Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Michigan needs to act now for a prosperous future!

April 15^th, 2009

A sobering and hard hitting report was released this week by Michigan Future, Inc. a highly regarded non-partisan, non-profit organization. The mission, as noted on the website, is to be a source of new ideas on how Michigan's people, enterprises and communities can succeed in the Information Age. Its work is funded primarily by Michigan foundations including the Grand Rapids based Frey Foundation. Lou Glazer the president of Michigan Future has long been sounding the alarm for Michigan to wake up and take hold of its future and take seriously the need to dramatically change! Often when listening to Lou, I have to admit it is difficult to want to heed his warnings but heed them we must!

Michigan Future's second annual progress report: "Michigan's Transition to a Knowledge Based Economy" is well worth the time to read and absorb! The key message the report clearly makes is that "economic development priority one is to prepare, retain and attract talent." It will take all of us to make this happen!

And lest we think in the Grand Rapids regional area that we are an oasis in the state that means we are sitting pretty, think again. I view the report not from a doomsday perspective but as a rallying point to make sure that we heed the warning and take action. AND IT IS NOT A QUICK FIX! Please take the time to read the report - not lengthy but powerful!