By John Bebow - March 28, 2008
So, my wife and I were at a dinner party last week. Truth be told, it was a recruiting dinner. The guests of honor were a talented, upwardly mobile, early 40s couple now residing in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. He is a Michigan native with years of experience in the defense industry. He has a very good job opportunity in Michigan. She is a MBA with a business consultancy she can pretty much operate from anywhere.
If they can get past the headlines and general angst over the Michigan economy, they could easily move here and thrive.
"Nobody wants to live in Washington, D.C.," she acknowledged. "It's a region full of transients. You are isolated. It takes hours to get anywhere. It's very difficult to make friends. People live there only for the job opportunities."
It's just the opposite here. Many in Michigan wouldn't trade their environment for any other. They just want the economic opportunities to match the recreational opportunities. There are dozens and dozens of examples of this pride in Michigan in the entries of the EnvisionMichigan story contest. The contest wraps up next week and more than $30,000 in college scholarships and vacation prizes will be awarded in May. But the entries are evergreen and can be viewed at any time right here.
In addition to the words of dozens of passionate Michiganders and Michiganians, and even a few state residents who relish a good fight over those monikers, you can view some 5,000 breathtaking photos submitted by Michigan phographers. We pick a favorite photo of the week and maintain a digital gallery right here.
People want to live here.
One Comment
This will be a hard sell. DC has one of the best transportation systems in the world. Who wants to drive 45 minutes to see a concert or go to a world class restaurant? I lived in DC and it is transient but there is so much to do and see that I am perplexed by the couple's comments. They may be in shock to have to fight traffic or even search out an international food store or a non chain restaurant in the area.
What about jobs?? Did you see there are about 17,000 jobs on the Washington Post website?? Just take a look at the paper thin Detroit News section today.... I have been trying to find the right fit in a job for years since moving back and there are virtually no jobs with someone with a strong background in government, business and international affairs. With this focus on China and the global environment you would think I would be getting calls from headhunters....!
Sure the quality of life is good and the schools, parks etc. but it just is not the same. You lived in a Chicago, Mr. Bebow and there is a certain buzz that I am sure you miss. I had friends who were from San Fran living in MI and moved back to a 2 bedroom apt with two small boys since they missed what she called " the core of a city". They did not care that they were going to be cramped and not have a backyard but realized they could walk out there door and go to a park or coffeehouse or their office.
Thank you.
Post a Comment