Comments on: SE Michigan's Competitive Position http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/se-michigans-competitive-position/ A Forum for Our State's Future Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:42:23 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Adam Kaplan http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/se-michigans-competitive-position/comment-page-1/#comment-1047 Adam Kaplan Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:02:35 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=1095#comment-1047 I like the sophisticated nature of the study (decoupling aspects of the SE Michigan economy from others) and comparing relevant elements to other regions. As for the study itself, I did not notice much new here. I continue to be nagged by why the educated masses continue to leave SE Michigan in such large numbers. One fresh thought-- Perhaps the "cultural creatives" that we are eager to bring into SE Michigan are so turned off by the staid, old economy image of the U.S. automakers, suppliers, unions, etc. that they will not even consider settling down here. This despite strong cultural offerings, a robust housing stock and good educational system. Which begs the question-- would a significant and dramatic decline of the auto industry in Michigan and an aggressive behind the scenes and public effort to replace those jobs / companies serve to improve the perception of SE Michigan and over the short / medium term increase its attractiveness to the creatives? Other ideas? I like the sophisticated nature of the study (decoupling aspects of the SE Michigan economy from others) and comparing relevant elements to other regions.

As for the study itself, I did not notice much new here.

I continue to be nagged by why the educated masses continue to leave SE Michigan in such large numbers.

One fresh thought– Perhaps the "cultural creatives" that we are eager to bring into SE Michigan are so turned off by the staid, old economy image of the U.S. automakers, suppliers, unions, etc. that they will not even consider settling down here. This despite strong cultural offerings, a robust housing stock and good educational system.

Which begs the question– would a significant and dramatic decline of the auto industry in Michigan and an aggressive behind the scenes and public effort to replace those jobs / companies serve to improve the perception of SE Michigan and over the short / medium term increase its attractiveness to the creatives?

Other ideas?

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