Birmingham

Birmingham-based entrepreneur Melih Oztalay is an Internet veteran. As the founder of SmartFinds Internet Marketing he's witnessed and survived the roller coaster effects of the web-based economy. Jon Zemke chats with Oztalay about innovating, investing, and incentivizing entrepreneurship in Metro Detroit.
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Sharing Woodward Avenue

By: Jon Zemke, 3/25/2010

Automobiles have done a lot of good for Michigan. But for Woodward Avenue, not so much. As the value of dense and vital downtowns becomes increasingly evident, leaders are rethinking the auto-only policies and practices of Metro Detoit's transportation spine.
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Birmingham's Second Story

By: Terry Parris Jr., 3/18/2010

Downtown Birmingham's buttoned-up rep for professional offices and trendy boutiques only tells part of the story. Amidst the doctors, lawyers and financial consultants, Old Woodward's second story houses a little-seen collection of new economy businesses. From sports agents to "an incubator on steroids" Terry Parris Jr. uncovers the people you might not meet every day.
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Blog/Norm Silk

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." �Anais Nin.

Take it from Norm Silk, owner of Blossoms florist, who discusses the growth and challenges (the Iceland volcano) of the floral industry. Then follow his rehab of Detroit's only Frank Lloyd Wright property, and progress report on the Woodward Avenue Action Association's work on 6 to 8 Mile's commercial strip.
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Video/Toast

From Ferndale to Birmingham the Toast empire expands. If you haven't been to this one-of-a-kind... well, now two-of-a-kind eatery you really should. Who'd imagine that a place with Taco Tuesdays could be tres chic? That's the delicious conundrum that is Toast. Cool decor, surprising accoutrements and, always, yummy food. (more >)