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Think of Michigan. What
comes to mind? Detroit Iron? Chevies? The Rust Belt? Lee
Iacocca? Well, that's one side of the coin. Michigan
does indeed suffer from some major league
post-industrial societal and economic problems. But the
auto industry has become functional again, more
specialized high-tech manufacturing has moved into the
system, and there are a few other opportunities here and
there in a radically shifting economy. Income from
mineral production is almost equal to that of the
agricultural industry, over two billion dollars
annually. The state hosts four major ports and
transshipment hubs for raw materials headed for the
industrial centers along the Great Lakes. The state
positively hums with industrial activity.
Ever notice that the state looks like a mitten? What
about that little detached chunk up there on the upper
left? It's called the Upper Peninsula and is a world
apart from that veritable beehive of productivity to the
south. Largely forested, this corner of the U.S. offers
some spectacular scenery and lots of outdoor
recreational opportunities for vacationers, especially
boaters of all stripes. A large portion of the northern
quarters of the state are studded with lakes
interconnected by networks of creeks and streams. And
now that the sea lamprey has been pushed out of the
Great Lakes and environmental regulation has finally
made some impact, the fishing is even coming back.
Michigan ... it's more than just a big mitten.
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