Made In Michigan: Indie Film
By: Brian G. Walsh, 12/13/2007
Technology and the Internet have created incredible opportunities for budding moviemakers and Michigan has no shortage of dedicated film artists. But building an industry from scratch means keeping the talent here. Metromode introduces you to a few indie filmmakers determined to find success and stay local.
Drilling Deep: Geothermal Heat
By: Kelli B Kavanaugh, 11/15/2007
If the thought of plummeting temps and skyrocketing heating costs make you want to bury your head in the sand, maybe you should dig a little deeper and start drilling for energy. Geothermal heating systems have long been touted for their "green" benefits. Who knew its supporters were referring to cold hard cash?
SE Michigan's Blogger Nation
By: Lucy Ament, 11/1/2007
Whatever your opinion, there's no denying that bloggers are dismantling the wall between the public and the press, creating a virtual underground for ideas and opinions. And SE Michigan has more than its fair share of citizen journalists, armchair politicos, cultural pioneers and cranks just
City Vs. State
By: Jon Zemke, 11/1/2007
Some say the same top-down mentality that has stymied Michigan's ability to expand and diversify its economy is also preventing local governments from initiating bold new policies, putting the breaks on everything from smoke-free spaces to cable access to green building incentives. How does Michigan encourage its cities to think outside the box if the Capitol keeps a firm hand on the lid?
Michigan's Foodie Nation
By: Tanya Muzumdar, 10/25/2007
Once upon a time ketchup was the most exotic spice found in Midwest pantries. No more. Foodie-friendly shops are are popping up all over SE Michigan to satisfy our new found craving for exotic, gourmet and artisan foods. Metromode points you toward a few of the best.
Downtowns Become Boomertowns
By: Nancy Kaffer, 10/25/2007
As Gen-Xers become homebuyers and baby boomers become empty nesters, seniors are reconsidering their suburban retirement options and choosing downtown living. These "ruppies" bring more than just money to urban neighborhoods, they also bring a commitment to getting involved.
From Plot To Plate: SE Michigan's Urban Gardens
By: Amy Whitesall, 10/18/2007
From fresh veggies to healthier neighborhoods; SE Michigan's communities are learning that when it comes to the benefits of community gardens, food is just the beginning.
Size Matters
By: Jon Zemke, 10/4/2007
To touch the sky or keep things human size? SE Michigan's revitalized downtowns are struggling with the size of their buildings as young professionals look for a more urban experience, leaders see density as a way to combat sprawl and long-time residents worry their community's unique character is compromised.
In Pfizer's Wake
By: Tanya Muzumdar, 9/13/2007
Pfizer walks out the door and opportunity comes in through the window. Ann Arbor takes inspiration from another Michigan community's post-Pfizer successes and seeds the ground with start ups, SPARK and state support.
Place Matters
By: Amy E. Whitesall, 9/5/2007
Job, schmob. Location is where it's at. More and more young professionals are settling into communities that match their lifestyle, then finding jobs that complete the picture.
Michigan Jobs 2.0
By: Kimberly Chou, 8/30/2007
As Michigan evolves its economy, innovative high-tech companies are successfully planting their flags in uncharted territory. For job seekers, however, it means applying for a position that didn't exist five years ago. Kimberly Chou takes a look at three local companies and the cutting edge jobs they're creating.
Accent Reduction Institute
By: Amy Whitesall, 8/9/2007
Judy Ravin has helped people speak clearly for 15 years, but her accent reduction business is booming as the world gets smaller and the workforce gets more diverse.
Google High
By: Alex Dziadosz, 8/2/2007
Along with the promise of 1,000 new jobs, Google's Adwords office is embracing Ann Arbor in unexpected ways: assisting local non-profits and even teaching high school.
Greenways = Greenbacks
By: Jon Zemke, 8/2/2007
Green spaces are not only good for quality of life, environment and recreation, they can also boost the local economy. Think of them as a way to increase your bottom line while reducing your bottom size.
Good Things Come In Small Packages
By: Alex Dziadosz, 7/26/2007
Since the decline of the Big Three, it's become clear Michigan businesses need a new model. As technology firms pop up, and global communications allow small companies to compete internationally like never before, more start-ups are realizing that it pays to be David when you're battling Goliaths.
Foragers Guide To Employee Perks
By: Kimberly Chou, 6/28/2007
Last month's open house at Google AdWords in Ann Arbor caught the eyes of many 9 to 5ers left wondering why their companies don't provide catered lunches, free massages or superhero cubicle décor. Where are the Michigan businesses with benefits beyond the 401k? And why aren't there more of them? The region has some catching up to do when it comes to unorthodox work perks and places, but there's hope yet.
whiteMAKO
By: Alex Dziadosz, 6/21/2007
Ready or not here he comes! There are plenty of 20 year-olds who think they can change the world but how many of them have started a lucrative web design and multimedia firm at age thirteen? Meet Chris Mwakasisi, CEO of whiteMAKO.
The Kids Are Alright
By: Kimberly Chou, 5/31/2007
When we talk about quality of life issues, who considers the region's sizable teen population? Ann Arbor's Neutral Zone is setting the bar for teen community centers, making use of the latest technologies and trends while nurturing the kind of homegrown talent Michigan desperately needs.
Can You Say Oliebollen?
By: Kimberly Chou, 5/24/2007
"No, that bib doesn't come in scotch plaid." Fashionable kids clothes really are out there--and Oliebollen, an Ann Arbor online store, helps sartorial young parents find them all in one place.
Google Arrives In Ann Arbor
By: Jeff Meyers, 5/22/2007
With much hoopla, Google held a formal open house for their new Adwords division in downtown Ann Arbor. Metromode went on the tour, sampled the buffet and saw more lava lamps and Mr. Potato Heads than you could possibly imagine.
Some Assembly Required
By: Jon Zemke, 3/29/2007
Come and get it! For some, the sit down family meal may sound like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. But prepared gourmet meal services and personal chefs are turning grab-and-run meals into dinner hour adventures.
Put Your Money Where Your Art Is
By: Jon Zemke, 3/1/2007
Some neo-realism with your money market account? How about fairy dust with that root canal? Local businesses are partnering with artists to help sculpt an identity that stands out against a landscape littered with cookie-cutter chainstores.
A2 Rallies for Rails
By: Jon Zemke, 2/1/2007
Ann Arbor has become a leading advocate for regional mass transit, lobbying hard for a pair of commuter train lines that could connect key parts of Metro Detroit and be an important part of the region's transformation.
Building the Third Coast
By: Tanya Muzumdar, 1/25/2007
Venture capital long has been the province of the Silicon Valley and Boston-area firms. It helps create fertile ground for entrepreneurs — just the folks who hold the keys to Michigan's economy in the long-run.
The Real Big Three
By: Ann Schimke, 1/18/2007
What drives the economy? The real Big Three — the big universities in Detroit, Ann Arbor and E. Lansing, bringing in hundreds of millions of research dollars, and fostering jobs and start-up companies.
Ann Arbor, Welcome Detroit
By: Mike Ramsey, 1/10/2007
Ann Arbor needs Detroit. Detroit needs Ann Arbor. As much as these places are their own communities, they need one another more than ever.
Design Evolution
By: Jeff Meyers, 1/10/2007
The basic tenet of Darwinian evolution is "adapt or die." With today's expanding global market and its ever-shifting demands, the mantra for business survival could easily be "innovate or vanish."