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

As I sat in the Filmore Theater in October 2010 for the 140 Conference Detroit, I had an awaking of sorts. The realization came during Charlie Wolborg’s (@CharlieCurve) presentation “Combating Apathy in an Unsocial Detroit”. Charlie challenged the group to actually do something to make Detroit a better place. In a room with most of the elite social media characters of the Metro Detroit area, he wanted them to get off their high horse and make a difference. I took this message to heart. WonderMichigan is fast approaching our 2nd Birthday. We are still finding our voice and how we fit into the Detroit landscape. In two years we have made some great connections and I hope that we have made some people change their thoughts on Detroit and Michigan. Personally I still feel like I have not done anything to really make a change. That is until this month.

In my professional life, I have been working with a great organization Detroit Nation, which is a group of expatriated Detroit’s who are trying to help their native city. I have been working with them to build a website that will help to spread their message. I am proud of the work that I have done with them, and will be ready to share it with the world in the next few weeks. I still feel like I have more to give, so I went looking for an organization that I could help to make Detroit better from the inside. I am happy to announce that I have joined Detroit Synergy. A completely volunteer group who are working to showcase the beauty of Detroit, improve the city, and share ideas with the community. Detroit Synergy has events going on multiple times a month. Some of the more frequent are Third Thursday, Detroit Bikes, and FAB Detroit. Thirsty Thursday once a month and has two functions. First it introduces people to a bar / restaurant in Detroit, and help supports a charity. Detroit Bikes is a great way to see beauty of Detroit. They have a themed bike ride through different areas of Detroit. FAB Detroit is also once a month and it introduces people to what the best restaurants in Detroit have to offer. I am excited to work with such a great organization, and see a lot opportunities to help the city of Detroit.

It may have taken 7 months to actually get out from behind my computer and do something, but it is better to start late then never at all. I started the WonderMichigan project with one of my favorite quotes “A marathon can’t be run without the first step”. With those words I look forward to working with Detroit Synergy. If you have a project that you would like to work on, or any other thoughts I look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Noah Babcock is the principle owner of NxtGen Marketing along with editor of WonderMichigan.  He is the proud father of twin boys, avid Michigan State supporter, and huge Detroit sports fan.

My love for Michigan is three fold; I love the Michigan of the past.  The memories that I have from growing up in Michigan have shaped me into the person that I am today.  It has allowed me to have many experiences and adventures that no other place in America allows.  The present day Michigan has allowed me to fulfill my lifelong goals and dreams.  And the Michigan of the future is the motivation that I use to continue to better myself and my family.

I grew up hearing stories about Detroit from my grandparents.  The Detroit of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s was a place of wonder.  I would listen to tales of working downtown having lunches at Joe Muers, and dinners at the London Chop House.  Shopping at Hudson’s downtown and watching Lions football in the freezing cold in the fall and basking in the sunshine watching Tigers baseball.  This was the time to be in Detroit.  My family made Detroit their home during this time.  Both my grandfather’s built own businesses in Detroit.  One had a small chain of furniture stores located throughout the city, while the other built an industrial laundry business.  The Midwestern blue collar work ethic has been passed down to throughout the generations.  I am the third generation to start a business in Michigan.  My own memories of Michigan are of the Bob-lo boat and island, Belle Isle Aquarium, Huckleberry Railroad, Detroit Zoo, Trappers Alley, and Tigers Stadium.  Some of these places from my childhood only exist in my memories now.  Present day Michigan has new places to explore and enjoy.

As I write this post today, the travel campaign of the early 80’s of Yes Michigan, which had a tag line of “the feeling is forever” comes to mind.  Everything that I have accomplished is because of Michigan.  I received a great education from Michigan State University and Oakland University.  The work ethic that I picked up my parents and grandparents, along with the blue collar culture of Michigan’s workforce has allowed me to fulfill my dream of starting and running my own business.  I met my wife in Michigan and we were blessed this past year to start our own family in Michigan, now I get to share all the wonders of Michigan with my family.  The pure beauty of Michigan allows me to enjoy hikes up north, great wine, beautiful lakes, and amazing golf.  Present day Michigan may be having a few problems, but there is so much to look forward to in the future.     

I am a dreamer, when I look at Michigan; I see all the potential that is around the state.  Michigan has more to offer then most other states in the country.  We have a natural resource in our lakes that no other state has.  With the proposed Aerotropolis around Metro Airport Michigan has the opportunity to become a hub for any company that is looking to produce products and ship them not only nationally but internationally.  If the shrinking of Detroit happens, there is going to be another resource around a major city that is not available in any other state in our country.  Detroit will have an abundance of land that can be used for whatever a person can think of.  A large company looking to build a new manufacturing plant, urban farming, research facility that needs a lot of space, the options are endless.  The last resource that Michigan has that ties all these together is the large amount of higher education that could be the feeder for any company that is in Michigan, and also the feeder for eager college graduates that are looking to start their own thing.  The Michigan of the future is whatever we want it to be there are very few places that have such an opportunity.  My third reason that I love Michigan is because I see a bright future that I am excited to participate in. 

I love Michigan because it is my past, present, and future.  Michigan is in my blood, it is who I am.

Wonder Michigan guest blogger Zak Walsh is a lifelong Michigan resident, father of two and Sr. Account Manager at Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

 I’ll be honest. The first thing that popped into my head when I was asked to blog about “Why I love Michigan” was beer.

I could have written an entire post on the state’s fantastic breweries and microbreweries and thrown out some plugs for East Side favorites like Kuhnenn  and Dragon Mead  or of course the unofficial choice of Western Michigan University, Bell’s. 

But, reducing this state to a few barrels and pint glasses wouldn’t do it justice…

 So, I asked myself, what do I really love about Michigan?

 My family is here now and always has been. That’s something I love about this state. But, it would be awkward to blog about why my family being here makes this state a great one. Not to mention my family is something not many of you can relate to.

But I digress…

When I look beyond the fact that my family is here as a reason why I love this state, I can see an underlying Michigan asset to which I think everyone can relate: the wealth of entertainment and recreation opportunities available to my family and yours, all within the confines of the pleasant peninsulas we call home.

In the spirit of reflection as we approach New Year’s Eve, here are a few of the (mostly free or darn close by the way) family-friendly adventures I’ve experienced in this great state just in the past year:

Within a quick walk from my home in Royal Oak, there are multiple public parks where I can set my two-year-old loose to traverse the same playground bridge and plummet down the same green tunnel slide over and over… and over.

This summer, my family took a day trip on a whim to a public beach in Lexington on the shores of Lake Huron. For a voluntary $3 donation inserted into a hollowed out gatepost, we were able to spend an entire day enjoying blue skies, cold water and the less than fine sand that only Michiganders can truly appreciate.

In Harrison Township, my son this year made multiple visits with grandparents in tow to the nature center and nature trails at Metro Beach, where he no doubt took great pleasure in shouting indecipherable commands to furry friends both stuffed and otherwise.

The 2010 Holiday Magic Parade in Royal Oak was a fun mix of small-town community pride and big city spectacle, with no expressway logjam or requirement to arrive hours in advance.

In November, my wife, two-year-old, then-six-week-old and I trekked to Petoskey and explored the site of the town’s nearly completed and already breathtaking river walk project in the midst of light snow. It’s a walk I’m sure many locals and travelers with truly enjoy in all seasons in the years to come.

And next year, I’ll continue a tradition I regret straying from a few years back, returning to Mackinac Island with my family to punish my calves on the island’s infamous hills and in doing so take a few steps back in my past, not to mention the state’s and our nation’s. By the way, next time you’re there, tell the folks at the Island Bookstore  that Zak sent you. They won’t give you a discount, but you’ll almost certainly get an entertaining confused glance.

I’m sure I’ve omitted far more Michigan family attractions than I’ve included. Feel free to point out what I’ve missed on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/zakwalsh or in the comments below.

Bottom line: Michigan is an outstanding place to raise a family and to enjoy having one. The beer isn’t bad either.

Bryan Fenster is a Detroiter living in Chicago. He’s an aspiring blogger and recent addition to the Social Media Club Editorial Team.   Bryan, along with Adam Babcock , are organizers in Chicago for Detroit Nation . ‘Respecting the Past and Embracing Tomorrow’s Promise in Detroit’ is nostalgic childhood recollections, coupled with his thoughts on current happenings in Detroit that are shaping it’s future. Ultimately, this is what he loves about Detroit.

Ahhhhh, Remember When…..
I can’t tell you exactly where this love, attachment, and undying devotion sprouted from. I must have been seven or eight years old, I remember my brother and I always buzzing with the anticipation of the trips we’d often take to the city with our parents and Uncle.

Trips to Buddy’s Pizza on the northeast side before heading to some type of festival on the campus of Wayne State, Hart Plaza, or jaunts to the bleachers at “The Corner“ ring in my mind.

 I remember an afternoon lunch with my family in Greektown in 1992, and my Dad nonchalantly prompting us to the People Mover, to take a lap (as youngsters, this was THE highlight of our trips to town). Even after exiting at the “Joe Louis Arena” station, my excitement blinded me to the fact that my Dad was surprising us to our first ever Red Wing game (which I was even more excited for since they were playing the Vancouver Canucks….I was absolutely obsessed with Pavel Bure at the time, as were all young hockey players my age). I will NEVER forget that Detroit energy I felt when witnessing my first ever NHL goal, live. The late Steve Chiasson scored on a one-timer from the point. Top-shelf. Seeing 20,000 faithful rise instantly in unison, fist raised, singing, has stayed with me. Any rock shows or sporting events I attend are now met with that standard.

I remember seeing “Topper” at the Old Redford Theatre.

I remember being a teenager and roaming the streets of Royal Oak with friends. Coffee houses filled with the haze of cigarette smoke, record stores, cafes, the punks, goths, protesters, and preachers converging on 4th and Main. Friday night gigs at St. Andy’s (pre LiveNation, of course) and “the Shelter”, checkerboard slip-ons, hipsters, and rudies (Definition 1). 

Entering and exiting Trappers Alley (may she rest in peace) to sincere and enlightening conversations with Travelin’ Blues. Russell Street Deli, and Turkey Trotters thumping up the ramp like gladiators into Cobo Hall. Thanksgiving Turkeys giveaways on behalf of Honest John’s Bar when they were anchored on E. Jefferson. School field trips to the Science Center, The Masonic Temple, Cranbrook, the DIA, Belle Isle, and Greenfield Village.

 For me, I always felt a responsibility to my city, and pride, that we made the best of what we had that kept us grounded, humbled, and content yet starved for the possibilities of tomorrow. I always knew Detroit was a jewel in the rough and on the cusp, but it wasn’t time for her to step up just yet.

 Detroits Promise: The Future
While I’m often struck with nostalgia for the childhood and “old” Detroit, that pride, devotion, and promise of tomorrow is as loud as it’s ever been in Detroit. With that, I (like so many of her own) try my best to honor the past, but more importantly, look to the future. Detroit is now filling over that cusp with the foundation of it’s creative minds, community leaders, and resources beyond it’s borders.

I am often starstruck by friends who have been doing important community work in Detroit. Mike Medow and Jenny Lee I’ve had the pleasure of knowing most of my life, and have been holding it down in Midtown for years, running the Allied Media Conference and AMP. This past June saw the annual Allied Media Conference in conjunction with the 2010 U.S. Social Forum in Detroit (kudos to Adrienne Maree Brown). The forum saw around 15,000 attendees from across the nation, rural and urban, and even hosted folks from other countries (South Africa, Palestine, Israel, and Nepal to name a few). Detroit was used as ground to unite the thousands to attend workshops, lectures, and community building in the realm of social and economic issues we face in Detroit and across the U.S., while aligning with the international community to learn from each others experiences and struggles.

Considering the depth of these issues, it’s quite something that the event was held in Detroit this year, with the collaboration of so much diversity and knowledge.

Down the street and over the Fisher Freeway, Roosevelt Park is showing promise thanks to so many residence, artists, and business owners in Corktown. One of those leading the way, Jeff DeBruyn: President of the Corktown Residence Council, and a partner and founder of the Imagination Station. Whether he’s drafting grant proposals, rallying volunteers, or meeting with fellow community and business leaders, he keeps himself accessible to anybody in the community, even an “expat” such as myself. Jeff is doing great things and works tirelessly to serve his community. It’s so nice to see his efforts (and results) recognized, as he is this years recipient of the 2011 Community Leadership Award.

I don’t have to tell you about the bustling of culture, art, and expression in Detroit. It’s great to see my good friend D.Allie making noise in a current project so timely, dubbed ‘Progress Report‘. D has been making music, writing, and performing for years, always staying true to his roots, speaking about his experiences in all his ups and downs. Whether he’s playing on the road, at a Detroit club, or gatherings at warehouses in the Eastern Market, his approach and work ethic never falters. If there’s a show on, he’s there, always a performance and a message, whether it be 15 guests, or 1,500. He leads a very eclectic life and opens himself to the possibilities of every new day. I have a deep respect for the man and his motto: “BE YOURSELF AND LET THE MUSIC BE THE MUSIC”. 

Detroit is a hot spot and has the resources for burgeoning creative, small business ventures, and social media enthusiasts. The social media seen in Detroit is one of the most active and loyal in the country. Social Media Club – Detroit (SMC) meets monthly, not to mention all the TweetUps, meetups, Tweetea, TedX, and #140Conf that 2010 was a banner year for.

SMC-Detroit fosters relationships with an array of professionals and individuals loyal to bettering Detroit. This is so important, and ultimately, it’s going to take the relationships that are harnessed in the region to create a more sustainable, self-reliant, happy, creative, and economically sound Detroit. The great thing is, it’s already happening! The social component is so important and so unstoppable, especially in Detroit.

The pride factor among Detroiters ranks amongst the highest in the nation. A ’2010 Soul of the Community’ study conducted by the Knight Foundation found that Detroit’s young people are consistently among the most attached age group in the community. Outside of the region this rings true for myself and the countless others who although are committed and happy in their current place, still have their hearts in Detroit and want to be active. Detroit Nation has given us an opportunity to have a support group of expats to meet with at events and to raise money to send to Detroit organizations. Most importantly, we can engage with the community in Detroit neighborhoods, volunteer, and collaborate to promote and have an impact on the economic development and cultural identity of our great city.

The future is so bright for Detroit, and NOW it’s her time to step up. There’s movement, there’s curiosity, there’s faith, love, optimism, and hard work being put in. That will never cease and no doubts, it won’t be easy, but it never was. That’s what makes us who we are.

It’s for this and so many more reasons that I love my city…OUR city. Let’s get to work!

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!

David Murray is Director, Social Web Communications for @regroupinc. Speaker. Co-chair for @FutureMidwest.  He also eat food with @thehungrydudes. 
This is David’s story, of  why he loves Michigan

2008 was the year it all happened. The great recession. The perfect time to return to Michigan, right? Well, that was when my wife and I decided to pack up our things and move back home. I’d like to say this decision was based on some sort of great ambition or motivation, but that simply isn’t true. I had no great insight as to what I wanted to do once I got back to Michigan.

Truth be told, I moved back because I missed my family.  It is as simple as that.

Back in 1998 I packed up my mini-van and headed out west. Drifting between projects and jobs, I collected what others may call, life experience. And after 10 years of living between Arizona and Minnesota, I sensed distance between myself and my parents and sister. We were becoming strangers, and it wasn’t until a visit from them early in 2008 that I realized just how much I missed them.

Moving back to Michigan was one of the best decisions I ever made. It is one of the few times in my life where I can claim something like that without hesitation or doubt.  Though, it wasn’t easy. Both my wife and I didn’t have any real job prospects, and we both had to swallow our pride and move back in with the folks.  But with some perseverance and dedication we began to find employment, stability, and most importantly, we discovered the amazing community that exists here in our state.

The people of Michigan are our greatest asset.  I’ve met amazingly talented and determined individuals like T.J List, Adrian Pittman, Brandon Chesnutt, Shannon Paul, Charlie Wolberg, Terry Bean, Eric Brown, Steven Clark, Chris Barger, Scott Monty, and Ryan Knott.  Connecting with others here in Michigan has led to participating in some incredible opportunities and experiences including Social Media Club Detroit, FutureMidwest, Ignite Detroit and Ignite Lansing, #TweetTea, Tedx Lansing, Word Camp Detroit, GM Chevy’s SXSW Road Trip Challenge, The Hungry Dudes, and more.

I highlight these events and people not to brag, but to make a point. And that is none of this would have happened if I hadn’t taken a chance. A chance to move back home.  Back to the state where you hear of only unemployment, crime, and depravity.  It’s funny how one can only hear the things they want when they only experience a thin margin of the whole story.

Michigan is my home. The people I’ve met here are my family. The experiences I’ve participated in have made me who I am. We still have work to do. But great things don’t happen when there isn’t something to prove. We have much to prove to others and to ourselves. I am very proud to play a very small part in this great change of Michigan.

Probably, the greatest example of when I knew I was home was earlier this year. I was on my way to a conference in Milwaukee (another great city full of great people), and my wife and I met at my parent’s house to trade cars.  My mom had made supper, and my sister was there with her twin boys. I was dividing my time between my parent’s puppy and my nephews climbing all over me. Knowing that I had to quickly eat and hit the road made me a bit sad.  And I suddenly realized that I didn’t need anything else, other than my family. Right then and there, I knew I had made the right decision to move back to Michigan.   I knew I was home.

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.