Someone recently asked, what’s in a name? I don’t know the answer. I spend my time focused on the needs and opportunities that exist within the context of the TechTown mission, but I accept the advice to consider a change. Founded in 2000, TechTown was poised and prepared to serve in 2009 when the New …
Jun 01
Overwhelmed, connected, and informed…leaving the Island
As I leave the Island reflecting on my first ever Policy Conference, I feel overwhelmed, connected and informed. The level of content and exposure to VIP’s was overwhelming. In a 30 minute span yesterday, I spoke with Donna Brazile as she was taking in the view one last time before departing; bumped into Thomas Friedman …
Jun 01
Say It With Me, ‘This Is My Island’
By now, MPC 2012 attendees have listened, learned, networked, dined and likely imbibed more than enough. We heard important visions for Michigan today from Governor Snyder and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman and are now ready to work on the priorities set at the conference. But our time has been spent in one place, in …
May 31
The Importance of Fearless Leadership
The quote that resonated most deeply with me during my time at the Mackinac Policy Conference this week was provided by Anthony Williams (former mayor of Washington, DC) who said, “Don’t be afraid to spend your political capital. It is the currency of your tenure. There is no value in having any left at the …
May 31
Michigan Leaders Face the “Seventh Generation” Test of Governing
The dedication of what is currently the world’s third-longest suspension bridge was held in June of 1958, with Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams attending. Measuring five miles long, the bridge stands as a marvel and has served for more than 50 years as a vital social and economic link between Michigan’s peninsulas. As we wrap up this week …
May 31
Collaboration Is Critical to Regional Health
Collaboration. Five simple syllables. When joined together, what do those syllables mean? For those of us engaged in the work of economic development across our great city, region and state, it has to mean working together, beyond rhetoric, conflicting agendas and individual egos to set down existing structures and try something new. Together. It must …
May 31
Driving the Economy through Innovation
As we wrapped up this year’s conference, I was again reminded of the concentric rings I wrote about a few days ago: When you drop a stone into a quiet pool of water, the rings that form vibrate into one another. Even though they are distinct from one another, they affect each other. This theme …
May 30
Write-in Adjective For Failure
The Mackinac Policy Conference is abuzz with speculation about what will become of U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter’s bid to be a write-in candidate in the August 7 Republican primary for the 11th Congressional District. Mr. McCotter finds himself in this predicament after failing to file the necessary 1,000 valid signatures to place his name on …
May 30
The Innovator in Each of Us
“It’s easy to come up with new ideas; the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago, but will soon be out of date.” — Roger von Oech On Mackinac Island today, we were reminded about the criticality of innovation in each of our lives. Yes, each of our …
May 30
Looking Ahead in Detroit
As I looked over today’s conference agenda, I was particularly struck by the title: “Detroit: A Tale of Two Cities.” My own interpretation being a native Detroiter, I have personally witnessed the city’s transformation from its bustling place among the country’s top cities 30 or 40 years ago to the less than bustling place it …
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