The next BIG thing DETROIT !

[Detroitdave]

Last night I attended the Next BIG thing DETROIT and had a great time . What was telling was the type of people that attended this event . Besides Quicken loans, I don't believe there were any national chains , I think it is more organic to have Detroit area companies , bringing Detroit back .

Quick back story I was born in Detroit lived here only until my teen years and have lived in many different cities and countries most of my life only recently returning. I would come back and visit every year and keep tabs on the city through sites like this great one !

Since returning over the last 3 years I have notice a energy and change that I haven't ever notice before . I believe this change is much different than the "Renaissance", that any, Casino , or some big Company , or Mall/Store , can come "save" the city. There is no "master plan "that the city is trying to sell .

Not to say that these big companies really didn't try to change the city and they have made a major impact on the city, no one can argue that , however , after attending the event last night and several others like it since I've been back in the city .I've notice a younger ,more artistic , urban, national and international , positive vibe and I believe this is picking up .

THIS is what is being picked up and what a lot of the national "chatter" is all about . this is much more than some nation chain stores moving in and opening up , which is needed , however these people last night at The next BIG thing ,and the finalist for the Hatch contest had some great great ideas .

Hearing the ideas and more importantly seeing the type of people that came out to hear and support what they had to say was inspiring . Most importantly supporting these younger people gave one a sense of "WOW this is the city I live in ,

I have ALWAYS been optimistic about Detroit through all the ups and downs, from near and far ,maybe this can happen ", It even inspire me to perhaps one day open my own business .

Did anyone else attend ? what do you think ? I will add pics later ... if I can figure out how
openly optimistic !