01.05.09
Posted in Business, Politics, Technology, Michigan, Detroit, Economy at 4:17 pm by Tim
Has there ever been a year more critical to the domestic auto industry than 2009? Given all the tumult of the past few months, the (often partisan) bickering in Washington, D.C. regarding its long-term health, and the faint hope even many here in Michigan have for the Big Three, the industry’s forthcoming celebration of self makes for a natural selection as January’s “Arresting Site of the Month.”
The North American International Auto Show Web site is filled with facts and figures about the 2009 event — open to the public from January 17-25 — in addition to an image gallery, videos, and more. As of this writing, certain sections don’t hold much detail, but the site will be updated during the show. Having recently completed a contract assignment for a business that closely supports one of our state’s automaker’s, I can say that these companies (as I’m sure is true of the foreign automakers and other exhibitors) are determined to put their best foot forward, and are hoping to wow us with the fresh designs and technical innovations you’ll see and hear on the hundreds of vehicles that will be on display. GM, Ford, and Chrysler, I wish you well, and hope this year’s NAIAS helps spark a turnaround.
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12.01.08
Posted in Business, Politics, Michigan, Jobs, Detroit, Economy at 11:41 pm by Tim
Anyone whose livelihood is tied directly or indirectly to the automotive industry knows just how vital it is to their economic health, and to that of the country as a whole. Unfortunately, many in Congress just don’t get it, and would prefer to kick General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler to the curb, rather than approve the much-needed, overly-debated bridge loan. Two forward-thinking Detroit-area residents have said ‘Enough!’
Steve Still and his wife, Jenny Arnold-Still, have just launched a website that demonstrates clearly why we still need the Big 3, and helps dispel numerous misconceptions. (In the spirit of full disclosure, my wife and I have known Steve and Jenny for years, we’re also friends with Steve’s daughter, and I’m working a contract position for a business that administers the main website of one of the aforementioned companies; hence, I have a vested interest in this matter. Nonetheless, this isn’t about us, it’s about millions of people who soon could be out of work). As such, I have selected AutoJobsMatter.org as my “Arresting Site of the Month” for December. Please note the calls to action, including the December 4 rally in the Motor City, the auto industry fact sheet, the link that takes you to a printable window sign that will allow you to show your support, and more. Learn about Steve and Jenny, and spread the word about their important, fact-filled online resource.
Note: Nominations for January’s site or blog of the month are due on Monday, December 29, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, January 5. Thanks for your participation.
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11.26.08
Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti at 11:44 pm by Tim
Glad you asked. Not only have I been working as an Interactive Project Manager at Wunderman-Team Detroit since late September, where I manage, troubleshoot, and upload text attributes and image assets within Ford Motor Company’s Configuration and Retail Services (CARS) content management system, I also have stayed quite busy as a Prescreener for the 2009 Ann Arbor Film Festival, which gives me the chance to look at roughly 20 films per week, and help determine which make the final cut. Both gigs have kept me jumping, but I hope to become more active in this space, and soon.
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11.03.08
Posted in Business, Education, Michigan, Environment, Jobs, Economy at 11:43 pm by Tim
There is a good chance the winner of Tuesday’s presidential contest will have earned his ticket to the White House in large part to having secured the electoral votes of the Great Lake State. Our two peninsulas benefit not only politicians, they afford individuals and businesses a great opportunity to start and expand their companies. The Michigan Advantage does a splendid job of demonstrating how they can get the “upper hand” by doing so. Thus, I’ve selected it as the Arresting Site of the Month for November.
Detailing Michigan’s strengths in such areas as alternative energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing, the site makes the case for our state, touting our skilled workforce, tax benefits, world-class universities, environmental beauty, and more. It’s also filled with helpful links that encourage further exploration. It’s easy to learn how your company can take advantage.
Note: Nominations for December’s site or blog of the month are due on Monday, November 24. I’ll announce the winner in this space on Monday, December 1. Thanks.
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10.06.08
Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film at 10:47 pm by Tim
Film productions have been streaming into Michigan since incentive legislation that passed in April made our state Hollywood’s new “it” locale. The sheer logistics of bringing together cast, crew, and support services can be daunting, but there is a splendid resource to help filmmakers share their vision with audiences. “More than a comprehensive directory of Michigan-based production resources,” The Producer’s Guide to Michigan — the creation of industry veterans Peter Mertz and Nick Johnston — offers an array of tools and advice on how and where to find the best sound stages & studios, extras, and more.
Given the seemingly endless reports of bad economic news around the country and around our state, it’s a distinct pleasure to spotlight this job-driving guide as the Arresting Site of the Month for October. Grab a camera and get rolling.
Note: Nominations for November are due on Monday, October 27, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, November 3. Thanks once again for your interest and your participation.
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09.01.08
Posted in Business, Education, Michigan, News, Environment, Economy, Travel at 1:09 pm by Tim
It bills itself as “…a partnership that provides one place online for people to find information relating to the binational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region of North America” and the Great Lakes Information Network consistently achieves that goal, and has been doing so since the early ’90s. I wrote about the Ann Arbor-based GLIN in this space back in March and, given its breadth and depth, I’ve selected it as the ”Arresting Site of the Month” for September. GLIN’s pages focus on the Great Lakes themselves, plus the region’s economy, education, environment, and tourism, and it’s easy to search by state or province, as well as by individual lake.
There also is a section on maps and geographic information systems, where you’ll encounter portals, galleries, and links that offer a swath of further detail. Speaking of the latter, GLIN nominates its own “Site of the Month,” and its extensive archive in this regard dates back to 1996. You can jump in anywhere and be sure to discover facts and figures about the Great Lakes, but a good place to start is the information center. Whether you’ve lived in Michigan or elsewhere around the Great Lakes your entire life, or you’re a recent transplant to this beautiful area, you’re bound to learn something new at GLIN.
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08.13.08
Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film, Detroit at 12:10 pm by Tim
I had my three days in the Hollywood limelight, working as an extra on the set of Whip It (see July 21 post), which stars Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, and many others among a top-flight ensemble. I was quite impressed with Ms. Barrymore’s directorial work, especially since it’s her debut behind the lens. She kept the action moving crisply, yet always found time to collaborate on ideas with the cast and crew, and she often (and genuinely) complimented the extras. There also were plenty of laughs on the set, which kept everyone in good spirits, even on the night I worked until after 4 a.m. in the heat of the old Monarch Steel warehouse on Mt. Elliot in Detroit. I’m hoping she returns to the Great Lake State often with her production company, Flower Films, as many area residents made extra money (no pun intended) during the production, and gained valuable experience and insight. Well done.
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07.21.08
Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film at 5:14 pm by Tim
Whaddya know?! Found out today that I’m slated be on set as an extra in Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It!, starring Ellen Page, and which begins shooting next week here in Michigan. I should know soon how many days the filmmakers will use me, and I’m honored to have been chosen, along with hundreds more area residents, by the talented folks at Real Style. It’s amazing to see how quickly the state is attracting movie business since Governor Granholm signed incentive legislation in April. This region is known for keeping wheels turning, now let’s see if we can keep reels turning.
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07.07.08
Posted in Business, The Web, Michigan, News, Detroit, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Economy, Grand Rapids at 10:43 am by Tim
Featuring “daily reports on job growth and development in Southeast Michigan, from Detroit to Ann Arbor,” metromode remains one of the most compelling Michigan-focused Web sites going. As such, I’ve selected it as my “Arresting Site of the Month” for July. Packed with resources for those living in or doing business in Michigan, and/or for those thinking of moving here and doing the same, the site is updated with daily reports on job growth and development in the region, and a free weekly e-magazine goes out to subscribers every Thursday. Detroit-based Issue Media Group publishers Brian J. Boyle and Paul Schutt and their fine staff offer a slate of enticing articles and features, such as this recent piece on a green project involving 22 students from Cass Technical High School, and they spotlight growth areas and companies that merit your attention. Also check out its video section, where you’ll find nuggets like the piece about Moo Moo’s healthy food.
All in all, it’s a pleasure to read hopeful news about our state. There is a bonus with this month’s “Arresting” award, as Issue Media Group also publishes — among others — Model D, which zeroes in on the city of Detroit, in addition to Rapid Growth, which showcases Grand Rapids, and Capital Gains, a look at developments in and around Lansing.
Note: Nominations for August are due on Monday, July 28, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, August 4. Thanks for your participation.
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05.05.08
Posted in Business, Michigan, News, Video at 12:34 pm by Tim
Thanks to those of you who submitted nominations for the inaugural “Arresting Site or Blog of the Month” award, and I’m pleased to announce the winner for May: Michigan Innovators. I first ran across this terrific online destination last summer, which dovetails perfectly with the spirit of this blog, wherein I look to spotlight Michiganders who display creative zeal. Bud Gibson is doing just that. Along with Diana Wong – who now is in an advisory role – Gibson founded the site in June of 2007, and has compiled an impressive archive of video interviews with business and community leaders across the state, including MicroMax’s Rachel McCormack, the Ann Arbor Film Festival’s Donald Harrison, Metro Parent’s Read the rest of this entry »
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