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Jack Eberhard - Wednesday, January 20, 2010   Expanding the "Pure Michigan" advertising/media campaign Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 2.9 (158 votes cast) I recently heard that the "Pure Michigan" advertising statewide campaign is projected to have funding problems for this upcoming year and that the advertising budget for this national campaign may be cut. If so, I suggest that the campaign be redirected to the midwest regional market area states if the budget cannot afford a national campaign and consider an increase in user fees for campgrounds, parks and other state attractions and/or bridge toll surcharges to be assessed in order to continue to fund the "Pure Michigan" advertising campaign. I also suggest to expand the "Pure Michigan" slogan to be more descriptive and marketable for tourism and business such as: "Pure Michigan" "America's Northern Coastline: or "Pure Michigan" "America's Northern Shoreline" or "Pure Michigan "America's Northern Waterland or Waterway" Our country has an East, West and Southern coastline and our great water bordered state appears to be the best representation as our country's northern coastline or shoreline and needs to be promoted for both tourism and business reasons I believe by expanding the "Pure Michigan" slogan to be more descriptive and attractive.

Joseph - Tuesday, January 19, 2010   Increase the Revenue Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.1 (152 votes cast) Give new businesses that start in Michigan zero taxes for the first year, and a tax break for the following several (5?). Make the continuing tax break dependent on the business having good credit and paying their debts. The two together will encourage small businesses to form in Michigan and also encourage them to pay off their debts; in addition, consider a tax penalty on businesses that have extremely bad credit. This will push them into either improving their credit or getting out of the way for a new business to take its place. Also, consider giving tax breaks to private citizens with excellent credit, freeing up more of their money to either save or invest as they wish and building a disincentive to reliance on credit cards. These methods may seem like they're rather cold-hearted, and they very possibly will be slightly painful in the short term. I believe that long term, however, they may assist the state's economic reconfiguration into a powerhouse once again.

Melissa Jeffries - Tuesday, January 19, 2010   Recreational Center for Youth (13-19) Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 2.8 (166 votes cast) This Community Center will operate as a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide an environment and programs that enhance and sustain mentoring and stewardship for youth in the greater Lansing region of Michigan. The venue will include a professional recording studio and mixing suite, a dance and exercise studio, a skating rink, a fully equipped technology center with classrooms and a courtyard style concession area complete with vending. Academic programming will be offered through workshops, student mentor partnerships, professional tutors, and community volunteers. A multipurpose and engaging venue coupled with academic learning and leadership will create the perfect environment to encourage and assist our youth in advancing to higher education and professional careers. Partnerships with community schools, service organizations, local governments, businesses, and community leaders that will support and enhance the center's mission. A board of directors will be established to include a diverse representation of stakeholders in our community. A good mix of businesses, nonprofit organizations, government entities, educators, and community leaders will ensure the success and sustainability of the venue and programs. Each unique area of the venue will house and support exciting inter-active activities all designed to educate, inspire, and drive participants to achieve higher goals, increase self-esteem, and develop academic and leadership skills. High school students who have already achieved academic excellence will be hired and trained to act as mentors to other students and professional tutors will be engaged to assist with students who are academically challenged or performing below the State established standards. A points-based award program will be implemented to help students set goals within the academic program. Points accrued through this program will earn students various opportunities.

Garry Steward - Monday, January 18, 2010   Steal Florida's tourists Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.0 (151 votes cast) As a British American i have first hand experience on this 20 plus million Europeans vacate in Florida every summer. Every summer Florida gets hurricane's, tornado's, torrential rain and muggy conditions. The average European vacation is 11/12 days in Florida. If you adapted the go Michigan commercials showing the difference in weather to Florida raining windy to a quaint Michigan beach baking in sunshine then a Florida Crocodile running through a swimming pool area to a picture of Bambi eating while people fish in background. you could also make a fun one showing how the older wiser leave Florida and head to Michigan in the summer, Also I believe our state taxes our cheaper. Ideally areas along lake Michigan could eventually be zoned tourist strips and developers could invest in holiday apartments. But you need to Show Europe how Michigan summers beat Florida summers. At 7.30 pm GMT time 20 plus million viewers watched there soap on one channel as they do in the UK I guarantee there was 6 Florida commercials. The Europeans plan and book there holidays in the winter so 10 months to ponder on this for 2011

Garry Steward - Monday, January 18, 2010   SWEET TAX Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.0 (145 votes cast) Place an extra 15% tax on pop and candies It may only deter a few who live here to cut back, but a high proportion will come from tourism. And we as a state drink far too much for our health's stakes. Also the price would still be the cheapest worldwide