While exploring twitter recently I came across Twitter profile of Scott Westerman.  Being an avid Spartan fan I instantly fell in love with his Twitter background.  I thought it was one of  the most fun, and entertaining backgrounds that I have seen.  On the urging of Scott, I would like to see how creative Michigan can be.  So I am announcing the first WonderMichigan Twitter Background Contest.

Contest Rules:

1. Submissions will be taken from November 10 – November 19, 2011
2. Submissions  can be an existing twitter background or designed just for the contest
3. Please Submit backgrounds on the Contest Page
4. A panel will decide top 5 submission for public vote
5. On November 21 the finalist will be announced and voting will take place for the next 7 days (Nov 28)
6. There will be 3 methods of voting: (1) Tweet Title and #MIbackground to @WonderMichigan (2) Comment at WonderMichigan Facebook page with title of submission (3) Vote contest page at WonderMichigan.com  You may vote once per day per method
7. The background chosen will be displayed on WonderMichigan.com and will get a $100 Visa Gift Card.
8. The theme for the contest is “What makes Michigan Great”
9.  Background must include elements of Michigan
10. Please do not use any copyrighted images
11. Backgrounds must be original
12. To track nominations please use hashtag #MIbackground

Moosejaw is one of my favorite Michigan retailers.  Not only do they have great products, their staff also really knows what they are talking about.  It is always so much fun to be at the stores.  If you have ever to called their customer service, you are always greeted by a resounding MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSEJAW.  If I was looking for a job with a great company culture, Moosejaw would be first on my list.  Well you are in luck.  They are holding a job fair September 16th, for Holiday positions.   See below for more information.

Moosejaw.com Job Fair
Holiday Staff Needed:
Customer Service Representatives • Warehouse Shippers• Lion Tamers

A variety of schedules are available. Dogs.  And parrots.  This is so confusing.

Friday, September 16th
11am – 4pm

Moosejaw
32200 North Avis
Madison Heights, MI 48071

We’re hiring at Moosejaw.com.  You’ll love it here.  You will want to live here.  Sorry.  That can’t happen.  Please don’t bring your own sleeping bag to work.

Customer Service Reps have an enthusiastic and positive attitude while assisting customers over the phone and through IM with internet orders and questions. We have a reputation for giving the finest service in the world and having tons of fun while doing it.

Warehouse Shippers pack and ship Moosejaw merchandise to customers, handling each package with care and love. TLC folks.  We also have a reputation of playing great music in the warehouse. And sometimes taking breaks to shoot hoops.

Please tell six friends, one ex-girl/boyfriend and two enemies. If you can’t make it to our job fair, feel free to submit your resume to csjobs@moosejaw.com for Customer Service.  Or whjobs@moosejaw.com for Warehouse. Visit our website for more information or if you’re bored.

Over the past year, I have really started to enjoy granola and yogurt for breakfast.  In my continued quest to purchase as much local products as possible, I stumbled across Simply Suzanne Granola (formally Randy’s Granola) at my local grocery store.  My favorite flavors are Lotsa Chocolate and So Very Cherry.  Both are the perfect balance of rich flavor and sweetness that is a true breakfast indulgence.  For a true treat, nothing beats mixing the two flavors together.  I am a sucker for chocolate and cherry.  Simply Suzanne also offers an Original Granola and new as of last month, Dark Chocolate and Coffee.

Each bag of Simply Suzanne Granola is all natural and handcrafted in small batches using whole grain rolled oats. Local farmers and suppliers are used as much as possible in the process, too.  All flavors are all natural and made without preservatives, artificial flavors, trans fat, cholesterol and high fructose corn syrup. Each batch is produced in the Detroit area, but there are also production facilities in West Michigan and a warehouse in Detroit’s New Center area.

Since I first found Simply Suzanne I have been following them on twitter at @SuzanneVier.  As a big supporter of anything that is made in Michigan, I have been very happy to see that 2011 has meant 6 months of growth for the company.  Besides adding the Chocolate & Coffee flavor, they have expanded their distribution to selected Whole Foods and Michigan Meijer’s next week (June 18th), along with being sold at various grocers and restaurants in metro Detroit, Chicago, and New York.  To support all this growth, Simply Suzanne is also hiring many potions.  They are currently looking for:

Kitchen Production Manager
Baking Assistants
Farmers Market Managers
Production Intern (non-paid)
In-store Product Marketing Demonstrators

For more information on these positions please Direct Message @SuzanneVier on twitter.

Today on Twitter the Detroit Regional Office of the US Census Bureau ask me what would bring people back to Detroit? We all heard this week that Detroit has dropped to a 100 year low of population living in the city.  Detroit has gone from the 11th largest city in the US, to the 14th.  They are now behind Columbus Ohio.  This is not a new problem for the City of Detroit, they have been losing population for the past 50 years.  Michigan was the only state in the country not to grow in the past 10 years according to the 2010 Census.  There are many reason why this has happened, and we could dwell on the reasons forever, that was not the question.  The question was what is needed to bring people back to Detroit?

The short of my answer is Entrepreneurs, Schools, and Neighborhoods. 

I believe that the key to Detroit recovery will lie on the shoulders of the entrepreneurs, who are going to set up their businesses in Detroit.  Let’s face it, Detroit really needs people give it a chance.  Entrepreneurs are the exact type of person who would take a chance on a city that most believe is in decline.  There are definitely political issues that I do not want to get into that can make it hard for big companies to open up shop in Detroit.  Some of the advantages that Detroit holds is that real estate is cheap, labor is cheap, and there are groups out there that are dieing to help people start companies in Detroit.  These entrepreneurial companies are going to bring jobs to the city.  Lets face it, people are not going to live in Detroit if they have to leave to go to work.  These start-up companies also could attract the type of person that Detroit really needs to start a trend of moving back to Detroit.  They are young, risk taking, and are looking for a urban experience.

The second facet of what will bring people back to Detroit is Neighbor hoods.  Cities are built on small neighborhoods.   There is a strength in these small communities that bonds them together and makes it a home.  When I hear my father and grandfather talk about when they used to live in Detroit, most things they did were around their neighborhood.  These neighborhoods need to have local grocery stores, drug stores, parks, and restaurants.  A reason for people to stick around after work.  The would be that these neighborhoods would build up around the new companies.  Detroit has a few areas like this,  Corktown, Midtown, New Center, etc.  We just need a few more.  Once the jobs and the neighborhoods start to pop up, then the stabilizer will be the biggest and hardest to have that is a school system. 

If Detroit really want to attract people who are going to not only move to Detroit but also invest in their homes, and build striving neighborhoods, they are going to need a much better school system.  For Detroit really to make a come back, they need to attract families.  The only way to this is have a school system that rivals those of the suburbs.  Without this, then people will only live in Detroit for 3-5 years, and then will be off to the suburbs.  Once families move into the city they are making a long term investment.  It is hard for families to move all the time, they accumulate much more stuff.  Most families buy a home expect to live in the home for a longer time.  Since they plan to live in these homes longer they have a better sense of ownership, and will improve and take care of the house, which in turn with make the neighborhood better.  Again if the families can send their kids to school in the city, then there is no reason to live in the city.

This is a very simplist view of what will attract people to move into Detroit.  There are a lot of factors that need to be taken in to account, with all these factors that were not discussed in this blog.  The three factors that I think will attact the people to Detroit, will take a period of time that could be as long as 25 years.  I would really love to hear your ideas and thoughts on what will bring people to Detroit?

We hear a lot about Michigan “No Fault” Insurance, but truthfully I am have never really knew what that meant or why it was an advantage or disadvantage for living in Michigan.  This posting was submitted by Michigan Auto Law to help explain what “No Fault” insurance is and the benefits of it. 

Michigan ‘No Fault’ Pays for Victims’ Medical Bills, Wage Loss, Housework Expenses and Attendant Care Regardless of Who Was ‘At Fault’

Michigan’s No Fault Insurance system is one of the state’s true hidden gems, but one that most Michigan residents know very little about. The insurance laws that protect Michigan drivers are considered the nation’s very best.

Described by the Insurance Institute of Michigan as “the Cadillac” of auto insurance systems, Michigan’s No Fault auto insurance system guarantees that seriously injured Michigan auto accident victims will get the care and treatment they need regardless of who was “at fault.”

In other words, even if a Michigan auto accident victim was “at fault” in causing the accident that resulted in her injuries, she is still entitled to the many generous benefits promised by Michigan’s No Fault insurance law.

That is why Michigan’s auto insurance system is called “No Fault.”

Michigan No Fault benefits generally come in three varieties:

Medical Expenses

Michigan No Fault will pay for a Michigan auto accident victim’s medical expenses that reasonably necessary to the victim’s accident-related care, recovery or rehabilitation. Medical expenses encompasses many services products, services and accommodations, including, but not limited to, medical treatment, hospitalizations, medical procedures, rehabilitation services, in-home attendant care, home and vehicle modifications, medical equipment and reimbursement for mileage and transportation costs.

Wage Loss

If a Michigan auto accident victim’s injuries prevent him or her from returning to work, Michigan No Fault will reimburse the victim for the wages the victim is losing as a result of being disabled from working.

According to Michigan’s No Fault Insurance Law, a car- or truck-accident victim is entitled to have an insurance company pay him or her work loss benefits consisting of 85 percent of the gross income “from work an injured person would have performed … if he or she had not been injured.” (MCL 500.3107(1)(b))

 Wage loss benefits are payable for three years following the date of the victim’s accident, and they cannot exceed a certain monthly amount set by law.

Replacement services

Michigan No Fault provides that a car- or truck-accident victim’s insurance company may be required to pay for someone (i.e., a “replacement”) to do the “ordinary and necessary services” a victim would have done for himself or herself, or his or her dependents, if he or she had not been seriously injured in the accident. (MCL 500.3107(1)(c))

Common Replacement Services include: housekeeping; lawn and garden maintenance; auto maintenance; meal preparation; baby-sitting/child care; and driving family members to school and appointments.

 “Replacement services” benefits, which are also known as “household services” benefits, are payable up to $20 per day for three years from the date of the accident.

- Steven Gursten is a partner of Michigan Auto Law and one of the most renowned truck accident lawyers in the country. He is past president of the American Association for Justice Truck Litigation Group, and has received the top-reported trial verdict in Michigan for truck accidents. Steve was named a Michigan Lawyers Weekly Leader in the Law for his efforts in promoting national truck safety.

Josh Linkner is the Founder & Chairman of ePrize, a four-time entrepreneur, a professional-level jazz musician, and author of two books.  Josh is also a founding member of Detroit Venture Partners, LLC., a Detroit-based Venture Capital firm whose purpose is to help rebuild the Detroit area through entrepreneurial fire.  Here is why Josh believes Michigan is the place to do business.

As I travel the world and tell people I’m a technology entrepreneur for Michigan, they give me a strange look.  You know the look – the kind a dog makes when she tilts her head sideways and stares as if to say, “you make absolutely zero sense.”  As a self-proclaimed rule-breaker, I love balking conventional wisdom and I’m thrilled to continue to grow entrepreneurial businesses right here in Michigan.  In fact, I think Michigan provides a significant competitive advantage!  So in tribute to David Letterman, here are the top 10 reasons why Michigan is a GREAT place to launch and grow your startup:

10. Amazing Talent – The region is filled with incredible people with diverse perspectives and skillsets.

9. Real Estate – tons of fantastic buildings and facilities, all at a fraction of the cost of either coast.

8. Work Ethic – We Detroiters are street-fighters.  We’re willing to run through brick walls while others are worried about messing up their manicures.

7. Higher Education – U of M, Michigan State, Wayne State, Oakland U, and other amazing institutions continue to mint fantastic talent, ideas, and innovations.

6. Low Costs – overall cost of living is dramatically lower, which has a direct impact on your bottom line.

5. Collaborative Vibe – Folks here want to help each other out, and there are so many people that are passionate about rebuilding the region and want to help you win.

4. Government Support – yep, I said it!  Our new Governor is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist and is ready to do whatever it takes to rebuild the region through entrepreneurship.  My friends at the MEDC, Oakland and Wayne County, and even City officials are all ready to pitch in to help however possible.

3. Mentors – Brilliant leaders like Dan Gilbert, Roger Penske, and Mike Illich are passionate about this region and have provided incredible support to emerging companies.

2. Geography / Quality of Life – We have beautiful lakes, fantastic roads and infrastructure, a world-class airport, outstanding hospitals and schools, and a beautiful city (that just needs a fresh coat of paint).  We’re an easy flight to anywhere in the US, aren’t overcrowded, and offer a great place to raise a family.

1. Soul – Simply put, Detroit is a City with a soul.  We come from a rich heritage of entrepreneurship and have an incredibly bright future despite our current challenges.  Passion put us on the map, and it will be the driving force of revitalization.

As you launch your company, you have a choice.  You can follow the herd to New York, Chicago, or San Francisco and get lost in the pack.  Or you can stay right here and make a real difference.  If there was ever a time in history for you to be part of transformational change, this is it!  Seize it, embrace it, and go for it!

Whenever I travel, I am always proud to tell people that I am from Detroit.  Of course I have heard all the questions about carrying a gun, how do I survive, and why do I stay?  I usually shrug them off as an uneducated question, because the person asking has never stepped foot in Michigan.  What has amazed me over the years is how all the people who have moved to other cities, still love to represent their home town.  Not just by wearing a Tigers hat around, but proudly telling peole that they are from Detroit.  Over the last week, I have come across two articles from Time Detroit Blog about ex-pat who are working to help Detroit.  Only 635 Miles From Home, then a few days later an article about Mighty Detroit a group of Michigan ex-pats living in New York who are designed a tee shirt line that pays homage to Detroit, but are also giving part of their proceeds to Detroit charities.  Making a statement about Detroit (and Fashion).  These are just two examples of how even though a person may not be living in Michigan, they still can help out their hometown.  My hope is that through everyone’s hard work, that one day Michigan will be so attractive that some of these ex-pats will move back to Michigan, and continue their careers here.

I started WonderMichigan over a year ago, as a way to express my feelings of frustration over the bad press Michigan was receiving, and my great love for the state of Michigan. I have found so many great businesses and people that are really working hard to make Michigan a better place.  I am very proud of what I have done with WonderMichigan over the past months, but I feel as though it is not enough.  There are still a lot of great businesses that not only need to be talked about, but they need to be promoted.  The next phase of WonderMichigan starts now.  We are going to actively be working to promote the small businesses that keep Michigan moving.   In the next few weeks WonderMichigan is going to be promoting Michigan small businesses with great deals for our readers, Twitter followers, and Facebook fans.

How the New WonderMichigan will work.  WonderMichigan will still be a place to find interesting people and businesses who are working to make Michigan a better place.  We will search for the events that make Michigan a unique and great place to visit and live.  A new twist to our site, will be that every week day we will have a trivia question about a Michigan small business, so that our readers have a chance to win discounts and prizes from these businesses.  At 8am, WonderMichigan will post the trivia question of the day, along with posting the question on twitter and Facebook.  The question will be posted every two hours until 2pm.  At 4pm we will stop receiving answers and announce the winners soon after.   

Hope that you enjoy our changes, and please share with us any questions or concerns.

I can’t believe that Wonder Michigan is turning  1 year old.  Did Wonder Michigan live up to everything that I wanted it too?  I started this journey with A Marathon is Won with the First Stepand have tried to experience all that Michigan has to offer.  Just as the state that we love, we are not perfect, but am really working to be better.  It took a little bit of time to find our voice, we did not post as much as we would have liked.  Although on average we did post about once a week, there still where many lags in our post.  The passion is still here.  We have encountered many new Michigan businesses that we did not know exist a year ago.   There have been many proud moments for the Great Lakes State in the past year.  We have enjoyed Wonderful Michigan wines and beers, eaten at some amazing Michigan restaurants, made delecious food from Michigan products, and met some amazing people who are working to make this a better state. 

I am so excited to see what the next year has in store.  I am looking forward to exploring more of the Wonder of Michigan.  There are many things that I look forward to trying out, and also many new businesses that are opening in Michigan every week, that are going to help rebuild our beloved state.  Michigan is a little better, the auto companies are looking healthier, but there are still too many people out of work.  2010-11 will be a big year for Michigan, we have an election coming up, many other exciting events coming to the state.  Hopefully you will come a long for the ride with me to see the Great State of Michigan.

After attending the Future Midwest Conference in Royal Oak last weekend, I have more confidence that Michigan will rebound from recent issues.  This first time event attracted over 600 attendees, and showcased some really cool companies that are located here in Michigan.  The biggest surprise for me, was what is going on in Dearborn at Ford Motor Company.  I have never been a huge fan of the auto companies.  I was under the belief that they had become fat and not set in their ways, not adapting to a new business world.  With one presentation, by Scott Monty, the Global Digital and Multimedia Manager at Ford, changed my whole perception.  What got me so excited was on two folds of what Ford is doing. 

The most impresive was how they have incorporated technology into their cars.  They started with the Sync system, and have evolved that into the Ford Touch.  These systems are letting the driver stay connected to the world through their phone like no other time.  For more information on the Sync Technology, see the April edition of Fast Company article.  My second surprise was how Ford has used social media and the web to connect to their customers.  The best example of this is the Ford Feista Movement, were they gave 100 people a car that has never been in the US, to drive for a year.  The 100 were asked to talk about the car.  They even started to produce their own videos on the car.  The results of the movement was Ford received 10,000 pre-orders for a car that most have never seen.  Don’t get me wrong, Ford still has a long way to go, but they are moving in the correct direction. 

General Motors also had a very impressive presentation, and are doing some really cool things with social media.  Check out the SXSW Chevy Road Trip.  One last company that I would like to recognize is Current Motor Company, out of Ann Arbor.  They just launched their first Electric Scooter.  These bikes have a top speed of 70 mph and can go up to 80 miles on one charge.  This is a great example of Michigan Company being in front of the trend and working to make our world a better place.  Michigan will come out of our recent problems a better, leaner, and more humble state, that will again be one of the hubs of innovation and invention.  I am proud to be here to be part of it.