We have made this an annual tradition to post this on the first day of school for Michigan students to think about. Enjoy your scholastic journey but consider the following rules, attributed to Bill Gates, as you enter another year of school. Perhaps this is what should be printed on diplomas?

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

It's been a few weeks since the tragic earthquake forever changed the lives and landscape of Haiti. Each day, more is revealed to us about the devastating effects and the enormous time-table required for life to return to "normal." Michigan people shed their tears, as did so many, and we gave, like so many did as well. It should feel good to give. It does.

Some Rules Kids Won't Learn in School

Text By Charles J. Sykes

Printed in San Diego Union Tribune
September 19, 1996

Unfortunately, there are some things that children should be learning in school, but don't. Not all of them have to do with academics. As a modest back-to-school offering, here are some basic rules that may not have found their way into the standard curriculum.

In a slumping economy, Michigan's agricultural industry showed an almost 12 percent increase. “Agriculture is a force for economic stability in Michigan, with yearly economic impact estimated to be $71.3 billion, on the basis of data from 2007,” said Christopher Peterson, director, MSU Product Center and a study author. “This represents a $7.6 billion increase from the $63.7 billion impact projected in an analysis of 2006 data released last year.” Not too shabby considering these numbers represent 20% of the state's economy.

I want to welcome all of our old and new friends alike to our new website. I would like to take a moment of Thanksgiving before I go any further. Thank you to my wonderful and loving wife, Lynn, for her unending support. She is the wind in my sails and my font of encouragement. I want to thank the all of members of our Executive Planning Committee for their contributions, support, and talents, particularly Kevin Janeway for his friendship and mentorship. Thank you to my former employer for downsizing me and opening the door to my cage.