Michigan economy and impression. (Grand Rapids, Lansing: houses, travel, lease)

[FERRETI]

Lets be real here.Michigan was going to be doomed long time ago,but what kept it was the manufacturing sector.Honestly that too was low end factories,in fact 18th century factories.We suffered in 1997 from Japan problems and we hit rock bottom when everything went to China.Michigan has no tourism despite it has more territory of its own as no other state turned into a park.So to be true and by looking at job ads,it`s only restaurant jobs and some very few and far in between.None saw their house values go this low except this state.All others saw increases but also decreases,but Michigan only decreases and now there no way for the 70% who own a home to get out of this place and move on somewhere else where is normal.If i am wrong post facts.

[Frankawitz]

Well I checked out the new 101 cities data.com put up and house prices in some areas have dropped 20% People leaving areas is up. everyone says it's the auto industry which is killing Michigan but what else do we have when you look at the numbers it's the only industry that has jobs. I feel that the unions were good at one time but anymore it seems to protect the Lazy workers who milk these companies for every dime they can scam. I would like to see the unions take a stronger stand against the Lazy workers who hurt companies. I like how Michigan State Reps took off(18 days) for Deer Hunting 147 of them yet only 9 have a hunting license, So if this doesn't tell the Michigan residents that the people in Lansing do not give a damn about how the ECONOMY is doing in Michigan cause they have jobs and don't give a rat's butt if people loss their homes or jobs. I just wonder how many went out and voted yesterday or did most of you figure why should I waste my time?

[tecpatl]

Michigan is having a tough time changing to a new economy and the new realities of global trade. And, I'm afraid, thing will get worse before they get better. Change, especially involuntary change, can be very painful, but the end result will be a stronger state with stronger people. A bush or tree that is pruned grows to be much stronger and more vigorous, and the same is true of our beloved state.

I'm sure this doesn't mean much to folks who just lost their job or can't sell their house...their pain and problems are NOW. The economic hurt is felt by everyone in MI to a greater or lesser degree, and I feel badly for those who are really taking it on the chin.
But despite all the problems and personal tragedies of this, it would be a grave mistake to believe that the whole state is going down the tubes. Unemployment is high, but it's been much higher in my lifetime. Falling home prices are also an opportunity for someone looking to buy, and houses ARE being purchased all over the state. We're just in a "buyers market" right now instead the "sellers market" of some years ago. This is a natural, cyclic condition and has played out many times in MI and elsewhere.

Michigan will rediscover its strengths and invent new ones, but a lot of nice folks will suffer along the way. That's a pity, but that's life.
And, thank God, it's a beautiful place.
Photos are from The Leland Report - Leelanau County Michigan by Keith Burnham. His site is a daily look, with commentary, at a small town on the Lake Michigan shore. Check it out.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by FERRETI

Lets be real here.Michigan was going to be doomed long time ago,but what kept it was the manufacturing sector.Honestly that too was low end factories,in fact 18th century factories.We suffered in 1997 from Japan problems and we hit rock bottom when everything went to China.Michigan has no tourism despite it has more territory of its own as no other state turned into a park.So to be true and by looking at job ads,it`s only restaurant jobs and some very few and far in between.None saw their house values go this low except this state.All others saw increases but also decreases,but Michigan only decreases and now there no way for the 70% who own a home to get out of this place and move on somewhere else where is normal.If i am wrong post facts.

Sorry, but all your suppositions are wrong. And just fyi, they didn't build factories in the 18th century. Maybe textile or lumber mills, but not factories.

The tough survive, while the ultra negative simmer in their own depression and wait for some "white knight" in Lansing to come fix their problems for them.

Seriously, don't you guys think this horse has been beaten long enough? I just don't get it.

[100%Michigan]

The post that will/have been made is being very appreciated. Thank you all that are posting your oppinions, as a citizen we need to speak of our economy ( Well my oppinion.) Feel free to post many more, I'm looking forward to reading them all.
Thanks

[Driller1]

Washing equipment and putting it away for the winter. We had a great year!

[M TYPE X]

Sorry, there is very little redeemable about the Flint area. Living in Grand Blanc is basically isolation - a nice enough area, surrounded by nothing but decay or farms.

I see Kalamazoo, Lansing, Muskegon, and Port Huron as salvageable. I don't know what hope can do for Flint, Jackson, and Saginaw. Of course, I'm mostly worried about Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids keeping themselves above water at this point.

[FERRETI]

I dont need to prove anything.Dont wanna offend anyone because reality has already offended you.Give a look at the local newspapers and craiglist and yahoo.The jobs that are in Michigan make all of you optimistic people out there a joke.Scandalous can i say...

[magellan]

Originally Posted by FERRETI

I dont need to prove anything.Dont wanna offend anyone because reality has already offended you.Give a look at the local newspapers and craiglist and yahoo.The jobs that are in Michigan make all of you optimistic people out there a joke.Scandalous can i say...

Grand Rapids – Rapid Growth - Innovation + Job News

Yes, scandalous.

[Br1234]

Originally Posted by magellan

Grand Rapids – Rapid Growth - Innovation + Job News

Oh yeah:

Noble Metal plant closing in South Haven - News - MSNBC.com