bookstores in the World.
Michigan Beers Impress Again
Michigan breweries continue to receive accolades. Ratebeer.com recently compiled world rankings of beers and brewers in several categories, and Michigan's craft brewers performed admirably. Rate Beer named Bell's Two Hearted Ale the best IPA in the world, Kuhnhenn Bourbon Barrel French Toast Mead as the best mead in the world, and Founders KBS as the best stout in the world and best overall beer in America. Michigan also placed seven breweries on the list of the top 100 breweries in the world.
Science Center Surviving
I remember childhood field trips to the Detroit Science Center, now known as the Michigan Science Center, and am happy it is still alive after briefly closing in 2011. Thanks to donations, the center has survived, and now the DTE Energy Foundation has announced a $1 million donation to the science center to be distributed over a period of five years according to this report by Michigan Radio. Hopefully donations like this will keep the center open for years to come.
Michigan Olympians
If you watched the Olympics during the first day of skating competitions, you probably heard the announcers mention Michigan several times. Several skaters train in Michigan, including skaters representing countries other than the United States. Many speedskaters, snowboarders, and, of course, hockey players also claim Michigan as their home or have Michigan ties. Additionally, with strong college hockey programs throughout the state and the Detroit Red Wings, Michigan has several ice hockey players in the Olympics with Michigan ties.
Detroit Teen Makes A Difference
TeenNick named DeQuan O'Neall, a high school senior from Detroit, as its February HALO Effect honoree. The HALO Effect recognizes young people who make a difference through helping and leading others.
DeQuan is an advisory board member of the Neighborhood Service Organization's Youth Initiatives Project, a representative of the "Hugs Not Bullets" campaign, the only youth member on the Advisory Board for the Chief of Police of the Detroit Police Department, and a founding member of the "Grads Not Inmates" campaign. TeenNick's interview with this impressive young man can be found here.
Huffington Post Detroit tells the story of Jayvon Felton's one day as chief of the Detroit Police Department. Jayvon is a 9-year-old cancer patient who dreams of being a police officer one day because of his desire to fight crime and help people. He was able to be the highest-ranking officer thanks to the efforts of the Children's Hospital of Michigan and the Detroit Police Department. Click here for the story.
Michigan Universities Foster Success
MLive reports that the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) named two Michigan universities to its list 15 programs "making a critical difference" for foster care youth. Western Michigan University's Center for Fostering Success and Michigan State University's FAME program made the top 15 from a list of 130 nominees nationally.
Detroit Is Well-Read
In October, I visited John K. King Used and Rare Books for the first time and was overwhelmed by the building's four floors overflowing with books. Apparently, I am not the only one impressed by John K. King. Business Insider named it as one of the 18 Best Bookstores in the World.
Michigan Beers Impress Again
Michigan breweries continue to receive accolades. Ratebeer.com recently compiled world rankings of beers and brewers in several categories, and Michigan's craft brewers performed admirably. Rate Beer named Bell's Two Hearted Ale the best IPA in the world, Kuhnhenn Bourbon Barrel French Toast Mead as the best mead in the world, and Founders KBS as the best stout in the world and best overall beer in America. Michigan also placed seven breweries on the list of the top 100 breweries in the world.
Science Center Surviving
I remember childhood field trips to the Detroit Science Center, now known as the Michigan Science Center, and am happy it is still alive after briefly closing in 2011. Thanks to donations, the center has survived, and now the DTE Energy Foundation has announced a $1 million donation to the science center to be distributed over a period of five years according to this report by Michigan Radio. Hopefully donations like this will keep the center open for years to come.
Michigan Olympians
If you watched the Olympics during the first day of skating competitions, you probably heard the announcers mention Michigan several times. Several skaters train in Michigan, including skaters representing countries other than the United States. Many speedskaters, snowboarders, and, of course, hockey players also claim Michigan as their home or have Michigan ties. Additionally, with strong college hockey programs throughout the state and the Detroit Red Wings, Michigan has several ice hockey players in the Olympics with Michigan ties.
Detroit Teen Makes A Difference
TeenNick named DeQuan O'Neall, a high school senior from Detroit, as its February HALO Effect honoree. The HALO Effect recognizes young people who make a difference through helping and leading others.
DeQuan is an advisory board member of the Neighborhood Service Organization's Youth Initiatives Project, a representative of the "Hugs Not Bullets" campaign, the only youth member on the Advisory Board for the Chief of Police of the Detroit Police Department, and a founding member of the "Grads Not Inmates" campaign. TeenNick's interview with this impressive young man can be found here.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Best of the Net 1/13-1/26
Happy Birthday to Michigan!
Michigan celebrated its 177th birthday yesterday. Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837. After 177 years, the Great Lakes State is as beautiful as ever.
Opportunities to Succeed in Detroit
Southeast Michigan Startup features a great summary of career preparation programs for children in the Detroit area. One of the programs featured is Go-Girl, which encourages 7th grade girls to build skills in science, technology, engineering and math. The feature also highlights programs that encourage interest in health professions and entrepreneurship.
Ice Climbing In The U.P.
It may be really cold in the Upper Peninsula during the winter, but the frigid temperatures do create opportunities for outdoor adventures. Pure Michigan explores the sport of ice climbing. In the Pure Michigan story, ice climber Bill Thompson shares the thrill of climbing the Pictured Rocks along Lake Superior. The Pictured Rocks are not the only location to ice climb in Michigan. The state has the highest concentration of ice climbs in the nation. To learn more about ice climbing, daring adventurers can visit the Michigan Ice Fest in Munising this weekend.
Detroit Lives
Detroit Lives, LLC is one of many Detroit success stories. Crain's Detroit Business highlights the company's growth from a T-shirt company to video production house with new headquarters in the David Stott Building in Downtown Detroit.
Michigan celebrated its 177th birthday yesterday. Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837. After 177 years, the Great Lakes State is as beautiful as ever.
Opportunities to Succeed in Detroit
Southeast Michigan Startup features a great summary of career preparation programs for children in the Detroit area. One of the programs featured is Go-Girl, which encourages 7th grade girls to build skills in science, technology, engineering and math. The feature also highlights programs that encourage interest in health professions and entrepreneurship.
Ice Climbing In The U.P.
It may be really cold in the Upper Peninsula during the winter, but the frigid temperatures do create opportunities for outdoor adventures. Pure Michigan explores the sport of ice climbing. In the Pure Michigan story, ice climber Bill Thompson shares the thrill of climbing the Pictured Rocks along Lake Superior. The Pictured Rocks are not the only location to ice climb in Michigan. The state has the highest concentration of ice climbs in the nation. To learn more about ice climbing, daring adventurers can visit the Michigan Ice Fest in Munising this weekend.
Detroit Lives
Detroit Lives, LLC is one of many Detroit success stories. Crain's Detroit Business highlights the company's growth from a T-shirt company to video production house with new headquarters in the David Stott Building in Downtown Detroit.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Best of the Net 1/6-1/12
Pure Michigan Is #1 Again
The Pure Michigan travel campaign continues to be the gold standard of state tourism campaigns. Its advertising campaign already wins more awards than any other state's tourism campaign. Pure Michigan also can claim the most-visited state travel website in the United States for the seventh straight year. According to Experian Hitwise, Pure Michigan's website michigan.org had more than 9 million web visits in 2013. Michigan's website attracted nearly 1 million more visits than second place Florida.
Detroit's Co-Working Opportunities
Co-Lab Detroit's co-working week will commence on January 20th. As reported by Michipreneur, the five-day event will feature several of Detroit's co-working spaces. Each participating co-working space will host visitors and provide information about its collaborative environment, as well as information about Detroit's creative economy.
These Teens Are Fired Up
Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor is a nonprofit school and studio dedicated to glass and metal arts. Its Fired Up! program allows local teens to learn glassblowing, fusing, bead making or stained glass. Michigan Nightlight highlighted the after school program's efforts to teach teamwork and other important life skills. The 27 students who participate in Fired Up! attend the program tuition-free thanks to fundraising efforts.
The Pure Michigan travel campaign continues to be the gold standard of state tourism campaigns. Its advertising campaign already wins more awards than any other state's tourism campaign. Pure Michigan also can claim the most-visited state travel website in the United States for the seventh straight year. According to Experian Hitwise, Pure Michigan's website michigan.org had more than 9 million web visits in 2013. Michigan's website attracted nearly 1 million more visits than second place Florida.
Detroit's Co-Working Opportunities
Co-Lab Detroit's co-working week will commence on January 20th. As reported by Michipreneur, the five-day event will feature several of Detroit's co-working spaces. Each participating co-working space will host visitors and provide information about its collaborative environment, as well as information about Detroit's creative economy.
These Teens Are Fired Up
Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor is a nonprofit school and studio dedicated to glass and metal arts. Its Fired Up! program allows local teens to learn glassblowing, fusing, bead making or stained glass. Michigan Nightlight highlighted the after school program's efforts to teach teamwork and other important life skills. The 27 students who participate in Fired Up! attend the program tuition-free thanks to fundraising efforts.
Monday, January 6, 2014
New Year's Best of the Net 12/23-1/5
Happy New Year! A lot of good things happened in Michigan in 2013. Let's hope 2014 is even better for the Great Lakes State. The last week of 2013 and the first days of 2014 saw some good economic news and, of course, Michiganders doing good deeds during the holidays. Here are some of the best stories of the last two weeks.
Michigan Is Gaining Population
For years, Michigan has seen a population decline, but new reports show that migration from Michigan is halting and that the state has grown in population for the second straight year. United Van Lines released its 37th annual migration study showing that the number of inbound and outbound moves to Michigan were essentially equal. Crain's Detroit Business reports that this is the first time in 16 years that Michigan did not have more outbound migration than inbound migration.
Michigan also retained its spot as the ninth most populous state after increasing its population for the second straight year according to the Detroit Free Press. The Free Press cites U.S. Census Bureau data that shows the state had a slight gain of 13,103 residents or 0.1%.
Good Deeds During The Holidays
Although the Jewish and Muslim communities may not celebrate Christmas, nearly 1,000 members of three Jewish congregations and the Michigan Muslim Community Council spent December 25 serving meals at social services agencies throughout Metro Detroit. The Detroit News reported that the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit organized the event, called "Mitzvah Day." For more information about Mitzvah Day, click here.
One Metro Detroit boy decided to help people less fortunate when he was only six years old. The Detroit Free Press tells the story of Caleb White and how seeing a homeless person motivated him to spend each Christmas in Downtown Detroit to pass out presents to the city's homeless population. Caleb, who is eleven years old now, gave 150 care packages to homeless people this Christmas.
Walk Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor makes a lot of "best of" lists, and it now can include itself among the most walkable cities in the United States. Governing magazine ranks Ann Arbor as the fourth most walkable city, as measured by the U.S. Census Bureau. The bureau's statistics show that more than 15% of Ann Arborites walk to work. The list is dominated by towns with large universities, with Cambridge, Mass., Columbia, S.C., and Berkeley, Calif. ranked one through three.
Ideas For Next New Year's Eve
Why travel to New York's Times Square to huddle up with 200,000 people to watch performers badly lip sync songs when Michigan has plenty of New Year's Eve activities of its own? Two publications recently highlighted two of Michigan's ball drops.
The growth of Campus Martius in Detroit now offers Detroiters a ball drop of their own. Crain's Detroit Business recently highlighted the creators of Detroit's New Year's Eve ball, Erik and Israel Nordin, and their company, Detroit Design Center.
If you live near Ludington and want to experience a New Year's ball drop, you are in luck. Yahoo Travel listed Ludington's Mitten Bar as one of eight places to celebrate New Year's Eve that are better than Times Square. Customers can stay in Mitten Bar while watching Ludington's ball drop outside.
Great Lakes, Great Books
The Library of Michigan has released its 2014 list of notable Michigan Books. The list includes 20 books about Michigan people, places and events. The list includes a biography of former Detroit Tiger Mark Fidrych, a history of Chief Pontiac's Rebellion and a collection of poems and stories about the Upper Peninsula.
Grand Rapids Is A Best Buy
The Grand Rapids Business Journal reports that the Grand Rapids housing market is the number 11 best buy city for housing according to Forbes. Forbes determined that Grand Rapids was one of several cities with high job growth and undervalued home prices, making the city a good place to invest in a home. For the Forbes report, click here.
West Michigan Helps Detroit
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has expanded its operations to Detroit, according to a report by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. The Battle Creek-based foundation already supports Detroit financially (with $25 million in grants to Detroit last year alone), but now it has opened an office in Downtown Detroit to better assist the city's children and families. The foundation focuses on creating healthier and better educated children as well as providing resources to raise families above the poverty line.
Michigan State Wins The Rose Bowl
Coach Mark Dantonio's Michigan State Spartans won the Rose Bowl with their signature dominating defense. In the 100th Rose Bowl game, Michigan State proved they deserve mention as one of the nation's elite college football teams with their 24-20 victory over Stanford . The Spartans finished their season 13-1 and were a few plays (and questionable calls from the refs) from finishing their season undefeated. It would have been interesting to see their elite defense line up across from Florida State's explosive offense.
Congratulations to the Spartans on an amazing season!
Michigan Is Gaining Population
For years, Michigan has seen a population decline, but new reports show that migration from Michigan is halting and that the state has grown in population for the second straight year. United Van Lines released its 37th annual migration study showing that the number of inbound and outbound moves to Michigan were essentially equal. Crain's Detroit Business reports that this is the first time in 16 years that Michigan did not have more outbound migration than inbound migration.
Michigan also retained its spot as the ninth most populous state after increasing its population for the second straight year according to the Detroit Free Press. The Free Press cites U.S. Census Bureau data that shows the state had a slight gain of 13,103 residents or 0.1%.
Good Deeds During The Holidays
Although the Jewish and Muslim communities may not celebrate Christmas, nearly 1,000 members of three Jewish congregations and the Michigan Muslim Community Council spent December 25 serving meals at social services agencies throughout Metro Detroit. The Detroit News reported that the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit organized the event, called "Mitzvah Day." For more information about Mitzvah Day, click here.
One Metro Detroit boy decided to help people less fortunate when he was only six years old. The Detroit Free Press tells the story of Caleb White and how seeing a homeless person motivated him to spend each Christmas in Downtown Detroit to pass out presents to the city's homeless population. Caleb, who is eleven years old now, gave 150 care packages to homeless people this Christmas.
Walk Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor makes a lot of "best of" lists, and it now can include itself among the most walkable cities in the United States. Governing magazine ranks Ann Arbor as the fourth most walkable city, as measured by the U.S. Census Bureau. The bureau's statistics show that more than 15% of Ann Arborites walk to work. The list is dominated by towns with large universities, with Cambridge, Mass., Columbia, S.C., and Berkeley, Calif. ranked one through three.
Ideas For Next New Year's Eve
Why travel to New York's Times Square to huddle up with 200,000 people to watch performers badly lip sync songs when Michigan has plenty of New Year's Eve activities of its own? Two publications recently highlighted two of Michigan's ball drops.
The growth of Campus Martius in Detroit now offers Detroiters a ball drop of their own. Crain's Detroit Business recently highlighted the creators of Detroit's New Year's Eve ball, Erik and Israel Nordin, and their company, Detroit Design Center.
If you live near Ludington and want to experience a New Year's ball drop, you are in luck. Yahoo Travel listed Ludington's Mitten Bar as one of eight places to celebrate New Year's Eve that are better than Times Square. Customers can stay in Mitten Bar while watching Ludington's ball drop outside.
Great Lakes, Great Books
The Library of Michigan has released its 2014 list of notable Michigan Books. The list includes 20 books about Michigan people, places and events. The list includes a biography of former Detroit Tiger Mark Fidrych, a history of Chief Pontiac's Rebellion and a collection of poems and stories about the Upper Peninsula.
Grand Rapids Is A Best Buy
The Grand Rapids Business Journal reports that the Grand Rapids housing market is the number 11 best buy city for housing according to Forbes. Forbes determined that Grand Rapids was one of several cities with high job growth and undervalued home prices, making the city a good place to invest in a home. For the Forbes report, click here.
West Michigan Helps Detroit
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has expanded its operations to Detroit, according to a report by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. The Battle Creek-based foundation already supports Detroit financially (with $25 million in grants to Detroit last year alone), but now it has opened an office in Downtown Detroit to better assist the city's children and families. The foundation focuses on creating healthier and better educated children as well as providing resources to raise families above the poverty line.
Michigan State Wins The Rose Bowl
Coach Mark Dantonio's Michigan State Spartans won the Rose Bowl with their signature dominating defense. In the 100th Rose Bowl game, Michigan State proved they deserve mention as one of the nation's elite college football teams with their 24-20 victory over Stanford . The Spartans finished their season 13-1 and were a few plays (and questionable calls from the refs) from finishing their season undefeated. It would have been interesting to see their elite defense line up across from Florida State's explosive offense.
Congratulations to the Spartans on an amazing season!
Monday, December 23, 2013
Holiday Best of the Net 12/16-12/22
A Flight To The North Pole Brings Joy
Forty children and their parents received an early Christmas gift this year by taking a "flight" to the North Pole. The children, all patients at Detroit area hospitals, boarded a Delta Boeing 757 which taxied around runways before "landing" at the airport's Westin Hotel. The Detroit News reports that the hotel was decorated to look like the North Pole and that each child met Santa. The children received gift bags and of course were able to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.
Several businesses and individuals contributed time and money to make it possible for the children and their parents to have a day of happiness and wonder without worrying about the next surgery or chemotherapy treatment.
Michigan Among the Best Places To Ski
The Huffington Post includes two Michigan skiing destinations in its list of best places to ski east of the Rocky Mountains. The article acknowledges that the best skiing in this country occurs out west, but it praises the U.P.'s Mount Bohemia, even calling it one of the top ten undiscovered ski locations in the world.
Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands also make the list. The Huffington Post highlights Boyne's kid-friendly activities as well as the ease of taking a day trip from the slopes to Traverse City.
If You Build It, They Will Come
Iowa has its field of dreams, but Michigan now has its own rink of dreams. If you love hockey and want to see the game played outdoors, as it originally was played, you should consider a visit to Hillsdale, Michigan. SB Nation uncovered a homemade hockey rink, including boards from Michigan State University's old rink, in this small Michigan town.
The owners built the rink in their backyard themselves and allow visitors to play on the ice. If you do plan a trip to the rink, please read the SB Nation article for the best way to be respectful of the owners during your visit.
Seven Reasons To Move To Detroit
Hello Innovation's blog features a great article about a former Detroiter who moved back to the city. Although the author, Ashley Venturini, loved living in California, she lists seven reasons why moving to Detroit was a good decision. All seven reasons are true, but especially numbers one, two and four.
2014 Michigan Startup Events
If you are an entrepreneur looking to start a business in Michigan, there are many opportunities to gain support and ideas to help you build your dream. Michipreneur lists ten events in 2014 throughout the state for the startup-minded here. The events include prize competitions, idea sharing and networking opportunities.
Lansing Helps Bullied Kids
The Lansing State Journal reports that the Michigan legislature recently passed a bill that will create a tip line for children to report bullying and threats of violence within their schools. The program, called OK 2 Say, includes a $4.5 million appropriation and will allow students to call, text or email tips. The tips will be forwarded directly to local police and school districts and hopefully will deter violent acts within Michigan schools.
Big News From GM
Michigan's rebounding economy received good news from General Motors according to MLive. GM is investing nearly $1.3 billion in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio manufacturing facilities, with assembly plant upgrades in Detroit, Flint, Hamtramck and Romulus. GM will invest more than half of the $1.3 billion in the Michigan plants with nearly $600 million going to the Flint plant alone.
Forty children and their parents received an early Christmas gift this year by taking a "flight" to the North Pole. The children, all patients at Detroit area hospitals, boarded a Delta Boeing 757 which taxied around runways before "landing" at the airport's Westin Hotel. The Detroit News reports that the hotel was decorated to look like the North Pole and that each child met Santa. The children received gift bags and of course were able to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.
Several businesses and individuals contributed time and money to make it possible for the children and their parents to have a day of happiness and wonder without worrying about the next surgery or chemotherapy treatment.
Michigan Among the Best Places To Ski
The Huffington Post includes two Michigan skiing destinations in its list of best places to ski east of the Rocky Mountains. The article acknowledges that the best skiing in this country occurs out west, but it praises the U.P.'s Mount Bohemia, even calling it one of the top ten undiscovered ski locations in the world.
Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands also make the list. The Huffington Post highlights Boyne's kid-friendly activities as well as the ease of taking a day trip from the slopes to Traverse City.
If You Build It, They Will Come
Iowa has its field of dreams, but Michigan now has its own rink of dreams. If you love hockey and want to see the game played outdoors, as it originally was played, you should consider a visit to Hillsdale, Michigan. SB Nation uncovered a homemade hockey rink, including boards from Michigan State University's old rink, in this small Michigan town.
The owners built the rink in their backyard themselves and allow visitors to play on the ice. If you do plan a trip to the rink, please read the SB Nation article for the best way to be respectful of the owners during your visit.
Seven Reasons To Move To Detroit
Hello Innovation's blog features a great article about a former Detroiter who moved back to the city. Although the author, Ashley Venturini, loved living in California, she lists seven reasons why moving to Detroit was a good decision. All seven reasons are true, but especially numbers one, two and four.
2014 Michigan Startup Events
If you are an entrepreneur looking to start a business in Michigan, there are many opportunities to gain support and ideas to help you build your dream. Michipreneur lists ten events in 2014 throughout the state for the startup-minded here. The events include prize competitions, idea sharing and networking opportunities.
Lansing Helps Bullied Kids
The Lansing State Journal reports that the Michigan legislature recently passed a bill that will create a tip line for children to report bullying and threats of violence within their schools. The program, called OK 2 Say, includes a $4.5 million appropriation and will allow students to call, text or email tips. The tips will be forwarded directly to local police and school districts and hopefully will deter violent acts within Michigan schools.
Big News From GM
Michigan's rebounding economy received good news from General Motors according to MLive. GM is investing nearly $1.3 billion in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio manufacturing facilities, with assembly plant upgrades in Detroit, Flint, Hamtramck and Romulus. GM will invest more than half of the $1.3 billion in the Michigan plants with nearly $600 million going to the Flint plant alone.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Best of the Net 12/9-12/15
Grand Rapids Is Not Lonely At The Top
Michigan has always styled itself as a tourist destination with its abundance of outdoor activities, but its cities are now being recognized as vacation hot spots. Travel website Lonely Planet recently named Grand Rapids its number one travel destination in the U.S. for 2014.
Lonely Planet extols Grand Rapids for its craft brewing scene, Meijer Gardens, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the ArtPrize art competition. The travel website also mentions the city's proximity to Lake Michigan's Gold Coast and notes that this shoreline may rival Hawaii's and Southern California's coasts.
Detroit Gets Love From Out-Of-Towners
Grand Rapids is not the only Michigan city receiving praise from travel experts. Fodor's placed Detroit on its Go List for 2014. Fodor's applauds Detroit's newer cultural and design-savvy businesses, emerging culinary scene and old standards like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Eastern Market.
The Chicago Tribune praises Detroit and its suburbs for its many breweries. Writer Kevin Revolinski features many of the microbreweries in Metro Detroit and concludes that the "craft beer scene alone is reason enough to visit Detroit."
Great Idea Gives Books To Michigan Kids
The Petoskey News features the Great Start Collaborative, a nonprofit that helps get used books into the hands of Northern Michigan children. The article shows how a few people with good intentions and a great idea can make a difference. The program started with a total of 500 books and now gives 1,000 books per month to children.
Michigan Artists Give Back
The Detroit Free Press reports that several Michigan musicians have recorded a Christmas album to help abused, abandon and neglected Michigan children. The album, "A Michigan Christmas of Hope," benefits Holy Cross Children's Services and features music by artists such as Jeff Daniels and the Silver Bullet Band. To purchase the CD, a minimum donation of $10 can be made here.
Lawrence Tech Building In Detroit
Crain's Detroit Business reports that Lawrence Technological University is breaking ground on a new design center in Midtown. The new building at Woodward Avenue and Willis Street will house three Lawrence Tech College of Architecture and Design programs as well as programs that are centered on community-based projects for Detroit.
The building also will house Ann Arbor-based Quinn Evans Architects, Inc., Invest Detroit and possibly a restaurant.
Grand Rapids Is Planting Trees
Grand Rapids is becoming greener according to Mlive. The city is working towards a goal of having a tree canopy over 40 percent of its land. The city recently received a significant financial contribution to help realize this goal. The Grand Rapids Community Foundation has donated $189,200 to the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks to help promote tree planting on private property.
Young Detroiter Inspires
In July, Governor Rick Snyder named Travis McClendon Michigan's Youth Volunteer of the Year. Detroit 2020 now has named McClendon its Person of the week. The Detroit Loyola High School student was born without forearms, yet he is living his young life by caring for those less fortunate than him.
He has performed hundreds of hours of community service during the past year through a variety of organizations. To read the Detroit 2020 article and to see a brief video about McClendon, click here.
Muskegon Hotels Expect A Strong 2014
2013 was a flat year for Muskegon area hotels, but they are expecting a boom for fiscal year 2014. According to the Grand Rapids Business Journal, Muskegon hotel owners expect increased occupancy rates due to several events that are expected to draw more visitors to the area this year.
Among the events mentioned in the article are the Bassmaster fishing tournament, the Bike Time motorcycle convention and the Michigan State Open Championships for bowling.
Michigan has always styled itself as a tourist destination with its abundance of outdoor activities, but its cities are now being recognized as vacation hot spots. Travel website Lonely Planet recently named Grand Rapids its number one travel destination in the U.S. for 2014.
Lonely Planet extols Grand Rapids for its craft brewing scene, Meijer Gardens, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the ArtPrize art competition. The travel website also mentions the city's proximity to Lake Michigan's Gold Coast and notes that this shoreline may rival Hawaii's and Southern California's coasts.
Detroit Gets Love From Out-Of-Towners
Grand Rapids is not the only Michigan city receiving praise from travel experts. Fodor's placed Detroit on its Go List for 2014. Fodor's applauds Detroit's newer cultural and design-savvy businesses, emerging culinary scene and old standards like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Eastern Market.
The Chicago Tribune praises Detroit and its suburbs for its many breweries. Writer Kevin Revolinski features many of the microbreweries in Metro Detroit and concludes that the "craft beer scene alone is reason enough to visit Detroit."
Great Idea Gives Books To Michigan Kids
The Petoskey News features the Great Start Collaborative, a nonprofit that helps get used books into the hands of Northern Michigan children. The article shows how a few people with good intentions and a great idea can make a difference. The program started with a total of 500 books and now gives 1,000 books per month to children.
Michigan Artists Give Back
The Detroit Free Press reports that several Michigan musicians have recorded a Christmas album to help abused, abandon and neglected Michigan children. The album, "A Michigan Christmas of Hope," benefits Holy Cross Children's Services and features music by artists such as Jeff Daniels and the Silver Bullet Band. To purchase the CD, a minimum donation of $10 can be made here.
Lawrence Tech Building In Detroit
Crain's Detroit Business reports that Lawrence Technological University is breaking ground on a new design center in Midtown. The new building at Woodward Avenue and Willis Street will house three Lawrence Tech College of Architecture and Design programs as well as programs that are centered on community-based projects for Detroit.
The building also will house Ann Arbor-based Quinn Evans Architects, Inc., Invest Detroit and possibly a restaurant.
Grand Rapids Is Planting Trees
Grand Rapids is becoming greener according to Mlive. The city is working towards a goal of having a tree canopy over 40 percent of its land. The city recently received a significant financial contribution to help realize this goal. The Grand Rapids Community Foundation has donated $189,200 to the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks to help promote tree planting on private property.
Young Detroiter Inspires
In July, Governor Rick Snyder named Travis McClendon Michigan's Youth Volunteer of the Year. Detroit 2020 now has named McClendon its Person of the week. The Detroit Loyola High School student was born without forearms, yet he is living his young life by caring for those less fortunate than him.
He has performed hundreds of hours of community service during the past year through a variety of organizations. To read the Detroit 2020 article and to see a brief video about McClendon, click here.
Muskegon Hotels Expect A Strong 2014
2013 was a flat year for Muskegon area hotels, but they are expecting a boom for fiscal year 2014. According to the Grand Rapids Business Journal, Muskegon hotel owners expect increased occupancy rates due to several events that are expected to draw more visitors to the area this year.
Among the events mentioned in the article are the Bassmaster fishing tournament, the Bike Time motorcycle convention and the Michigan State Open Championships for bowling.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Best of the Net 11/25-12/8
Hope For Young Detroit Engineers
Focus: Hope is a nonprofit that has battled "hunger, economic disparity, inadequate education, and racial divisiveness" in Detroit since 1968. One of their many education programs is the Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT). CAT allows students to earn a salary while obtaining an engineering degree tuition-free from Lawrence Technological University, Wayne State University, University of Detroit Mercy or the University of Michigan.
Management consulting firm Principia LLC's blog recently highlighted the CAT program's partnership with the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Since 2007, two Detroit students have obtained Nuclear Engineering Bachelors degrees and another obtained a Bachelors in Material Science while four students are continuing their engineering studies.
U.P. Love
Author and Michigan native Jim Harrison wrote what amounts to a love letter to the Upper Peninsula for The New York Times. The piece includes a stunning slideshow of photos, Harrison's favorite locations in the U.P. and some of his favorite childhood vacation memories. Reading Harrison's review of the U.P. makes me want to load up the car and make a trek over the Mackinac Bridge.
Kids Learn About Entrepreneurship
Michigan's support for entrepreneurs and startups is not limited to adults. Michigan's Kidpreneur offers classes, workshops and events to children aged 9 to 13 about entrepreneurship and technology. Michipreneur reports that Kidpreneur recently finished its first pilot program in Northville and Novi with 10 children finishing the nine-week program and another 40 children completing workshops.
Starting in January, the program will expand to Downtown Detroit with a possible expansion to Ann Arbor in the future.
The Real Slim Shady Stands Up
Wolverine Human Services is a Michigan-based charity that provides support to abused, neglected and delinquent children. Michigan's own Eminem agreed to match up to $100,000 for donations made to the charity on Tuesday, December 3, according to MLive. Wolverine Human Services supports youth and families throughout 38 Michigan counties with substance abuse, residential treatment and independent living programs.
Ultimately, the donations did not reach the charity's goal of $100,000, but it did raise $72,174 that Eminem's Marshall Mathers Foundation will match.
W.A.R. Against Human Trafficking
The Rapidian reports that Wyoming-based charity Women at Risk International (W.A.R. Int'l) assists in the fight against human trafficking in all 50 states and more than 30 countries. One of the ways W.A.R. raises money is through its two boutiques in Rockford and Wyoming, Michigan. The boutiques sell items made by women who have been assisted by W.A.R. The items include ornaments, jewelry, purses, books and fair-trade coffee and the proceeds go back to the organization's efforts to prevent trafficking and to the women who create the products.
All For Detroit
Detroit nonprofit All Four One strives to create more college opportunities for Detroit students. Detroit Unspun featured the nonprofit's work in Detroit and its recent roundtable discussion for 50 high school students. Wayne State University hosted the discussion about college opportunities and preparedness for college life. The article also focuses on All Four One founder and Detroit native, Ishmail Terry, and his initial struggles in college and how he eventually found success.
A Superior Youth Program
Michigan State University Extension educator Joan Vinette developed the Life of Lake Superior Youth Program 13 years ago to give Upper Peninsula children in Alger County a sense of appreciation for the largest great lake. Michigan Nightlight reports that the program gives children aged 9 to 14, and their parents and grandparents, the "opportunity to explore their community and appreciate local arts, natural resources, history, culture, recreation, and careers relevant to those who live in proximity to the lake's shoreline."
The program does not charge fees for children to attend, and it runs for four days each July with an average of 75 children participating. The program also teaches children and families to live healthier lives by providing nutritional meals as well as an introduction to the many outdoor activities available in the U.P.
Wayne State Grad Starts From Scratch
Focus: Hope is a nonprofit that has battled "hunger, economic disparity, inadequate education, and racial divisiveness" in Detroit since 1968. One of their many education programs is the Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT). CAT allows students to earn a salary while obtaining an engineering degree tuition-free from Lawrence Technological University, Wayne State University, University of Detroit Mercy or the University of Michigan.
Management consulting firm Principia LLC's blog recently highlighted the CAT program's partnership with the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Since 2007, two Detroit students have obtained Nuclear Engineering Bachelors degrees and another obtained a Bachelors in Material Science while four students are continuing their engineering studies.
U.P. Love
Author and Michigan native Jim Harrison wrote what amounts to a love letter to the Upper Peninsula for The New York Times. The piece includes a stunning slideshow of photos, Harrison's favorite locations in the U.P. and some of his favorite childhood vacation memories. Reading Harrison's review of the U.P. makes me want to load up the car and make a trek over the Mackinac Bridge.
Kids Learn About Entrepreneurship
Michigan's support for entrepreneurs and startups is not limited to adults. Michigan's Kidpreneur offers classes, workshops and events to children aged 9 to 13 about entrepreneurship and technology. Michipreneur reports that Kidpreneur recently finished its first pilot program in Northville and Novi with 10 children finishing the nine-week program and another 40 children completing workshops.
Starting in January, the program will expand to Downtown Detroit with a possible expansion to Ann Arbor in the future.
The Real Slim Shady Stands Up
Wolverine Human Services is a Michigan-based charity that provides support to abused, neglected and delinquent children. Michigan's own Eminem agreed to match up to $100,000 for donations made to the charity on Tuesday, December 3, according to MLive. Wolverine Human Services supports youth and families throughout 38 Michigan counties with substance abuse, residential treatment and independent living programs.
Ultimately, the donations did not reach the charity's goal of $100,000, but it did raise $72,174 that Eminem's Marshall Mathers Foundation will match.
W.A.R. Against Human Trafficking
The Rapidian reports that Wyoming-based charity Women at Risk International (W.A.R. Int'l) assists in the fight against human trafficking in all 50 states and more than 30 countries. One of the ways W.A.R. raises money is through its two boutiques in Rockford and Wyoming, Michigan. The boutiques sell items made by women who have been assisted by W.A.R. The items include ornaments, jewelry, purses, books and fair-trade coffee and the proceeds go back to the organization's efforts to prevent trafficking and to the women who create the products.
All For Detroit
Detroit nonprofit All Four One strives to create more college opportunities for Detroit students. Detroit Unspun featured the nonprofit's work in Detroit and its recent roundtable discussion for 50 high school students. Wayne State University hosted the discussion about college opportunities and preparedness for college life. The article also focuses on All Four One founder and Detroit native, Ishmail Terry, and his initial struggles in college and how he eventually found success.
A Superior Youth Program
Michigan State University Extension educator Joan Vinette developed the Life of Lake Superior Youth Program 13 years ago to give Upper Peninsula children in Alger County a sense of appreciation for the largest great lake. Michigan Nightlight reports that the program gives children aged 9 to 14, and their parents and grandparents, the "opportunity to explore their community and appreciate local arts, natural resources, history, culture, recreation, and careers relevant to those who live in proximity to the lake's shoreline."
The program does not charge fees for children to attend, and it runs for four days each July with an average of 75 children participating. The program also teaches children and families to live healthier lives by providing nutritional meals as well as an introduction to the many outdoor activities available in the U.P.
Wayne State Grad Starts From Scratch
Michigan is full of entrepreneurial-minded individuals who
are working to get their businesses off the ground. Crain’s Detroit Business
highlights one entrepreneur, Rakesh Katragadda, who started
his business with a credit card and the help of government and nonprofit
economic development funds. Katragadda’s company, Ann Arbor-based AMF-Nano
Corp., makes wireless environmental sensors to “monitor water and air quality,
temperature, humidity, soil quality and other conditions.”
This inspirational story shows how a good idea, some risks
and support from various sources can lead to a successful business. Katragadda, a Wayne State alum, projects
revenue of $500,000 to $1 million next year and up to $12 million in three to
four years.
Michigan State Smells Roses
Michigan State University's football team clinched its first Rose Bowl in 26
years with a huge upset of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship
game this past weekend. Do not tell the Spartans it was an upset though. They
played old school line-‘em-up-and-knock-‘em-down football on Saturday night
with dominating performances by their offensive line and defense. With their
34-24 victory over the Buckeyes, the Spartans finished a season in which they
beat every Big 10 opponent by 10 points or more.
This Michigan fan has been impressed by their defense all
year and would love to see how they would measure up against Florida State or
Auburn. Instead, they will play a Stanford team in the Rose Bowl that also
likes to play power football.
Congratulations to Coach Dantonio and his Spartans on an
almost perfect season. Good luck in the Rose Bowl!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Best of the Net 11/18-11/24
Kellogg Foundation Helps Kids
Battle Creek's W.K. Kellogg Foundation is selecting 100 people for fellowships to help vulnerable children and their families. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that the fellows will primarily represent the priority areas of Michigan, Mississippi, New Orleans and New Mexico.
The Foundation will grant each fellow a $20,000 stipend and another $5,000 for a leadership project in the program's final year. The fellowship's three-year curriculum hopes to develop community leaders who will remove barriers to children's healthy development, academic success and economic security.
Literary Scene is Thriving in Detroit
Online magazine Ozy recently highlighted Detroit's literary scene. The excellent review reveals how Detroit often has been overlooked by publishers scheduling book tours and how Literary Detroit is promoting Detroit as a literary city. The volunteer organization hosts events for authors and serves as a network to connect readers with authors' works.
In addition to mentioning Literary Detroit and several authors and poets from Detroit, Ozy acknowledges InsideOut, a program that places professional writers in Detroit schools. The writers help students express themselves and provide opportunities for students to publish or perform their own work.
Michipreneur reports that Detroit Innovate, an early stage fund, recently launched. According to the report, the fund will offer investments of $50,000 to $500,000 for healthcare, transportation and advanced manufacturing startups. The fund's website states that the fund is working to develop high-growth companies within the entire Detroit region.
Startup Weekend is a national organization that provides designers, marketers, developers and entrepreneurs the chance to share ideas, build networks and launch startups. Michipreneur reports that Startup Weekend recently concluded programs in Detroit and Kalamazoo and that it will be coming to Grand Rapids in January and Ann Arbor in February.
Mount Clemens Welcomes Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs are moving into Mount Clemens according to a report by the Macomb Daily. Businesses are moving into empty offices due to low rents, the Clinton River waterfront and their proximity to the city's restaurants and bars.
The article features several of the entrepreneurs who recently have made Mount Clemens their home. Some of the newer businesses include architectural firms, software developers and marketing firms.
[Update: The link for this article from November 24 is no longer online].
Battle Creek's W.K. Kellogg Foundation is selecting 100 people for fellowships to help vulnerable children and their families. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that the fellows will primarily represent the priority areas of Michigan, Mississippi, New Orleans and New Mexico.
The Foundation will grant each fellow a $20,000 stipend and another $5,000 for a leadership project in the program's final year. The fellowship's three-year curriculum hopes to develop community leaders who will remove barriers to children's healthy development, academic success and economic security.
Literary Scene is Thriving in Detroit
Online magazine Ozy recently highlighted Detroit's literary scene. The excellent review reveals how Detroit often has been overlooked by publishers scheduling book tours and how Literary Detroit is promoting Detroit as a literary city. The volunteer organization hosts events for authors and serves as a network to connect readers with authors' works.
In addition to mentioning Literary Detroit and several authors and poets from Detroit, Ozy acknowledges InsideOut, a program that places professional writers in Detroit schools. The writers help students express themselves and provide opportunities for students to publish or perform their own work.
Grand Rapids Business Innovates
The Grand Rapid Business Journal reports that Grand Rapids-based Varsity News Network won the $500,000 grand prize at the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition. According the article, investors from 77 global firms attended the competition and 50 companies competed for the grand prize.
Varsity News Network provides a platform for high school athletic departments to promote their athletics programs online. According to the company's website, it also provides opportunities for students to learn about writing, web design, marketing and entrepreneurship.
Flint is Growing...Produce
In the heart of an urban area, Flint River Farms is growing produce and teaching children about farming. Michigan Nightlight features the farm's history and outreach efforts within the community. The farm started in 2010 and provides education programs for children through the FoodCorps and edible flint programs.
The farm also sells its products to Flint restaurants and farmers markets. According to Roxanne Adair, one of the farm's founders, the farm also hopes to sell its produce in local stores that currently sell only junk food.
Michigan Starts Up
Michigan is full of opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs to gain help creating and building their businesses. Two recent options for startups to grow their businesses are Detroit Innovate and Startup Weekend.
The Grand Rapid Business Journal reports that Grand Rapids-based Varsity News Network won the $500,000 grand prize at the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition. According the article, investors from 77 global firms attended the competition and 50 companies competed for the grand prize.
Varsity News Network provides a platform for high school athletic departments to promote their athletics programs online. According to the company's website, it also provides opportunities for students to learn about writing, web design, marketing and entrepreneurship.
Flint is Growing...Produce
In the heart of an urban area, Flint River Farms is growing produce and teaching children about farming. Michigan Nightlight features the farm's history and outreach efforts within the community. The farm started in 2010 and provides education programs for children through the FoodCorps and edible flint programs.
The farm also sells its products to Flint restaurants and farmers markets. According to Roxanne Adair, one of the farm's founders, the farm also hopes to sell its produce in local stores that currently sell only junk food.
Michigan Starts Up
Michigan is full of opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs to gain help creating and building their businesses. Two recent options for startups to grow their businesses are Detroit Innovate and Startup Weekend.
Michipreneur reports that Detroit Innovate, an early stage fund, recently launched. According to the report, the fund will offer investments of $50,000 to $500,000 for healthcare, transportation and advanced manufacturing startups. The fund's website states that the fund is working to develop high-growth companies within the entire Detroit region.
Startup Weekend is a national organization that provides designers, marketers, developers and entrepreneurs the chance to share ideas, build networks and launch startups. Michipreneur reports that Startup Weekend recently concluded programs in Detroit and Kalamazoo and that it will be coming to Grand Rapids in January and Ann Arbor in February.
Mount Clemens Welcomes Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs are moving into Mount Clemens according to a report by the Macomb Daily. Businesses are moving into empty offices due to low rents, the Clinton River waterfront and their proximity to the city's restaurants and bars.
The article features several of the entrepreneurs who recently have made Mount Clemens their home. Some of the newer businesses include architectural firms, software developers and marketing firms.
[Update: The link for this article from November 24 is no longer online].
Monday, November 18, 2013
Best of the Net 11/11-11/17
Detroit's Midtown Continues To Impress
Midtown Detroit, Inc. is a planning and development nonprofit organization working to maintain and revitalize the Midtown district in Detroit. Its efforts have helped Midtown become one of Detroit's success stories in recent years. MLive reports that the Urban Land Institute (ULI) has named Midtown Detroit, Inc. as one of twelve Global Award for Excellence winners.
According to the MLive report, ULI commended Midtown Detroit Inc. for its efforts with the Woodward Garden Block development, the Sugar Hill Art District, the Ellington and Whole Foods Market development, the Auburn and the Green Garage. In addition to these developments, Midtown offers many cultural attractions through the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Public Library and Wayne State University.
Midtown is not done reinventing itself though. Model D reports that a Knight Foundation grant will support the TechTown Living Room, a public space at Cass and Burroughs that will be available to the approximately 400 entrepreneurs who will be moving into the new TechTown co-working space in Midtown.
Filmmakers Feature U.P. Bike Trails
The Upper Peninsula offers an abundance of outdoor activities including the up-and-coming sport of snow biking. Clear and Cold Cinema is a U.P. production company that seeks to highlight the beauty of the U.P. Upper Peninsula's Second Wave reports that the production company is releasing a new film called Cold Rolled. The action-packed documentary features snow biking on the trails of Marquette's Noquemanon Trail Network.
For a brief trailer for the film, click here.
LaughFest Is Coming To Grand Rapids
Gilda's LaughFest, the annual comedy festival held in Grand Rapids since 2011, has announced its 2014 lineup. The Grand Rapids Business Journal reports that comedians Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker and Jim Gaffigan, among others, will be performing between March 6 and 16.
The festival raises funds for Gilda's Club Grand Rapids, which provides cancer, grief and emotional health support to the community. Gilda's Club is named in honor of legendary Michigan comedian and original Saturday Night Live cast member Gilda Radner.
To Be Should Not Be A Question
The original king of comedy (and tragedy), William Shakespeare, hopes to come to Detroit this summer. Shakespeare in Detroit (SiD) aims to bring three outdoor Shakespeare plays to the city in 2014. If SiD is able to stage the plays in Detroit, it will also hire Detroiters to prepare and perform in the productions. Last summer, the company produced Othello in Grand Circus Park.
However, the company needs help raising funds according to a report by Hell Yeah Detroit. Sam White, the founder of SiD, is asking for financial help through a Kickstarter campaign. If you would like to help, click here to see a video from White explaining her goals and to make a donation. As White explains in the video, other major cities have outdoor Shakespeare productions, and if it is good enough for them, it's good enough for Detroit.
A Flint Made Man Gives Back
Eric Woodyard is a journalist from Flint who refuses to believe that he succeeded despite growing up on Flint's north side. Instead, he believes his success is a result of the grit and toughness he developed while growing up in Flint. MLive highlights Woodyard's production of his short film "Flint Made Me." The film features interviews with people who inspired him and helped him obtain academic scholarships while also showing the neighborhood he grew up in.
Woodyard will use proceeds from the film to help fund a scholarship. For a preview of the film, click here.
Symphony Broadens Its Reach
The Grand Rapids Symphony is trying to gain interest from younger music lovers through its MySymphony360 program. The membership program is designed for professionals between the ages of 21 and 35. The Grand Rapids Business Journal reports that the symphony will offer discounted tickets to the program's members and that it hopes to partner with restaurants and bars to offer additional discounts to members on concert nights.
Detroit's Unseen Sights
Shinola, manufacturer of bicycles and luxury watches, is one of Detroit's newer businesses that is bringing jobs and positive press to the city. Sight Unseen asked Shinola's creative director Daniel Caudill to give snapshots of his new hometown. The story features several photos of Caudill's favorite places and businesses in Detroit and includes his commentary about why these places are special.
Midtown Detroit, Inc. is a planning and development nonprofit organization working to maintain and revitalize the Midtown district in Detroit. Its efforts have helped Midtown become one of Detroit's success stories in recent years. MLive reports that the Urban Land Institute (ULI) has named Midtown Detroit, Inc. as one of twelve Global Award for Excellence winners.
According to the MLive report, ULI commended Midtown Detroit Inc. for its efforts with the Woodward Garden Block development, the Sugar Hill Art District, the Ellington and Whole Foods Market development, the Auburn and the Green Garage. In addition to these developments, Midtown offers many cultural attractions through the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Public Library and Wayne State University.
Midtown is not done reinventing itself though. Model D reports that a Knight Foundation grant will support the TechTown Living Room, a public space at Cass and Burroughs that will be available to the approximately 400 entrepreneurs who will be moving into the new TechTown co-working space in Midtown.
Filmmakers Feature U.P. Bike Trails
The Upper Peninsula offers an abundance of outdoor activities including the up-and-coming sport of snow biking. Clear and Cold Cinema is a U.P. production company that seeks to highlight the beauty of the U.P. Upper Peninsula's Second Wave reports that the production company is releasing a new film called Cold Rolled. The action-packed documentary features snow biking on the trails of Marquette's Noquemanon Trail Network.
For a brief trailer for the film, click here.
LaughFest Is Coming To Grand Rapids
Gilda's LaughFest, the annual comedy festival held in Grand Rapids since 2011, has announced its 2014 lineup. The Grand Rapids Business Journal reports that comedians Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker and Jim Gaffigan, among others, will be performing between March 6 and 16.
The festival raises funds for Gilda's Club Grand Rapids, which provides cancer, grief and emotional health support to the community. Gilda's Club is named in honor of legendary Michigan comedian and original Saturday Night Live cast member Gilda Radner.
To Be Should Not Be A Question
The original king of comedy (and tragedy), William Shakespeare, hopes to come to Detroit this summer. Shakespeare in Detroit (SiD) aims to bring three outdoor Shakespeare plays to the city in 2014. If SiD is able to stage the plays in Detroit, it will also hire Detroiters to prepare and perform in the productions. Last summer, the company produced Othello in Grand Circus Park.
However, the company needs help raising funds according to a report by Hell Yeah Detroit. Sam White, the founder of SiD, is asking for financial help through a Kickstarter campaign. If you would like to help, click here to see a video from White explaining her goals and to make a donation. As White explains in the video, other major cities have outdoor Shakespeare productions, and if it is good enough for them, it's good enough for Detroit.
A Flint Made Man Gives Back
Eric Woodyard is a journalist from Flint who refuses to believe that he succeeded despite growing up on Flint's north side. Instead, he believes his success is a result of the grit and toughness he developed while growing up in Flint. MLive highlights Woodyard's production of his short film "Flint Made Me." The film features interviews with people who inspired him and helped him obtain academic scholarships while also showing the neighborhood he grew up in.
Woodyard will use proceeds from the film to help fund a scholarship. For a preview of the film, click here.
Symphony Broadens Its Reach
The Grand Rapids Symphony is trying to gain interest from younger music lovers through its MySymphony360 program. The membership program is designed for professionals between the ages of 21 and 35. The Grand Rapids Business Journal reports that the symphony will offer discounted tickets to the program's members and that it hopes to partner with restaurants and bars to offer additional discounts to members on concert nights.
Detroit's Unseen Sights
Shinola, manufacturer of bicycles and luxury watches, is one of Detroit's newer businesses that is bringing jobs and positive press to the city. Sight Unseen asked Shinola's creative director Daniel Caudill to give snapshots of his new hometown. The story features several photos of Caudill's favorite places and businesses in Detroit and includes his commentary about why these places are special.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Best of the Net 11/4-11/10
Lansing Builds The Car Of The Year
Michigan auto workers can still build a great car, and Motor Trend magazine agrees. Motor Trend has named the Cadillac CTS its 2014 Car of the Year. As reported by the Lansing State Journal, Cadillac revamped the CTS for 2014, and the remodeling has paid off.
Cadillac manufactures the CTS at its Lansing Grand River plant. The plant built its one-millionth car in September, which coincidentally was a 2014 CTS. The CTS previously won Motor Trend Car of the Year honors in 2008.
Detroit Housing Market Rebounds
Detroit's housing market may not be strong, but it is improving. MLive reports that Detroit led the nation's housing recovery for the third quarter according to a Realtor.com study. Detroit's home sale prices have been climbing at a double digit rate since March, although the median home price is still extremely low.
With Detroit's revitalized Downtown and Midtown, hopefully more people will move into the city and continue to improve home prices.
Marquette Tourism Has A Strong 2013
The Mining Journal reports that Marquette County tourism has been strong this year and that tourism spending in the Upper Peninsula increased 10 to 11 percent this summer. The article lists the many attractions in the U.P. that have contributed to the tourism growth, such as beaches, kayaking, biking, brew pubs, mining museums, waterfalls and fall foliage.
The U.P.'s close proximity to metro areas such as Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis also makes it a desirable and easy destination for a large number of travelers.
Michigan auto workers can still build a great car, and Motor Trend magazine agrees. Motor Trend has named the Cadillac CTS its 2014 Car of the Year. As reported by the Lansing State Journal, Cadillac revamped the CTS for 2014, and the remodeling has paid off.
Cadillac manufactures the CTS at its Lansing Grand River plant. The plant built its one-millionth car in September, which coincidentally was a 2014 CTS. The CTS previously won Motor Trend Car of the Year honors in 2008.
Detroit Housing Market Rebounds
Detroit's housing market may not be strong, but it is improving. MLive reports that Detroit led the nation's housing recovery for the third quarter according to a Realtor.com study. Detroit's home sale prices have been climbing at a double digit rate since March, although the median home price is still extremely low.
With Detroit's revitalized Downtown and Midtown, hopefully more people will move into the city and continue to improve home prices.
Marquette Tourism Has A Strong 2013
The Mining Journal reports that Marquette County tourism has been strong this year and that tourism spending in the Upper Peninsula increased 10 to 11 percent this summer. The article lists the many attractions in the U.P. that have contributed to the tourism growth, such as beaches, kayaking, biking, brew pubs, mining museums, waterfalls and fall foliage.
The U.P.'s close proximity to metro areas such as Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis also makes it a desirable and easy destination for a large number of travelers.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Best of the Net 10/28-11/3
A New Era of Innovative CEOs
In the early 1900s, Michigan drew entrepreneurs from around the country and the world, all of whom wanted a piece of the auto industry's pie. Eventually that pie was divided three ways by Ford, GM and Chrysler, and many innovators flocked to other areas of the country. Now, entrepreneurs are coming to Michigan and starting a wider variety of businesses throughout the state.
One sign of the diversification of Michigan's economy is the CEO Summit of the Business Leaders for Michigan, which was held in Detroit on Wednesday. The Detroit News highlighted the CEO Summit and some of the businesses throughout the state that are working to diversify and create balance for Michigan's economy.
Detroit Startup Will Boost You Up
Saving money for a wedding, a vacation, a car or a new home can be difficult, but Boost Up is here to help. The crowdfunding website allows users to save for major expenses, and it allows family and friends to make donations. Michipreneur reports that Boost Up recently moved to Detroit from Chicago and that Detroit Venture Partners recently provided $1 million in funding to the company.
Michigan And Michigan State Play Nice
Michigan State University may have defeated the University of Michigan on the gridiron on Saturday, but these two universities work together off the field on a regular basis. The Lansing State Journal recently highlighted the many ways that the two schools combine their resources to improve Michigan and humanity as a whole.
For example, the two schools and Wayne State University are members of the University Resource Corridor, an effort to coordinate the universities' research efforts to strengthen Michigan's economy. Michigan and Michigan State scientists also work together to cure diseases, and their academics collaborate to foster entrepreneurship. Unlike the athletic contests between the Wolverines and Spartans, everyone is a winner when these two universities meet in the academic halls and scientific labs.
In the early 1900s, Michigan drew entrepreneurs from around the country and the world, all of whom wanted a piece of the auto industry's pie. Eventually that pie was divided three ways by Ford, GM and Chrysler, and many innovators flocked to other areas of the country. Now, entrepreneurs are coming to Michigan and starting a wider variety of businesses throughout the state.
One sign of the diversification of Michigan's economy is the CEO Summit of the Business Leaders for Michigan, which was held in Detroit on Wednesday. The Detroit News highlighted the CEO Summit and some of the businesses throughout the state that are working to diversify and create balance for Michigan's economy.
Detroit Startup Will Boost You Up
Saving money for a wedding, a vacation, a car or a new home can be difficult, but Boost Up is here to help. The crowdfunding website allows users to save for major expenses, and it allows family and friends to make donations. Michipreneur reports that Boost Up recently moved to Detroit from Chicago and that Detroit Venture Partners recently provided $1 million in funding to the company.
Michigan And Michigan State Play Nice
Michigan State University may have defeated the University of Michigan on the gridiron on Saturday, but these two universities work together off the field on a regular basis. The Lansing State Journal recently highlighted the many ways that the two schools combine their resources to improve Michigan and humanity as a whole.
For example, the two schools and Wayne State University are members of the University Resource Corridor, an effort to coordinate the universities' research efforts to strengthen Michigan's economy. Michigan and Michigan State scientists also work together to cure diseases, and their academics collaborate to foster entrepreneurship. Unlike the athletic contests between the Wolverines and Spartans, everyone is a winner when these two universities meet in the academic halls and scientific labs.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Best of the Net 10/7-10/27
 |
| Fall Beauty In Michigan |
I have been focusing on my recent trip to Detroit lately, but I have not forgotten about the rest of Michigan or the state's many wonderful news stories.
Here are the best stories from the Great Lakes State from the last three weeks:
The U.P. Has The Upper Hand
Michiganders know that the Upper Peninsula is full of natural wonders that rival the most beautiful places on earth. Nike Running and Buzzfeed are on to this "secret" and have named the U.P.'s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park as the most beautiful place in the world to go for a run. The U.P. beat out running trails in the United States, Greece, Italy, Chile and Singapore for the top spot.
In a few years, you will be able to relax with a new U.P.-brewed beer after a run through the Porcupine Mountains. The Escanaba Daily Press reports that Kalamazoo's Bell's Brewery is expanding its operations to the U.P. The 11,500-square-foot Upper Hand brewery in Escanaba will feature new beers with U.P. themes and will also bring jobs to the region.
Ann Arbor Sparks Entrepreneurship
The Ann Arbor area is known as a technology hub in the state of Michigan, but the region is still working to foster more innovation. CBS Detroit reports that Ann Arbor Spark, an organization dedicated to economic development in the Ann Arbor area, is expanding its incubator locations in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.
The two incubators provide office space to startups that need help getting off the ground. Spark Central in Ann Arbor will add 2,500 square feet, and Spark East in Ypsilanti will convert a conference room into co-working spaces. Both expansions are designed to meet new startups' demands for more office space.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)