Blogs

The concept of place-making hones in on the creation of downtown gathering spots outside of home and work – third places, if you will. But how do you put this mindset into practice? Quite Scientific Records partner Jeremy Peters votes yes to public art, and no to obstructionism.

Jesse Bernstein says he feels half his age. Maybe that's why he's so invested in the idea of developing a vision of the future for Ann Arbor's Transportation Authority. The former president of A2's Chamber of Commerce believes that it is imperative we develop a comprehensive vision of what mass transit will look like a decade from now, and beyond. More than reading his blog, he wants you to weigh in on what the future of Washtenaw County's public transit should look like.

In the competitive web world, virtual shut-out is all but certain if you don't have the right text message. Here to discuss optimizing your own type space is Jessica Soulliere, the social media communications manager for the University of Michigan Health System. Off-hours, Jessica can be found, live, dancing the salsa.

The island model of development, where the workplace, living space, and businesses are separated by gulfs of highway and five-lane roads, has fallen out of favor, but zoning regulations haven't kept up with the changing tide. John Petz, director of real estate and public affairs at Domino's Farms, writes on this issue and on bringing young leadership into the fold.

In an open letter to Ann Arbor's mayor, News Editor Jon Zemke suggests that Seinfeld's George Costanza might offer some guidance when appointing the new board members to Ann Arbor's Transportation Authority.

What is the role of the public library in the digital age? Where does it draw its funding? How is it impacted by downtown development? Josie Parker, director of Ann Arbor's District Library, weighs in on the future of one of our city's most beloved institutions.

From visions of banana chairs to Compuware's recent hiring of an arts curator, companies are showing their humanistic side via art in the workplace. Art and design entrepreneurs Joy Naylor and Diane Bennett of Distinct Designs,Inc., a corporate interior design and art consultancy, offer up their perspective on local artists and art selection for businesses.

Justin Fenwick, community manager of the Arts Alliance, defines art as the artwork itself and also the process of starting something. This week Justin gives the shout-out to Creative Hybrids, a local class of artisan entrepreneurs who form collectives or set up an L3C, a type of enterprise combining business and social mission.

The return to local farming in urbanized areas is a page back in the history books, but lessons can't all be taught in the classroom. Green Diva Farms owner Kari Smith, who daylights as a historic review technician for the city of Detroit, talks about the barter system and how her farm stands up against flooding and hoop house vandalism.

Co-founder and vice president of Motawi Tileworks, Karim Motawi is half of a brother-sister team that turned their custom tile garage startup into a $2 million business.   An entrepeneur and innovator, Karim explains how new ideas can bring small start ups big help.

Ken Kozora says he's a composer, performer, educator, thinker and doer. We say he's really really busy. Ken's the founder and Director of Horns for the Holidays, teaches music to emotionally impaired children, does event planning for the Ecology Center and contracts as a solar and wind installer. He'll be writing about all that stuff. Read on!

Banks and offices are the buzz-kill of downtowns. Know why? Urban documentary filmmaker Kirk Westphal, founder of Westphal Associates, gives his view on this and other reasons why folks will do a hard stop and head no further down the block.

Back in 2001 Larry Eiler, CEO of Eiler Communications and director of the Small Business Association of Michigan, wrote an essay comparing our entrepreneurial landscape with Silicon Valley. Needless to say Michigan came up lacking. Boy, what a difference 10 years makes. In this week's guest blog Larry updates his assessment and finds more than a few encouraging trends.

Laura Rubin is the Huron River Watershed Council’s Executive Director. Under Laura’s leadership the HRWC has tripled it’s operating budget in five years; increased staff size, and expanded its programs. Laura will be writing about how the Huron is the lifeblood of our community and how we can keep it healthy.