The Collaborative Group Blog

“It’s about innovation.  How do we innovate?  How do we leapfrog the competition?” asked Mike Finney on December 1^st at an event at The Collaborative Group.  With other states doing exactly what Michigan was doing to attract business and economic development, Mike recognized the need for a change.  After years working in innovative environments like Ann Arbor Spark!, he joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) when Governor Rick Snyder took office in January of 2011.

Mike took a new approach to business development – giving businesses the attention they need by providing services, not just money, and treating investments like investors by providing access to capital, talent, and customers.  Today, governments across the nation are looking to Michigan to hear what we’re doing and why… A new spin for our state.

Mike said building an entrepreneurial ecosystem is a must.  Looking 20-30-40-years out and “not creating jobs for today, but for our future” is essential.  Mike expressed the highest priority as talent retention and attraction saying, “We’ll become a retiree state [unless] we figure out how to keep our young talent.”  Launched earlier this year, the MEDC’s LiveWorkDetroit! program introduces young people to Michigan’s urban core, focusing on job opportunities and lifestyle.

But, who will create the jobs?  According to Mike, immigrants are responsible for 33% of entrepreneurial activity in Michigan.  Together with the Governor, Mike wants to send a message that Michigan is immigrant-friendly (see the article below for more details on this initiative).  There are also numerous programs in the works with the MEDC, including a social entrepreneurship initiative set to create over 1,200 jobs in the state in 2012 and another program called Shifting Gears which targets individuals over 40-years old who were displaced in the recession and are looking to re-enter the workforce.  “Michigan is number two right now in the country for economic growth.  We’re leading the country out of the recession and doing things that matter, without asking permission.”

In the early nineties, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson founded the Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3), a coalition of five south Oakland communities focused on zoning, land use, beautification, historic heritage, innovation, and how to move each community’s legacy into the next generation.  But, one key piece was missing: transit.  Heather Carmona, executive director of WA3, explained that, “The connectivity among these five communities speaks volumes and WA3 believes this topic is too important to avoid.”

In an effort to continue the transit conversation, WA3 joined forces with the Michigan Suburbs Alliance (MSA).  Associate director Melanie Piana, along with Heather, sought to build a partnership to help guide growth in these suburban communities and determine a plan for reinvestment.  Melanie knew it was essential to consider “how we look at transit north of 8 Mile Road.”  Together, Heather and Melanie created the Transform Woodward movement and sought out key stakeholders including local architect Mark Nikita who said, “Even if transit never comes to Woodward, this effort will still produce good land use and that’s important for our region.”

Looking at the communities along Woodward in Oakland County as a linear city was the first step.  Heather explained, “There may not be a train in the next 5-years along Woodward, but there will be redevelopment and we can work with our partners to influence that development to have a transit focus.”  Transform Woodward brings together public officials and private partners to talk about changing land use along Woodward Avenue to drive investment.  The team has brought over $3M to the corridor which is seed money that has been used for a complete streets master plan and much more.

Melanie warned, “In the United States, transit improvements can be a six- to eight-year process,” and it’s important to fill in the gaps along that long road.  One gap is developing an overlay zone to create a footprint of consistent development along Woodward.  The Transform Woodward team sees this as a mixed-use platform encouraging walkability and promoting the Detroit – Oakland County connection.

A two-year study is currently underway to determine the best type of transit for the area north of 8 Mile Road.  Transform Woodward focuses on a revenue-driven development plan with a focus on all modes of transportation for the surrounding communities because, as Melanie says, “An investment in transit is an investment in new jobs and new business.”  Transit will move our region forward.

For more details, check out the WA3’s website: http://www.woodwardavenue.org/Invest.html

Complacency and arrogance are a dangerous combination.  When Detroit looked inward and ignored the surrounding world changing, it lost the notion of innovation and reinvention, explained Dave Egner, President of the Hudson-Webber Foundation, who spoke to The Collaborative Group on October 6^th.  However, Dave believes that the current generation of young leaders has the right idea to move the region forward, recognizing that multiple answers exist and the revitalization of the region must be organic.

Unfortunately, Michigan continues to lose these young leaders at a disproportionate rate.  Perhaps it is based on misperception of job availability.  Perhaps the young leaders seek a dynamic lifestyle and city.  As Michigan continues to get older, less educated, and poorer it becomes more obvious that attracting young, educated professionals is essential for revitalization.

Hudson-Webber is doing its part.  The foundation established the 15×15 initiative in concert with other like-minded organizations as an effort to bring 15,000 educated households to greater downtown Detroit by 2015 – doubling the existing population of educated households.  The vision was embraced by the community with partners in Midtown developing LiveMidtown and partners in downtown developing LiveDowntown, both programs providing housing incentives to Detroit employees who work for partnering companies.

Dave also leads the New Economy Initiative (NEI), a consortium of ten-foundations each contributing $10-million to a $100-million fund focused on accelerating the transition of Southeast Michigan to an innovation-based economy.  NEI has made over 50-grants watching businesses emerge and grow, but recognizes that changing a culture will take time.

Regardless of what hat he is wearing, Dave recognizes Michigan’s wealth of assets.  From the world’s largest logistic capacity to its abundance of art and cultural institutions, Michigan must be recognized for its contribution to the world.  “Cities like Chicago are great places to dwell in; Detroit is a great city to create in,” Dave explained, noting the low barrier to entry and rich set of assets and accessibility.  “Showcasing these assets starts with us… We must embrace that this region is Detroit.”

“Tuesdays with Morrie” earned a place on the New York Times’ Best Sellers list for more than four years.  The highly acclaimed memoir reflects on a life-changing experience for Mitch Albom, the kickoff speaker for our third year at The Collaborative Group.

Before reconnecting with his old professor, Morrie, Mitch admitted he thought charity meant writing a check.  But, in the magic that came from Tuesdays spent with the old man dying from Lou Gehrig’s disease, Mitch learned that charity means so much more.

During one of their conversations, Mitch asked Morrie why he didn’t play the sympathy card, he was dying after all.  Morrie explained, “Why would I take?  Taking feels like dying.  Giving is living.”

Mitch, once addicted to his job, is now addicted to giving.  Nothing feels better than the giving he has done in Detroit and abroad, particularly in Haiti.  With over six privately funded charities bearing his name and his dedication, Mitch is most excited about:

• A Time to Help: This organization meets monthly and seeks out individuals willing to donate a small amount of time to sprucing up buildings, playgrounds, and neighborhoods in Detroit.
• S.A.Y. Detroit: Founded after a night spent in a local homeless shelter during an exceptionally cold Michigan winter, Mitch decided to raise enough funds to ensure that Detroit homeless could stay in shelters until the weather warmed; he raised so much money that he was able to start a local clinic for homeless children and their mothers as well.

“All you need is a good idea and a little bit of energy.  You can accomplish much,” Mitch expressed, noting again that giving really is living.  And, it doesn’t matter how much money or time you have because giving back is a sliding scale – you CAN make a difference with just one-hour or $10.  Give what you can.

What’s next for Mitch?  Believe it or not, he is starting two new charities:

• The Heart of Detroit: A partnership with Channel 4-WDIV.  This television show will profile local, unsung heroes who give of themselves while expecting nothing in return.
• Working Homes, Working Families: Taking two of Detroit’s biggest challenges head-on, this charity will match vacant homes with families in need of housing.

His addiction to charity is making an impact on our community, “Giving back is the best thing I do… [everything else] pales in comparison.”

Click here to watch a video of Mitch’s presentation courtesy of our member John Richardson of MotionEcho Media.

On Thursday, September 8^th members convened for the second annual membership meeting to discuss The Collaborative Group’s accomplishments over the past year and plans for the coming year.  Executive Director Deirdre Greene Groves shared that in its second year the organization:

• Hosted 18-events including roundtable lunches, panel discussions, proposal presentations, and a speaker series;
• Worked on multiple initiatives aimed at connecting up-and-coming entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial thinkers with established leaders to spur economic growth, including the launch of Challenge Detroit;
• Formed various strategic alliances with like-minded organizations, nonprofits, government, corporations, institutions, and media partners;
• Developed connections among members who have collaborated on new business ventures and transformational ideas; and
• Garnered media recognition including WJR, WWJ/CBS Detroit, Crain’s Detroit Business, and Downtown Publications.

Deirdre also welcomed several new members and three new Board directors including:

• Natalie Bruno, Vice President, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings;
• David Gasper, Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services; and
• Jim Reinhart, Partner, Plante & Moran.

For a complete summary of accomplishments and plans, click here to download the 2010-2011 Annual Report.

President Doyle Mosher provided an update on Challenge Detroit, celebrating strides and accomplishments made over the past year:

• Developed strategic plan;
• Committed 30-host companies;
• Launched beta website and social media pages;
• Engaged strategy and fundraising consultants; and
• Identified board of directors and supporters.

After introducing the Board members and reviewing the list of companies and organizations that have pledged their commitment to Challenge Detroit, Doyle discussed next steps and engaged the members to help by:

• Seeking out funding and in-kind support;
• Connecting to more companies for jobs;
• Suggesting solutions for housing, furnishings, transportation, etc; and
• Spreading the word!

You, too, can help.  Visit www.challengedetroit.org and check out the social pages at www.facebook.com/challengedetroit and www.twitter.com/challengedet!

Rounding out an exceptional year of educational, inspirational, and thought-provoking events, members and guests of The Collaborative Group visited Detroit’s RiverWalk on Thursday, June 9.  Detroit RiverFront Conservancy president and CEO, Faye Alexander Nelson, shared that the Conservancy was founded in 2003 as a nonprofit organization with a two-fold mission:

1. To connect the public to the riverfront; and
2. To serve as a catalyst for economic development along the riverfront.

To bring vision to reality, the Conservancy partnered with major local players including General Motors which made significant financial contributions and assisted with building out the waterfront in front of the Renaissance Center; the City of Detroit which made mixed-use development possible; and the Kresge foundation which contributed $50-million dollars.

Boasting over 31-acres, the long-term vision for the Conservancy is to host 5.5-miles of RiverWalk – Phase 1 is presently 80% complete.  As fundraisers, builders, and stewards, the team at Conservancy engages with the community at many levels to come together and focus on the waterfront revitalization and continued sustainability.  Public-private partnerships were essential to making the project and on-going efforts possible.

For more information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, maps, and more, visit www.DetroitRiverFront.org and check them out Facebook.

Incubation and acceleration are the name of the game for Detroit’s Tech Town.  On Thursday, May 26, general manager Leslie Smith joined us to share how Tech Town is incubating entrepreneurs and accelerating business growth across the greater Detroit area.

Forming powerful partnerships with key stakeholders has been a driving force behind the organization’s success.  Partners include nationally recognized Kauffman Foundation, US Small Business Administration, the City of Detroit, and the New Economy Initiative among others.  These partnerships have enabled access to capital, talent, mentorship, and support for developing big ideas and making a big impact on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Since its inception, Tech Town has garnered much media attention for its meaningful efforts and contribution to the fabric of economic development in and around Detroit.  From Crain’s Detroit Business and the Detroit Free Press to Time magazine and The New York Times, the nation is captivated by Tech Town’s unique approach to putting Detroit back to work.

Drive.  Passion.  Ambition.  All keywords that characterize top leaders, including the panel from our first LeadershipLab.

On Tuesday, May 10^th we gathered some of the greater Detroit area’s top minds to talk about the work they’re doing to move the region forward.  Panelists included Glenn Oliver, President of H2Bid.com, David Gasper, Financial Advisor at UBS Financial Services, Marge Sorge, Executive Director of The Detroit Regional News Hub, and Natalie Bruno, Director of Development for multiple organizations including Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, and Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival.

Here are a few of the key take-ways:

Glenn is a lawyer and businessman who recognizes that entrepreneurial spirit is a driving force for Detroit’s revitalization.  Capitalizing on what is perhaps our greatest resource – water – Glenn founded H2Bid.com, a company that improves connectivity for water contractors.  Glenn has built his business on two key principles:

1. Using a “potluck” approach to enact change, and
2. Making the tent big enough to fit everyone under it.

A native Michigander who resided on the west coast after college, David says that the best decision he ever made and biggest risk he ever took are one in the same: coming home to Michigan.  Today, David works with his father who has influenced him to always do what is best for his clients and family.  David is an avid golfer and volunteers much of his time to the Midnight Golf Program which connects mentors to teens using golf as a means to engage positive peer pressure.

Through all she’s accomplished, one lesson Marge has learned is that collaboration is essential.  As leader of The News Hub, an organization that seeks to work with the media to provide balanced stories about Detroit, Marge has gathered community leaders to develop a key message for Detroit: “This is a vibrant, robust place, proud of its heritage and working together to get things done.”  Marge serves on numerous boards and has received a wealth of awards for her work in advancing media relations in Detroit.

Natalie is a fundraiser, trumpet player, and community leader who proclaims that her biggest achievement is Detroit Passport to the Arts, a multi-ticket discount package program to Detroit arts organizations targeting young professionals.  Natalie believes the lessons learned as a musician can be applied to any career: vision, passion, drive, creative spirit, and a sense of community are always keys for success.  Proving that point, Detroit Passport to the Arts has become a model program for cities across the country.

On Tuesday, April 26 we learned about a new initiative taking root.  Longtime partner focusing on environmental issues at Jaffe Law, Arthur Siegal’s recent passion has taken him in a new direction.  Realizing that the average local high school student knows little about the greater Detroit community except they don’t want to be here, Arthur co-founded BackStage Pass, “an exclusive four-year program dedicated to retaining the next generation of Jewish influencers and change-agents in the metropolitan Detroit area.”  Seeking creative young leaders with an entrepreneurial spirit, BackStage Pass accepted 21-students into the first cohort after receiving applications in a variety of formats including art projects, letters to future selves, and even videos.  BackStage Pass will engage students with opportunities to connect to relevant experiences and leaders with an end goal of showcasing the region’s assets and encouraging more young people to stay in the area.

On Tuesday, April 26 we learned about a new business emerging locally.  Paul Chamber and Curtis Hays co-founded Quotegine out of a necessity to better control their business’ proposal management system.  Both leaders at Core 3 Solutions, a local web solutions company, they questioned why a web-based business was resorting to printers and fax machines to finalize deals.  Quotegine allows users the ability to collaborate in an online forum with other team members to create proposals and use an e-based delivery and approval system. Quotgine also boasts numerous tutorials to guide newbies along the way.  For a small monthly fee, Quotegine makes the proposal process efficient and (just about) effortless.