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Michigan became the 26th U.S. state on January 26, 1837.
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It Takes a State to Celebrate
by Lisa Diggs
From the point that Governor Granholm officially proclaimed "Buy Michigan Week" as July 27th, I knew we had less than two months to create statewide excitement to both commemorate and celebrate the occasion. That would mean getting unprecedented support and cooperation from individuals and organizations all over Michigan, but I never imagined the outpouring we would receive.
While there are far too many people, groups, and businesses who made an impact for me to possibly list here, there are some that I truly must single out.
First, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Governor Granholm for designating a specific week to celebrate and promote Michigan businesses. I’d also like to thank State Representative Marc Corriveau, Steve Purchase, Daedra Von Mike McGhee, Seleana Samuel, and Angelita Hernandez for embracing the idea early on, and helping to secure a proclamation.
With the week designated, our next step was to help businesses around the state to take advantage of the opportunity. Carol Restovic of Creative Graphics Resources graciously gave of her time and talent to create fantastic reproducible artwork so that local businesses could have professionally designed promotional pieces. Then Noel Thompson, and his team at DPro Marketing made sure that all of that art was easily accessible from our website. Simultaneously, Brett Christie of The Grand Rapids Press got to work creating an ad campaign that would help carry the buying local message on the west coast of the state.
We also joined forces with our friends at Motor City Connect (MCC) to make the week one of not only spirited local commerce, but of significant social change for the Metro Detroit area. Through a campaign called Blood, Sweat, and Gear, we encouraged people to donate blood to the American Red Cross, volunteer time with BlightBusters to knock down decaying buildings, and contribute much needed money and school supplies for under-privileged local children through Operation Kid Equip (OKE). Again, my sincere appreciation goes to all who gave of themselves and their money to help us make a difference. I am particularly indebted to Terry Bean, Renee Howarth, Stephanie Styron, and Charlie Wollborg of MCC and Menachem Kniespeck of OKE.
Then it was on to creating a festival. We selected downtown Northville to host because it’s a beautiful town, with tremendous traditions and a warm, welcoming community, which is rich with vibrant art, great food, and unique shops run by local entrepreneurs. We were met with amazing support and sponsorship from the Northville DDA. I’d especially like to thank Lori Ward for her ongoing assistance throughout the process. Additionally, Mayor Chris Johnson, the Northville City Council, City Manager Pat Sullivan, and all of his department heads really came through for us with advice and assistance as we worked to build this first-time event.
The merchants of Northville were also incredibly gracious and I thank you all. I owe a special debt of gratitude to the amazingly generous Bob and Margene Buckhave, owners of Northville Square; David Cole of Great Harvest Bread Company, Carolyn Simon of the Red Pepper Deli; Laura Genitti of Genitti’s fame, Sharon Smith of Uniquely Yours, Teresa Berenz of Solid Grounds, Kevin Weedmark of Green Light Productions, and of course, Mary Starring of Starring the Gallery, all of whom went above and beyond in making the festival an extra special event.
In addition to the local merchants, I’d like to extend my appreciation to the many vendors who came on site to promote and sell their products and services. We are delighted that you joined us and look forward to seeing you again at other events.
There were several other companies who stepped up with exemplary service and open hearts to help us pull of this feat. First and foremost, Vicki Howard and her team at Ta-Dah! Productions worked tirelessly to produce the festival. Thanks to Vicki and her posse for juggling so much complexity. They were assisted by great suppliers like Display Group, NEC Expo Services, Party Patrol, RSIG Security, Steel Skinz Graphics, and generous product contributions from Absopure and Rip It Energy Fuel.
I am also thrilled to say that we received a great deal of media coverage before, during, and even after the event…proving that it is possible to spread and celebrate good news in Michigan! Thanks to all of the media outlets that helped us get the word out about our campaign, Buy Michigan Week, and the festival. A special note of appreciation goes to our friends at the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers who produced a special supplement and Fox2 for spending so much time on site at the festival with us. Most of all, THANK YOU, Jeanne Micallef of IMJ Communications for making so much happen!
Last, but by no means least, my eternal gratitude goes to the many volunteers who gave of their time and talent to help us make a lasting impact. Some of you helped us to entertain, some to educate, some to greet, some to incite laughter, some to clean, carry, lift, move, answer questions, provide directions, etc, etc. The number of people who eagerly came running without hesitation or complaint when called upon is way beyond my wildest dreams, and my capacity to list in this small space.
I am blown away by what you were all willing and able to do. In particular I have to thank my family who not only dedicated themselves to this event, but have been deeply committed to this campaign from the onset…and as for you, Catherine Woods, there are no words to aptly express your contribution. Suffice it to say, you, Blake and your whole crew totally ROCK!
Thanks to all of the named and unnamed people and organizations who attended or in any way participated in this gigantic collaboration. We look forward to seeing you again soon!!
User Comments (1)
Please post the dates for the 2010 "Buy Michigan Week" as soon as possible so we can plan to participate.
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