The Kids Are Alright
By: Kimberly Chou, 5/31/2007
When we talk about quality of life issues, who considers the region's sizable teen population? Ann Arbor's Neutral Zone is setting the bar for teen community centers, making use of the latest technologies and trends while nurturing the kind of homegrown talent Michigan desperately needs.
Michigan Aerotropolis
By: Alex Dziadosz, 5/31/2007
Cities follow businesses and businesses follow transportation. In a freshly global economy, highways, railroads, and seaports are making room for air travel. Get ready for the 'aerotropolis,' Michigan's newest urban model.
Improving Community: Ali Ayoub
By: Maureen McDonald , 5/31/2007
Dearborn youth Ali Ayoub is a stunning example of a young man who is motivated to change the world. He does so every day through his positive attitude and love for service to others.
Guest Blogger: Tracy Koe Wick
By: Tracy Koe Wick, 5/31/2007
Our guest blogger for this week is Tracy Koe Wick. Tracy is Principal of The Kirkwood Group, a real estate consulting firm that markets and promotes new mid-rise and high-rise condominium and loft communities.
Check back here each week day to read Tracy's thoughts on the emerging trend of Live/Work residences in suburban Detroit cities.
The Young And The Restless
By: Jeff Meyers, 5/31/2007
Carol Coletta has made it her life's mission to answer the question: What makes a city succeed?
Model D's Speaker Series continues with this thought leader's view of Detroit and how it can attract and nurture talent.
metromode gives a preview of her ideas and opinions.
Eco Endings
By: Kelli B. Kavanaugh, 5/24/2007
Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
-Genesis 3:19
Not only can't you take it with you but maybe you should start thinking about what you'll leave behind. Non-degradable coffins and toxic embalming fluids have inspired a growing green movement in the funeral industry. Could an Oakland County farm help lead the way with natural burial grounds?
From Scratch: Oliebollen
By: Kimberly Chou, 5/24/2007
"No, that bib doesn't come in scotch plaid." Fashionable kids clothes really are out there--and Oliebollen, an Ann Arbor online store, helps sartorial young parents find them all in one place.
RAZ Survey: Regional Transit
By: The United Way, 5/24/2007
Mass transit is a hot topic at water coolers throughout southeast Michigan. United Way and Metromode are interested in your thoughts on our region’s transportation options.
Guest Blogger: Dan Gilmartin
By: Dan Gilmartin, 5/24/2007
Dan Gilmartin is our guest blogger this week. He is the youngest executive director in the 108 year history of the Michigan Municipal League. Dan previously served as the League's deputy director and as an advocate in Lansing and in Washington, where he concentrated on transportation, land use and urban redevelopment.
Check back here each week day to read Dan's thoughts on regionalism and how we can build the kind of community that attracts knowledge-based workers.
Survey: Race Relations
By: United Way, 5/17/2007
While Metro Detroit has been identified as one of the most racially segregated regions in the nation, our growing diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Metromode, United Way, and New Detroit are interested in your thoughts on race relations in this community.
Michigan Freakonomics
By: Jon Zemke, 5/17/2007
"Conventional Wisdom is often wrong." Whether he's writing about abortion, crack dealers or penalty kicks in soccer, "Freakonomic's" author Steven Levitt raises eyebrows and blood pressures with his findings. After a recent lecture at WSU, the rogue economist trained his sights on the Mitten State.
Guest Blogger: Todd Palmer
By: Todd Palmer, 5/17/2007
Todd Palmer is our guest blogger this week. Todd founded Diversified Industrial Staffing, a company that provides staffing for manufacturing, construction and logistics businesses, and Diversified PEOple, a professional employer organization for small businesses. He sits on the board of directors for the Detroit Chapter of Entrepreneur’s Organization, and is a recent graduate of the Birthing of Giants class held at MIT.
Check back each week day to read Todd's thoughts on keeping, identifying and attracting talent.
Corporate Green
By: Jon Zemke, 5/17/2007
ECD Ovonics challenges the notion that Michigan is the corroded buckle of the rust belt. On the cutting edge of solar-cell technology, hybrid car batteries and hydrogen energy development, this greener than green hi-tech pioneer should be the face of Michign's future.
Fuelish Thoughts
By: Kimberly Chou, 5/10/2007
As the buzz for biofuel grows, Michigan has the opportunity to capitalize on its rural and auto-based communities and emerge as a true innovator. Can a state historically dependent on mineral-based energy play a leading role in the national movement toward alternative fuels?
Guest Blogger: Brian Balasia
By: Brian Balasia, 5/10/2007
Brian Balasia is our guest blogger this week. Brian founded
Digerati Solutions while an aerospace engineering student at U of M. He currently sits on the board of directors for the Detroit Regional Chamber, WIRED, and the U of M Alumni Society.
Check back here each week day to read Brian's thoughts on attracting talent to SE Michigan and nurturing innovation.
The Nations Of Michigan
By: Tanya Muzumdar, 5/10/2007
More than a necessary social good, diversity is an advantage in high-tech economies. With 30 different ethnicities and up to 40% of their businesses immigrant-owned, could communities like Hamtramck and Dearborn lay the groundwork for SE Michigan's cultural and economic transformation?
Get involved: Care House of Macomb County
By: Maureen McDonald, 5/10/2007
When police, pediatricians or case workers suspect a child has been physically or sexually abused in Macomb County, Care House is a child-friendly resource for treatment, investigation and prosecution. Yet the 10-year-old group also works to improve parenting skills and community education to reduce and prevent child trauma from occurring.
Power of Three
By: Michael Brennan, 5/3/2007
When the public, private and nonprofit sectors find common purpose — headway is made, says United Way for Southeastern Michigan president Michael J. Brennan.
Three Big Ideas For Michigan
By: Jon Zemke, 5/3/2007
The time has come for Michigan to make bold choices about how to transform its economy, communities and culture.
metromode offers up a trio of initiatives and ideas that challenge conventional thinking and dare the state to think big.
Home Grown
By: Kelli B. Kavanaugh, 5/3/2007
Food that travels 1500 miles to reach your table defies anyone's notion of "fresh." Isn't it time we traded in McDonald's for Old MacDonald?