Recently, I was downtown and walked to two separate meetings in two different locations. As I was enjoying the stroll and the weather, I noticed the constant humming of activity–from construction noise to the number of people walking near Campus Martius. Clearly, there’s an energy and vibe downtown which, to longtime Detroiters, has been lacking….

We’ve all been inspired by someone in our life. Whether through a mentoring relationship, colleague or friend, I’m confident there’s at least one person who’s inspired you on to greater things–personally or professionally. Having a role model has different meanings for various people. In my opinion, it’s someone who you truly learn from, aspire to…

Many view Belle Isle as Detroit’s ultimate jewel. With it nestled east of downtown and surrounded by the Detroit River, the city of Detroit and Canada, this beauiful Island offers views unlike any other. However, Belle Isle, like the city itself, is going through a transformation under the leadership of Michelle Hodges. Hodges became president…

The Detroit riverfront is truly one of the jewels of Detroit. With panoramic views of the city’s skyline, Detroit River and Canada, it provides a breathtaking perspective on the beauty of the city, its riverfront and a neighboring country–Canada. Over the last several years, the Riverfront has gone through a major transformation beginning with the…

Ned Staebler, a Detroit native, was recently named President, TechTown Detroit, while maintaining responsibilities as Wayne State University’s Vice President, Economic Development. Prior to joining Wayne State in 2011, Stabler served as vice president for capital access and business acceleration at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation where he oversaw the Michigan Strategic Fund and led…

Detroit is hot! Yes, when it comes to entrepreneurship, it’s on a roll with new businesses sprouting across the city. According to a recently published report, nearly two dozen restaurants, stores and service businesses have opened in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood over the past year — and at least a dozen more are on the way…

Another Mackinac Policy Conference has come and gone. With nearly 1600 business and community leaders attending the 35th Detroit Regional Chamber’s confab, there was not a shortage of ideas, conversations and, of course, networking opportunities. This year, the Chamber identified three pillars–Talent, Urban Revitalization and Cohesion–and focused its three-day agenda on addressing these important topics….

As Detroit continues its emergence as a center for entrepreneurship and technology innovation, there are many factors driving its transformation–including how information will be delivered to and received by business and residential consumers. A critical part of the city’s future is its ability to aggressively compete by offering products, services and tools which are innovative,…

Recently, I attended a “Small Business Workshop: A Framework for Growth” event, at TechTown, in Detroit. It was a half-day session focused on providing resources to aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking to grow their business. A packed room heard business leaders, as part of a panel discussion, address topics ranging from access to capital, developing…

Many times you may be asked a simple question–what’s your vision? Many businesses have a stated vision–however, may entrepreneurs don’t. With it, you have a sense of direction and without it, you could be potentially drifting in the wind. Amelia “Mimi” Brown is an award-winning speaker, trainer, author, and coach that specializes in the art…