EricDavis's blog
Are We Number One? Who Cares?
I always love the notion that Minnesota is a beacon for the rest of the nation in quality of life. I get a sense of affirmation for moving here and slogging it through the winters every time I read a new article that ranks the Twin Cities or Minnesota overall as one of the fittest, smartest, bike-friendliest, healthiest regions in the nation.
But, when it comes to reading about other states that are pioneering the collaborative movement, I’m not jealous. Rather, I feel inspired and motivated.
Last month, David Bornstein wrote two articles in the New York Times’ online “Fixes” section on collaborative public-private initiatives in cities and states nationwide that address large scale social problems “simply too complex to solve with any single approach.”
Fast Company: Will Collaboration Stem Japan’s Nuclear Catastrophe?
Our hearts go out to the people of Japan as they endure one of the greatest catastrophes of our age.
Their poise, dignity and resolve are inspirational. The engineers who stay behind at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant are remarkable.
I came across this article on Fast Company’s website. It gives me hope a solution can be found to this nuclear crisis – all through the wisdom of a global collaborative network.
According to the story:
In Detroit, Cooperation Revives
Rumors of Detroit’s demise are highly exaggerated. During the past two decades, and more specifically since the Great Recession, media and others have portrayed Detroit as a former manufacturing powerhouse who’s reputation, economy and spirit have dimmed and all but disappeared.
Just don’t tell that to the thousands of long-time residents and newcomers to the Motor City who through cooperation and enthusiasm are rebuilding Detroit as a hub for small but vibrant businesses that stabilize and energize city blocks and neighborhoods.
You’ll find a great chronicling of Detroit’s revival in the recently released Spend Shift: How the Post-Crisis Values Revolution is Changing the Way We Buy, Sell and Live. Authored by John Gerzema, chief insights officer at Young & Rubican and business biographer Michael D’Antonio, the book focuses on how the recent recession transformed the economies of 10 cities and the values and livelihoods of its residents.
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