Concentrate - Features

Internet Deuce

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The future is here! Or, at least, it's being developed here in Ann Arbor. Internet2 will revolutionize the information age, allowing the seamless delivery of information across the globe. Its implications are vast and wide, transforming everything from astronomy to media to medicine. Think the world's small now? It's about to get a whole lot smaller.

Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Once upon a time, our auto industry was founded on the visions of its leaders and the risks investors took supporting them. Venture capital is the fuel that drives the engine of innovation. So, where do promising new local companies go to raise funds? For 27 years the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium has helped provide an answer. The annual two-day event starts today in Ypsilanti. Could it provide the missing link in Michigan's economic evolution?

Down On The Farm With Zingerman's

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First it was bread. Then butter and cheese. Now it's veggies. Zingerman's lives up to the saying: "If you want to do something right, do it yourself." Case in point: The six acres (expected to grow to 100) at Cornman Farms, where 'authentic' produce is grown to fill the dinner plates at Zingerman's Roadhouse. Come and get it!

MASTERMIND: Wendy Batiste-Johnson

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It's one thing to improve the look of your customers. It's quite another to improve the look of your neighborhood. And yet, that's just what Wendy Batiste-Johnson has done with her downtown Ann Arbor boutique. While street after street fills up with chain-store restaurants and retail, Possh proves that locally owned businesses can not only compete but become community tastemakers.

A3C: Greener Than Thou

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Green construction may be all the rage but the truth is very few buildings actually achieve a smaller carbon footprint. And then there's the Ann Arbor Architects Collaborative (A3C). Retrofitting an 80+ year old storefront in downtown, the 25 year-old firm has spared no detail in its quest to create a model for urban sustainability.

MASTERMIND: Linda Girard

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Whether it's web optimization or life optimization, Linda Girard has the kind of vision, energy and confidence others look up on Google. Co-founder of the successful Internet marketing company, Pure Visibility, she's translated a Life 2.0 philosophy into Web 2.0 business savvy.

Information Evolution

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Computer science + design + social science = Innovation. Concentrate checks out the student projects at the University of Michigan's School of Information and witnesses the next evolutionary stage in information technology.

Art Counts In Washtenaw County

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Not only can arts and culture mean big bucks for the local economy, it's an important part of the formula for attracting and keeping young professional talent. But how do you meaningfully track the health of Washtenaw County's arts community? The Ann Arbor Arts Alliance hopes to find the answer with its "Arts Count," artists' census.

Coworking: Solo But Not Alone

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One is the loneliest number no more. As micro start-ups and independent freelancers proliferate, new economy Ann Arborites are discovering the joys of coworking. From cafes to rent-a-desks to drop-in workspaces, they're recreating all the benefits of office life ...without the boss.

MASTERMIND: James Marks

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As much of the economy goes global, James Marks of Ypsilanti's VGKids finds that there's plenty of success to be found locally. Paradoxically, this success has given him both a national reputation and the opportunity to expand his business to the west coast.

Ghostly International

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

From Halo to Hummer, Ann Arbor-based Ghostly International may be musical tastemakers to the world but founder Sam Valenti IV is really just preserving his legacy as the cool neighborhood record-store guy.

MASTERMIND: Christen McArdle

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Quality or quantity? Freedom or funding? Spend ten minutes with Christen McArdle, the Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, and it's clear which she'll choose. It takes leadership, creativity and stamina to run the oldest avant garde film fest in North America ...especially when it's underfunded and under fire. It takes a mastermind to make it thrive.

Investing In Vintage Ypsi

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:56:07 GMT

There are two sides to every economic story. While the region reels from falling house prices, the Maurer family sees the downturn as an opportunity to step in and rehabilitate many of Ypsilanti's glorious Victorian homes. Far from opportunists, their mission is to rejuvenate what might otherwise remain neglected.

The Metro Toddler

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As Generations X and Y reach their childrearing years, they find few family-time options that reflect their desire to swim against the mainstream. From urban to urbane, there's a growing national trend for play spaces and social groups that cater to hip kids.

Two Wheel Revolution

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Long intimidated by automotive roadhogs, cyclists are reclaiming their rightful place along the nation's highways and byways. From hilly Seattle to dense beyond dense New York City, bike lanes are becoming the urban standard. Metromode's Tanya Muzumdar looks at how Metro Detroit stacks up.

MODErn Living

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Basho said, "Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home." Some Metro Detroiters are taking those words to heart and making their house the adventure.

Hipsilanti

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"The Brooklyn to Ann Arbor's Manhattan." No longer content to live in The Deuce's shadow, Ypsilanti is emerging as an affordable alternative for both creative and professional types. Viva La Differance!

A Hand Out

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Looking for a New Year's resolution? Whether it's teaching kids to write or maintaining park trails, volunteerism is changing Metro Detroit for the better. As anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has."

Made In Michigan: Indie Film

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Show Me The Money: VC In MI

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone knows that success requires a bit of inspiration and a whole lot of perspiration. But there's a third part of the equation Michigan can't afford to ignore if it hopes to transform its economy: Investment. Jon Zemke takes a look at the current state of our venture capital.

In Pfizer's Wake

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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.