Volume 2:  Issue 1

Made in Michigan Movement to Launch Quarterly Product Guides

We set a goal to raise awareness of Michigan-based products around the state and achieved a level of success that far exceeded our expectations.  It really was amazing to see the statewide impact that it had and the feedback from both companies and consumers was extremely positive.  As of New Year's Eve, the Guide reached an estimated 100,000 people in both the upper and lower peninsulas, 39 states and even 15 foreign countries.  The world's eyes are still on Michigan and we're just getting started.  The Made in Michigan Movement will offer four quarterly Guides in 2010.  Premium Business Members of our organization will have the opportunity to have their company or product listed in the guide, at no charge, as part of their subscription.  Michigan-based companies that are not Premium Business Members may choose to be in any of the Guides but will be required to pay for their listing.  Sponsorship opportunities for the Guides are also available.  Please visit our website for more information.  Our goal for the next Guide is to reach 200,000 people. Email us at madeinmichiganinfo@gmail.com to get your listing in the upcoming Guide.  The next Guide will be published on our website's homepage and be made available February 1, 2010.

2009:  The Year in Review

What a wild ride it has been to say the least.  We went from an obscure Facebook page to becoming the driving force of change in Michigan's purchasing culture in one year.  The credit belongs to all of you who not only want change but actively participate in that change for a better Michigan.  You have realized that your purchasing dollars are more than your expenses; they are a direct message to companies that cite what your demands are.  This is one of our goals and one that we will continue to pursue each and every day.  I digress.  We became an official company on February 2, 2009 and also reached 5,000 followers the same day.  In June, we were able to spend a phenomenal weekend in Grand Rapids and meet some great people and soak up a sampling of West Michigan culture.  Our website went through three evolutions and has seen a 2,300% positive growth rate.  We reached 10,000 then ultimately a combined 15,000 people through our network channels.  We were featured on the front page of The Detroit News, in Crain's Detroit Business twice, did radio interviews on WWJ, WJR, WOOD Radio, and MI Public Radio.  We launched our first Guide that received state, national and international attention.  Our success comes from the generosity of our sponsors and members, the unending support of the Michigan public and the hard work of the entire Made in Michigan Movement team.  Thank you for a great year.

2010:  A Look Ahead

2010 is destined to be the year of accomplishment for the Made in Michigan Movement.  First, our corporate status is changing to non-profit.  This will allow more groups, organizations and agencies do business with us while making your contributions tax-deductible.  We are launching four quarterly Guides that will help provide you with information about hundreds of Michigan companies.  We are going to take a 21-day, grass-roots tour of the entire state of Michigan to reach out to business owners and families.  We are hosting a statewide expo in mid October that will unite over 300 companies from across the business spectrum to demonstrate how the Michigan consumer can more effectively spend their money on products and services that exist here.  In addition, we have five other programs we intend to launch in 2010.  Unfortunately, you'll have to wait for those to be revealed as we are finalizing the details of those programs.  Everything we do this year will be designed to help promote Michigan businesses and to raise awareness of the positive impact that buying Michigan has.

Made in Michigan Movement to Offer Internships For 2010

Carpe diem!  You have always wanted to work really hard and get paid in pizza haven't you?  We will be offering internships in the following areas in 2010:

• Web Development (Drupal)
• Marketing and Promotion
• Sales
• Journalism

Prospective candidates must have the following requirements:

• Positive attitude
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have reliable transportation
• Be able to meet strict deadlines
• Solid organization and communication skills
• Work effectively in both a team and individual setting

Send resumes to madeinmichiganinfo@gmail.com by February 14, 2010.  Please specify which internship you are applying for. 

The Top 10 List (Revisited)

This article is featured in the Blog section of our website.

Sneak Peak at Volume 2:  Issue 2

• We've moved!
• The Michigan Experience: The Expo
• The Mid-Winter Guide