Martians must LOVE Michigan.  Compel your imagination to take hold, and dream a bit with me:  A little baby Martian escapes the care of his parents, and heads toward the big beautiful green and blue ball we call Earth.  He does a few quick zips around the planet, in pursuit of a suitable place to take a respite and, just as he thinks he is going to have to settle for a BOOT (that would be Italy), he sees a MITT that appears to beckon him with a wave, and is most inviting.

It is a welcomed site, and brings an immediate grin to his face.  He swoops down and, upon landing, is met by a treasure trove of adventure.  Every nook and cranny rewards him with delight – whether it’s the Upper Peninsula, and its bears roaming charming downtowns, or the waterfall after waterfall (he even takes an exhilarating run down the Tahquamenon Falls, and can’t stop!), or the yummy jams handcrafted by devout Monks, or the snowmobile haven that runs from end to end, it all is superb.

It isn’t long before his adventure finds him at the Mighty Mac, where the TROLLS and FUDGIES of the Lower Peninsula lead him to the Maize and Blue, the Green and White, the truly Great Lakes, the fantabulous GR and, of course, the D.

The D…whoa…upon experiencing it, he is feeling amazingly hip, and full of style.  He can’t get over the history, and is moved by the fact he is in the birthplace of the automobile, the most highly technical, mass produced product in the Universe.  Cars, culture, gaming, music and sports - all in one place.  This Martian is happening now!  In fact, he is thinking the MITT should drop its fingers, leaving a THUMBS UP for future space invaders to see.

Truth be told, and our little Martian is a good example, outsiders feel good about Michigan.  And, with a bit of leadership, a vision for Michigan’s future is beholden of vibrancy, and deserving of self-love by its residents.  Strong, bold, enlightened, focused, inclusive, courageous, statesman-like leadership will carry the State of Michigan, anchored by the Detroit Region, to prosperity.

One D, and its collaborative of key organizations, will enable the Detroit Region to excel; and The Center for Michigan offers undeniable promise for the State at large, IF Michiganders embrace it, become engaged, and settle for nothing less than exceptional leaders.

Leaders emerging from these initiatives must define success to include a clear, unified vision, aimed at a robust knowledge based economy.  Thriving, walkable communities, accessible to all ages, and anchored by multi modal transit oriented development, must comprise it.  It must contain a commitment to lifelong learning, and efficiencies that make quality of life affordable, and new investment fertile.  It must commit to sustainable practices, and work diligently to preserve the most wonderful of natural assets – our truly Great Lakes.

Michigan has the physical assets, and spirited people.  It only awaits a bevy of leaders passionate about its success, putting nothing else ahead of it.  Those leaders must say, “Come to our playground, Martians and all.   Experience the only mitten on Earth…..you will be D-lighted!”