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.

If you see a quartet band riding down the street being pulled by bicycles, you are not hallucinating. You are witnessing Mr B’s Joy Box Express tour across Michigan. Starting in the beginning of July they will be cutting across Michigan, to help raise money for charitable organizations that help introduce and expand children’s involvement in the arts and athletics. If you have never had the privilege of seeing Mr B’s Joy Box Express, I would highly recommend trying to see one of their events, or cheering them on while they pass through your town. The journey starts on July 1st in
Saugatuck and will be finishing in Detroit on July 15th at the Detroit Institute of Art. During the ride through the state they will have many stops. Check out their schedule here. They still have many dates available, so if Joybox Express is coming through your city, and they may be available for a show or fundraiser.  Joybox Express has raised money for many organizations, to see a list of who they have helped.

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.

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!

After attending the TEDxDetroit conference on September 29th at the Detroit Institute of Art, I left in a daze.  There are so many great things going on in and around Detroit.  The mix of established businesses, up and coming companies along with the artist that inhabit the city, left me with a great sense of hope and excitement  Since the event happened a week ago, I just wanted to give a quick overview of what got me excited.

Artist
Jocelyn Rainey-Founder – J Rainey Gallery:  Jocelyn Rainey teaches art and culture to Detroit Youths, in here looking for the Mona Lisa Project.  Not only are they learning about art and culture but she takes them to see the art in their native land.  So fare they have been to Paris, Spain, Japan, and Egypt.
Joybox Express: In 2010 4 musicians completed the 2nd Annual tour across Michigan hauling instruments on bicycles for 300 miles, raising money for children’s charities.
Anuja Rajendra-Creator and CEO-BollyFit: A great wake up after lunch, she had us dancing in the ailses.  A great story of coming home to Michigan to find yourself.
Dave Blair: My favorite poem of the day, “Detroit while I was gone”.  A moving poem about how Detroit calls to him while he is gone.  He sees beauty is all aspects of Detroit.

Inspiring Businesses
Geoff Horst-Algal Scientific Corporation: A Michigan born company, that is working to clean up our water system through filtering waste water from factories.  The company in their second year, is not only helping to preserve one of Michigan’s natural resources, but also working to make the world a better place with clean energy.
Will Smidlein: He is 13 and building a business.  There is not much more to say.  He mostly talked about the advantage of starting at a young age when he has not financial obligations.  Soon his parents will be asking him for an allowance.
Jerry Paffendorf & Mary Lorene Carter- LOVELAND:This is the presentation of the day.  They used imagination and innovation to sell an inch of Detroit real estate at a time.  They have since moved on to rehabbing two houses in Detroit to an Imagination Station.
Erik Proulx-Flim Maker-Lemonade: The preview of Lemonaid Detroit, how there is great stories in Detroit that just need to be told.  It was very inspiring, and I cannot wait for the movie to come out.

As the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is set to tip off in just under four hours, it makes me think back to last year’s Final Four in our backyard.  Personally it would be impossible for any Final Four to beat the 2009 version in Detroit.  Not only am I a huge Michigan State fan, and the ability to see them play for a championship in Detroit was a once in a lifetime experience, but I also had a very special moment that can not be topped.  Last year was my 30th birthday, and all I wanted for my birthday was to see “One Shining Moment” playing on the big screen at Ford Field with the last image being MSU cutting down the nets.  I was 40 minutes away from my only birthday wish coming true.  MSU did not win it that night, but it still was a great moment for me.  The streets of Detroit were packed the whole weekend.  We showed the world what a great city and people are here in Michigan.  I did not meet one person from outside of Michigan who did not have good things to say about the city at that time.  Most were very surprised because they had heard so much bad about Detroit.   The NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament always is great, and I will be watching, but for me the Final Four ever is in 2009 in the Motor City.

I hope not to jinx this, but I am going to say that it is officially spring in Michigan.  The snow is gone, I have seen the sun in the last few days, and the my winter coat has been hung up in the closet.  Spring may be my favorite time of year.  Get the benefits of Summer with out the heat and humidity.  Spring is a new start, the weather is only going to get nicer, and everything just smells new.  After sitting at home for much of the winter, I just have so many things that I cannot wait to do.  My golf clubs have been calling out to me, every time I walk by them in the garage, my running shoes are saying no more treadmill, lets go splash in puddle, and see what is going on in the neighborhood, while my bike is telling me not to forget about it.  It is time to start exploring Michigan again, I am just not sure where to go first.  I do have one confession, I will be sitting in my house on March 18 & 19 watching the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, but hopefully I can open the windows.  What are you going to do in Michigan for spring?

Dear Lions;

I am a big believer in tradition and for the past 50+ years my family has been season ticket holder for your football team.  We have had seats on the 40 yard line behind the your bench since you played in Briggs stadium.  (I think it was Briggs at the time)  I am the third generation of my family to have these tickets.  My grandfather took my dad and uncle to the games, to sit in below freezing weather to support you.  Granted that back in those days the product on the field was worth sitting in the cold weather to watch.  Then later when I was born my grandfather and father would take my brother and I to games.  Three years ago I got the honor of taking over the tickets, and going to games with my dad.  I have to admit every season has been harder and harder to be excited for.  My ticket price has rose 33% over the time that I started to own the tickets.  The team also went from 7-9 to 2-14, not to mention the 0 for that happened in 2008.  Last year it was very hard to get up on Sunday and go to your games.  The best part was having brunch with my father before the games.  I have come to the realization that I do not need a football game to have brunch with my dad.  So I am no longer a season tickets holder of your franchise.  I am going to have to start a new tradition.

Sincerely

A true born and bred Detroit Sports Fan

In December of 2008, when it seemed that the whole country was against the state of Michigan, a pride in Michigan made products began to pop up.  One of the reasons that I start WonderMichigan was because of what I experienced at a wedding in Washington DC during this time period.  There were radio commercials asking the people of Michigan to write the President and to buy Michigan products.  I have challenged you my reader to work harder to buy Michigan made products and to shop at Michigan owned stores.  Over the last few months I have started to become concerned that as we emerge from the recession that people are going to forget what got us into this mess.  One organization that has been working very hard to make sure that buy Michigan stays in front of our minds is Made in Michigan Movement. 

The Made in Michigan Movement is an action-oriented grassroots network of businesses producing high quality goods and services in the state of Michigan and consumers who feel purchasing from those companies is in the best interest of the state’s economic future. With more than 14,000 members, the organization’s motto for Michigan consumers is “Earn it here. Spend it here. Keep it here!”  One way that the Made in Michigan Movement is making sure that we continue to buy Michigan products is their first statewide celebration of Michigan products and services.  They will be takin over the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi on October 16 and 17, 2010.  Designed to provide a boost to the Michigan economy, the event will be a two-day celebration of the wide variety of high quality consumer products, services and foods produced by companies across all Michigan geographies  They are expecting   10,000 consumers and 300 + businesses ranging from small to large from across the state.  For further updates Made In Michigan can be followed on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/madeinmich and found on Facebook.