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- Category business | Tags: business,michigan,region
Michigan is working through a painful economic restructuring. The domestic auto industry along with the high paying, good-benefit factory jobs that long fueled Michigan’s economy will never be the same. High unemployment, persistent poverty and crime in our urban areas consume too many conversations. Demographic shifts within Michigan’s stagnant population coupled with the structural changes needed in our state’s economy add to a perception of doom and gloom for Michigan residents and businesses alike. I see Michigan differently.
When I was growing up, my mom taught me how to make decisions and set priorities. Her approach was to always try to develop three good reasons to make a decision or take action. If you cannot think of three sound reasons to operate a Michigan-based business, it’s time to look for other solutions or make other choices. While there are many reasons to operate a business in Michigan, here are my top three.
- Big Change. Change creates opportunities and rapid change fosters big opportunities. If anything is true about Michigan it is that there is a need, a mandate actually, for fundamental structural economic change. For a research business like mine, this creates endless opportunities to explore new markets, test new communication approaches and help develop new products and services. Michiganders need to think and act in new and different ways. Research helps reduce the risk of error. Some may shy away from these challenges. At Kahle Research Solutions we seek to understand the need for change and the specific strategies and action steps to take on behalf of our clients so all of us can be successful.
- Talent and People. Michigan did not become an economic powerhouse on luck alone. Smart people who work hard, persevere and can endure and exploit economic change still live here in great numbers. We all are challenged by what to do next, but let’s remember that Michigan is still ranked in the top ten of population nationally with more people than North Carolina, New Jersey, Missouri, Washington and 42 states in all. There is power in people and in Michigan we need to harness our people power to fuel our economic resurgence. The people of our state are a very good reason to do business in Michigan.
- Natural Resources. If you have not journeyed “Up North” in a while, you need to take a fresh look. Yes, there are many “For Sale” signs and more than a few empty storefronts. Yet they are overshadowed by the radiant sunset over Lake Michigan, a peaceful boat ride on Lake Charlevoix and a mess of fresh perch from one of the many inland lakes. The powerful natural resources of Michigan weave a glorious tapestry of opportunity. Fresh, clean water and fertile soil will long be a major source of Michigan’s economic infrastructure and future. Wind, sand and the diverse natural assets will attract tourists and businesses that flourish in the perfect environment. We need these resources to enjoy a great quality of life and develop new sources of energy and other allied businesses.
When the gloom and doom becomes oppressive — and admittedly it does get bad for many of us — let’s remember that Michigan’s need for dramatic change, its people strong in numbers and character, as well as a vast array of natural resources make Michigan a great place to live, work and own an enterprise poised for growth.
