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Colleen Pace - Saturday, February 06, 2010   Horses ~ The Hobby You Can Hug!(tm) Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.0 (150 votes cast) Michigan ranks fifth in the nation with regard to horse populations. Our company, the American Association of Riding Schools, Inc., near Flint, is developing the corporate headquarters for the nation's first franchised horse business. We are a support system for riding lesson program owners who attract the non-horse-owning general public to our industry. Based on models from other sport and health franchise systems, we believe we can eventually employ as many as 100 people locally. In addition, our success will increase incomes for advanced horse and agricultural businesses both in our state, and across the nation. We have a business plan, have invested $140,000 in start up, and currently have eight active stables representing five states. We have an interactive website, professional marketing and classroom materials, and are beginning to develop retail product. We need advisory board members, equity investors, and managing owners to help us take this to the next level; or to take this from us in order to help it grow. We need experience in finance, franchise sales, public relations, web and social networking technology, video and print production, and national mailorder/internet retail sales. Billionaire Richard Branson said he never made a penny on a new idea. He simply updated outdated industries by applying strategies already working elsewhere. The horse industry has not changed its business model since the 1950's. That's what we're doing here; but we need help. This is not about 'wanting a horse business.' It is about taking a cottage industry (like in-home babysitting) that has historically be operated as nothing more than a tax shelter or an under-the-table operation; and turning it into a viable national enterprise (like franchised day-care centers). Any assistance and/or leads you can provide will be most appreciated. Most sincerely, Colleen Pace, American Association of Riding Schools, Inc. www.ucanride.com.

Thomas Miscovich - Wednesday, February 03, 2010   Trades, a valuable asset Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.1 (186 votes cast) It appears that many of our young adults are interested in business management degrees. Unless there is a viable strong business, there is vary little to manage. Whatever happened to all those skilled trade programs the state sponsored through the local highschools? There are some remaining, but we need many more. Carpenters, electricians, plummers, mechanics, and computer technicians are just a few of the hands on programs that can be offered to those who wish degrees other than business management. Many of these related jobs presenty go to China or India. At our current rate, we are raising "order takers" and "hamburger slingers". Is that what we really want? MICHIGAN does not need this type of service from the young men and woman of this great state. Everyone in this state should be capable of a college degree or a good, well paying trade. Let's bring back trade education and make all parents and this state proud.

Thomas Miscovich - Wednesday, February 03, 2010   The Art of Finances Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 2.9 (167 votes cast) The education of our children is a vital step in securing the health and well being of the state of Michigan. We currently teach our youngsters the use of computers and they are doing extremely well. We must also take the time and teach all those young children the real value of money. With a progressive format, our young generation should know more about money, stocks, financial markets, and the role that the government and the state of Michigan play in the financial stability of this country. Investigation indicates that our younger generation only understand how to spend money and the more money to spend, the better. let's teach the real definition and value of the dollar.

THOMAS MISCOVICH - Monday, February 01, 2010   Market Directory Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.2 (160 votes cast) Many towns, villages, and cities are attempting to show others the valuables within their community, such as "Farmer's Markets". Why not provide a directory of all the "Farmer's Markets and other weekend markets throughout the state. These events use local content for the most part. A directory including content, location, dates, and directions would prove to be a real people mover for the State of Michigan. Families, especially today, are looking for enjoyable and informative events without spending a lot of money. People would be able to visit a variety of towns and villages and purchase from those locations. Vegetables, fruits, bake goods, hard goods, and flea market offerings would all be available. We would help all those local communities and especially, Michigan.

Carlin Smith - Tuesday, January 26, 2010   Support Migration to Rural Areas Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 2.9 (162 votes cast) The ‘new economy’ visionaries say people will no longer follow jobs to where they want to live, instead they will determine where they want to live and then find a way to make a living there. This will create more pressures for people to need to commute via technology and to need access to convenient and affordable air service. In other words, people will choose to live in choice areas like Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Traverse City, but may work for companies in New Jersey, LA, or St. Louis. The great idea I submit is to find a way to get rural commercial air service to be competitively priced and more convenient. When Northwest Airlines offered five or six flights per day out of the Pellston Regional Airport at competitive pricing, the flights were full. Now we’re down to two flights per day and ticket costs are proportionally way more expensive. It is no longer practical for a business person to fly out of their local airport to get to their corporate headquarters. The second part of this idea is to make sure we invest in the technology and communications infrastructures of rural areas. If we are to attract young people to the most attractive areas of the state, these areas need to have the necessary broadband and wireless infrastructures to meet their technology needs.