Howard Brown has gone from Silicon Valley veteran to pure Michigan. As the ultimate trailing spouse, this starter of start-ups and founder of CircleBuilder brings a world of entrepreneurial experience to the region. Metromode sat down with Brown to discuss the state of our state and where he sees its toughest challenges and best opportunities. (more >)

Over a billion downloads can't be wrong! iPhone apps are the new gold rush of software development, turning backroom start-ups into overnight successes. And Metro Detroit is getting in on the action. (more >)

For business owners stymied by city bureaucracy and anti-development ordinances, the "Welcome To..." sign has become "Proceed With Caution". Enter Clawson, a speck of a city that's used progressive downtown strategies and business-friendly policies to become known as Metro Detroit's best-kept secret. (more >)

Detroit area businesses are all atwitter about social networking websites like Facebook and LinkedIn, which are the interactive pages in the corporate brochure. Metromode links up -- makes friends -- and messages with high-profile denizens of the online scene. The word? Socializing on company time makes good business policy. (more >)

Videos, Internet marketing, fine art and Kwame's mug: 323 East in Royal Oak has become one-stop shopping for creative inspiration. Home to the Ohm Creative Group, this storefront firm and art gallery is an ambitious (and successful!) merger of innovative business and unbridled expression. (more >)

While kiosks and bulletin boards are still littered with those hangy tear-off strip fliers, they've been overshadowed by interactive web directories, where visitors can post reviews and find hip happenings. Give a shout-out to Mariah Cherem, Metro Detroit community manager for Yelp.com, who will be reviewing the benefits of community and sense of place.
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