Detroit Startup Weekend

As the beautiful state of Michigan transforms into a scintillating sea of russets and golds, the refreshing weather of autumn inspires us to set aside time for reflection. In this season where we remind ourselves of what we are most thankful for, I am proud that Detroit sits high on my list. While I have always called the Woodward corridor my home, Detroit’s charm and dedication in this tectonic shift of business and industry has really ignited my passion for it. I am constantly reminded of Detroit’s infallible ethic as I explore the nascent startup and entrepreneurial community that has burst onto the scene in recent years.

I myself have had the opportunity to work in Detroit’s growing startup economy, and it has been an exciting and enlightening experience every step of the way. The rapid growth of the firms I have worked for in the technology and advertising industries has clearly demonstrated Detroit’s preparedness for this new business paradigm.

The unique opportunities for new companies with agile and asset-light strategies has reignited interest from larger companies as well. AT&T will return more than 800 jobs to Detroit when it closes outsourced call centers, and Genetic research firm Sequenom will bring more than 500 high-tech jobs to the Grand Rapids area. Yet this is only a small selection of corporate attention being focused back on Detroit’s explosive potential.

All this is to say that the time is ripe for the Detroit Startup Weekend, and I could not possibly be more proud to be a part of it. Culminating in live blogging and live Tweeting on November 14-16, it is with great honor that I am part of the team given the privilege to bring Detroit’s business and technology into focus in the days leading up to the Startup Weekend.

With a change in the air and colors of a beautiful Michigan comes a change in the landscape of Michigan business. Let’s get ready to embrace it, grow it, and get fired up about a destiny that lies in the hands of all of us.