These folks didn’t start out as huge conglomerates–they were people who thought they could build or make items that people would want to buy, even as the economy crumbled around them. They, like the folks mentioned in this article, persevered, believed in themselves and built businesses that are still around today.

Though the world has changed in immeasurable ways since the 30s, that spirit of entrepreneurialism is still in the folks mentioned above and will be with them as they help build a new economy for the future.

This econmic atmosphere will shake out the weak, disorganized, and ill prepared. The strong-willed belivers who are dedicated with well developed business plans (meaning, doing the do diligence from knowing your customers, costs,ect. to getting a return on investment) will not only get going, but more importantly survive.

Example: in 2000 their were about 18 wineries in the state. Gov. Granhlom’s Agri-Tourism development program aided in the developement of Wine Trail Association with matching grant money. Inovative processing was also eligble for grant money. The net effect in 2008 was an increase in wineries to 45 +/- and many more vineyard arces developed. Michigan is growing some world class wines now. Older previously exhisting wineries are enjoying a more stable business and expanding. This is a good example of State Government helping the start ups with a collective marketing effort. Not all wineries get their grapes from Michigan growers but more and more are.

I knew long ago that the only job security I had, was me. Not all can live that way. But those who try and succeed enjoy a wonderful adventure.

Being associated with Mike Score and MSU has been a privlege and very helpful to me. A reular diet of articles supporting agribusiness and educational opprotunities for everyone is neccesary to stay abreast of the challenges. Mike & MSU help greatly in those areas.

Some how many thought they would always have jobs and pay checks, money would never be an issue? A few years ago a really dumb movie (sorry that is my opinion) Fun with Dick and Jane came out; the characters felt they were untouchable. They were living the American Dream until one day neither of them had a job. They became desperate; I think the best scene in the whole movie is when they are showering using the neighbor’s sprinkler system. It is ironic the things we take for granted like our land and natural resources. I heard Granholm is thinking about letting the federal government take over our water quality laws. We need to get on the bandwagon and speak up. Michigan needs to keep control of their resources.

Susan had a good point when she said agriculture is an industry in this state that is growing and will always be overshadowed by the auto industry. That is somewhat our fault though we (farmers or farmers’ daughters) just don’t use our outside voices enough when speaking about the industry. We need tell others about what we are doing or no one knows.

I had a college professor that once said, “Sheila if you don’t tell people about your programs no one will know and your funding will end and you will be out of a job.” I spent 11-years teaching and over those 11-years it was my goal to get a monthly article in the local newspaper telling what we were doing in the classroom. While other Home Economic Classes (Family and Consumer Science Programs) were being cut, my programs continued to receive funding.

Mike your articles are vital for the growth of the food industry in our state. However, it is also the responsibility of “ALL” people in the industry to write articles, do press releases, promote via the internet do radio and television programs. Many media outlets are looking for stories and those who use their outside voices are the ones being heard. We need to out volume the auto industry.

Eventually regional leaders will explore the potential of the agri-food sector for job creation and regional improvements in quality of life. There are exciting new initiatives in urban agriculture which could revitalize existing brownfields and create work for the chronically unemployed.

It has been a privilege to work with the businesses featured in this article. They are creating jobs while traditional employers have been laying off and shutting down.

Recently, the Michigan Department of Agriculture issued a report that noted that the ONLY business in Michigan that is currently growing is associated with agriculture and food. Not bad for an industry declared ‘dead’ in Michigan not all that long ago.

Keep up the good work!