From my early days in biology class, I remember the saying from Charles Darwin: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.”
I think we need to ask ourselves the question, “How has our favorite state of Michigan reacted or adapted to change?”
First, a little background: My attachment to Michigan runs deep in the family lines. I was born in Lansing, so my initial contact with Michigan was not by choice. But my still being here is definitely by choice.
At 31, I have spent exactly half of my life in West Africa (where my parents are from), and half of my life in EastLansing/Lansing. This gives me an interesting perspective on our region’s history, potential and current state. I think that the unique perspective could be beneficial.
I am a passionate Michigander—I live, work and play here and I love it. In the gloom that looms in the economy, I strongly believe exciting opportunities exist. For example, people are taking advantage of the low cost of living, easy access to universities (and brilliant interns), and access to large insurance and health care-related companies. So, even while I identify challenges, I am a true champion of Michigan.
After World War II, Michigan was truly the center of innovation and growth. As people moved here, where the jobs were, our population grew in double digits—at one point doubling in a decade! We set the pace for innovation, job growth, economic development and success. We were the Silicon Valley of the 60s and 70s.
Today, unfortunately, that era is gone—but we must adapt and position ourselves for that next cycle of change. The key question is: How are we faring?
Let’s start with the good news. Michigan has done much inrecent years to reposition itself to recapture the glory of the past. I am extremely impressed at several initiatives going strong at the state level, as well as in several communities.
In the past year or two, the Mid-Michigan area has also stepped up. We’ve seen more activities, innovation and collaborative partnerships here recently than in the past 10 years combined.
The creation of two brand new Angel Investment groups inthe area is a great move. Without an ecosystem of investors, entrepreneurs (a key ingredient in the new talent-driven economy) will move away or decay—as they have done in the past. The Angel Investment groups can help prevent that.
Mid-Michigan’s launch of LEAP Inc., a unique public-private partnership to reposition the economy, is also a great accomplishment. There are very few communities in the country that have been able to pull together 30 of the largest companies and organizations in the community with one vision to drastically improve the economy of the region by supporting new enterprises.
We have also seen the Lansing Chamber of Commerce reinvent itself, investing in its leadership talent pool, innovation and a new value-driven approach to serving local businesses.
The Capital Area IT Council is another illustration ofthe uncommon methods being used to rethink business. This council is a unique collaboration of all technology-related companies in the area, coming together to solve the IT talent acquisition and retention problems faced by the region and, in fact, the country as a whole.
At the state level, Governor Granholm and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation are making bold moves. The launch of the 21st Century Job Fund proves that our leaders understand the state’s needs and are willing to take the necessary risks to invest in our future.
These are just a few of the investments currently underway. Each one is a key ingredient in the adaptation necessary for the region and state to keep up with rapid change.
Michigan is doing the right things, and many efforts are underway to help us reposition and adapt. However, while the necessary efforts are underway, I believe we are responding late—which is why we feel the impactof our slow response so deeply. While the change hit a while ago, only in the last few years have we started reacting with the level of aggressiveness required.
Michigan as a region has seen the writing on the wall fora while, and has tried its best to adapt and reposition itself. But just like a large elephant trying to turn around and change direction, changing our state’s direction is very hard. There are cultural barriers to correct, new attitudes to develop, and new economies that must be seeded.
And the catalyst for this change is talent driven, entrepreneur-focused, and motivated by community and collaboration.
I start my day thinking about strategic ways to leverage my talents, resources and regional assets to deliver value. Each one of us must think that way to remain relevant.
Hungry entrepreneurs— and states—understand that the cheese won’t come to them; they have to go find new cheese every day.
Let's go find that new cheese — or work on making our own.