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?

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.

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!

This post was written by Adam Babcock, my partner with NxtGen Marketing.

A couple months ago, I posted a piece titled “Michigan…Worth Another Look”.   In this post, I talked about how I fell back in love Michigan after getting to spend some time there in between my move from LA to Chicago.  Since then, I have completed my move, and am now residing in Chicago.  While I am no longer back in Michigan, I still want to do my part to support my community back home.  But how?  After all, writing a flattering piece on Michigan is all well and good, but what effect does that have on bringing economic stability to an area that so desperately needs it? Is it possible for someone to be an integral part of the revitalization effort taking place in Michigan without living there?  Thanks to Detroit Nation, the answer is yes!

Shortly after moving to Chicago, one of my best friends, Bryan Fenster, who is a passionate supporter of Detroit, came to me with an opportunity.  He had heard about this organization out of New York called 635 Mile Rd (the name of the organization has recently changed to Detroit Nation to incorporate more of a national theme).  635 Mile Rd (which stands for the number of miles between New York and Detroit) is an organization of Detroiters who have left Michigan, but who remain dedicated to using the energy, creativity, and fundraising potential of the expat community to promote economic development and cultural innovation in Southeast Michigan.  While 635 Mile was started in New York, they had always envisioned it being a national organization.  So after a few successful events in New York, Rachel Jacobs, the founder of the organization, reached out to see if anyone in other states would be interested in expanding the organization.  6 weeks later, Bryan and I, along with the help of fellow ex-Michiganders Tanya Silverstein and AJ Chalom, were hosting the Chicago Chapter Kickoff Event for Detroit Nation!

The event took place a couple of nights ago and was a huge success.  We were able to raise over $1,000 for Motor City Blight Busters, which is a great organization that has been doing amazing things to help stabilize and revitalize the communities of Detroit for over 20 years.  But I do not want to focus so much on the event itself.  What I want to talk about, and what makes me truly proud and excited, is the unbelievable amount of passion and support that has been expressed towards Detroit, and Michigan as a whole, since we started planning this event.   From the moment we sent out notifications about the kickoff event, the positive sentiments started coming in.  Local business owners who grew up in Michigan were reaching out to see how they could get involved in this and future events.  Friends, and even strangers, were sending emails and Facebook messages saying how great this is and that they can’t wait to get involved.  At the event the other night, I can’t even tell you how many times people came up to me and said “I have been waiting for something like this for years.  How can I get involved now?”  In a time where so many outsiders look down on the State of Michigan, it was extremely refreshing and encouraging to be in a room filled with so many people who not only love Detroit for what it is, but believe in what it can become once again. I have had the pleasure of traveling all over the world.  I have lived in other states, and even other countries, and I can honestly say that the connection and sense of community that people from Michigan feel for their home state is unlike any other.

Now, I am by no means trying to say that Detroit, and Michigan as whole, will be able to get back on its feet without people moving back there, and people not leaving in the first place.  As I said in my previous post, I myself do plan on heading home when the time is right, and would encourage others to do so as well.  But until then, there are still so many ways you can get involved and make a positive impact.  And organizations like Detroit Nation will only help us to get back on track more quickly.  The Michigan expat community is very large and can be an extremely powerful tool in the revitalization effort going on back home.  Chicago and New York have answered the call to show everyone what it truly means to be a “Detroit Nation”.  Who’s next?

If you would like more information on Detroit Nation or have any questions, you can leave a comment or email us at detroitnation@gmail.com.

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.

This summer, I got addicted to “The Great Food Truck Race” on the Food Network.  It was amazing to me that some much amazing food could come out of a truck.  I had always imagined a food truck like the ones in the movies on a construction site, where all the food comes in plastic.  I have been told that in Los Angeles their are great food trucks, and the food is worth searching for.  I found out about a month ago that Michigan has it’s first food truck, compliments of Chef Wes, who has worked in Las Vegas has returned home to start Jacques Tacos.

I had been searching for last two weeks, checking http://www.jacquestacos.comto see where the truck was going to be, and if I was going to be able to make it out to check out the food.  Well finally on Saturday, I hunted the truck down on 13 mile and Woodward at Varsity Automotive, to try what a food truck was all about.  I ordered two beef (D-Town) and two chicken tacos (Bulldog).  They were really good, fresh and very tasty.  The tacos were $2.50 a piece and for a snack where on the money.  Each taco comes with your choice of meat (pork, beef, chicken, avocado) corn salsa, cheese and guacamole. If you are around an area where Jacques Taco Truck is, it is well worth your time to stop in and try the food.

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 I watched the premier of Detroit 187 on ABC last night, I had mixed feelings about the show.  The writers did a pretty good job of incorporating Detroit and the surrounding areas into the story lines.  There were a few goofs also, but only native Michiganders would have noticed.  The murder and violence were no worse then other police dramas located in big cities.  I thought the shots of Detroit were respectful, they showed some blight but also showed areas that were nice looking.  With an emerging film industry in Michigan, there are going to be more and more TV shows and movies shot in Detroit.  The question is how should Detroit be portrayed?

For a person who has never stepped foot into Detroit, their only way of knowing is through what they see in the media.  There are a ton of abandoned buildings in the city and it is not economically very strong.  Not all of Detroit looks like this.  There are areas in Detroit that are great areas to visit and live in.  These areas should also be part of what Detroit looks like.  The homes in the Boston Edison neighborhood, are gorgeous and tell a story of our history.  Areas such as Corktown, Fox town, and the River walk, show the beauty of Detroit.  As a Detroit-er I of course want the great part of Detroit to be shown, but is that realistic?  Detroit’s unemployment rate is astronomical, but it even if it 20%, that means that 80% of Detroit-ers are employed.  Shows like Hardcore Pawn on True TV, show the run down beat up side of Detroit, because it emphasizes the point of the show.  Does this make it the true face of Detroit? 

For me Detroit looks like 1989 Bad Boy Pistons team.  From inside Michigan they are one of the best sports teams in our history, from outside the Michigan they are looked at a group of thugs that bullied their way to a championship.  They embodied what Detroit could be while also showing what Detroit was.  We are blue collar get your hands dirty kind of town, we may not be the most attractive city, but we have our own sense of charm.  So what should Detroit look like?