Blogs

The principles of yoga shouldn't just be left for the 6 p.m. class; they should be followed throughout the business day, according to the teachings of Katherine Austin, founder of Karma Yoga. This week she opines on why and how businesses can answer a calling higher than egoism and the profit motive.

Keith W. Cooley is the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. Before that Keith was the COO and then CEO of Focus: HOPE. He is a University of Michigan graduate with degrees in engineering physics and nuclear engineering and founded the school's Minority Engineering Programs Office. Keith will be writing about how Michigan can improve its workforce and business opportunities and environment.

Kelli B. Kavanaugh is Model D's development news editor and writes a weekly column, Green Space, for metromode. In light of the North American International Auto Show, her blog will focus on the the automotive industry. But she is liable to write about any environmental issue that comes to mind.

In an era of flaming high tuition rates, it's enough for students to cover their own bills, let alone fund the education of others. Kentaro Roy, president of Kentaro Web Design + SEO and funder of a scholarship at EMU, writes about being a student entrepreneur and keeping young talent in-state.

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match! Kerrie Schneider, owner of Bella Introductions, writes on the business of love and on how new demographics impact lovin' in Detroit.

Our guest bloggers this week are husband-wife team, Kerry and Bryce Moore. Designers and owners of Context Furniture in Royal Oak, Kerry and Bryce suggest that Michigan's manufacturing model is in need of a major paradigm shift.Check back here every weekday for new posts. And feel free to send your comments to feedback@metromodemedia.com

Kerry Dolman is on a mission to break the "no jobs-no young people-nothing to do" myth of Detroit into tiny little pieces. As the Founder and CEO of After 5 Detroit, she'll be blogging about her efforts to change the doom and gloom narrative, bring together the region's top graduates and interns, and her involvement with The Collaborative Group. Don't be shy, read on...

A celebrity demographer if there ever was one, Kurt Metzger, director of the Detroit Area Community Indicators System, is the go-to-guru for the latest trends in population flow. This week, Kurt holds forth on the importance of immigration to the region's vitality, right-sizing the city, and neighborhoods of opportunity.

How do nonprofits weather the state's economic storm? Funny you should ask. Kyle Caldwell is the President and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association. He's also served both Governors Engler and Granholm as the Executive Director of the Michigan Community Service Commission. Kyle will be writing about the economic impact of Michigan's nonprofit sector and its struggle with the downturn.

Lisa Kurek can show you the money. As the Managing Partner of Biotechnology Business Consultants she has brought in more than $40 million in grant funding for Michigan companies. Lisa will be writing about the impact of grant funding on the state's economy and offer tips for small businesses interested in pursuing funding.

Never deny the importance of a good image. As comedian George Carlin observed, "The caterpillar does all the work but the butterfly gets all the publicity." Enter Lisa Maas, president of Publicity Works, a marketing and ad agency in Royal Oak, who will be advising businesses from a PR perspective and discussing diversification as the key to fiscal fitness.

How does the Great Lakes State become the Great Conservation State? This week Lisa Wozniak and Ryan Mark-Griffin of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters unroll an environmental health and safety blueprint for 2012.

Lish Dorset is a member of Handmade Detroit, the crafty gals who put on the annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair. She has been making crafts since she started her first Troll doll clothing line back in Mrs. Schneider's fifth grade classroom. Lish also works as a social media coordinator for MS&L Digital in Ann Arbor. She looks forward to chatting about the state of the indie entrepreneur here in Metro Detroit.

Lizabeth "Beth" Ardisana is CEO of Dearborn-based ASG Renaissance — a marketing, branding, consulting and human resources company. She is also chairperson of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She makes the case that SE Michigan must not only adapt for the future, but also play to its strengths right now. Check back here every weekday for new posts.

Here's Post No. 4 from Lou Glazer, the president of Ann Arbor-based Michigan Future Inc., a think-tank that is a resource of ideas for how Michigan can and should reshape its economy. Check back daily for more of Glazer's thoughts.