As lots of people (including the media) will tell you, Michigan’s had a really rough economic time of it.  While the rest of the country is heading out of the recession, we’re still inching our way through it.  In spite of it and maybe because of the collective challenges that we face, people here in Lansing have pulled together in an incredible, diverse and positive way to support this city that we love and that we love to hate.

It all started as a Twitter hashtag, #lovelansing, when talking about a great meal, a fun show, a new experience or meeting someone you really appreciated.  It’s become something more… we’re now talking about the things that make Lansing great, unique and dear to our hearts, not so much about the economy and the limitations that come from living in the middle of the Mitten.  We’re becoming our own Ambassadors (thanks LCVB!) and we’re not ashamed to brag about all of the great things in the Lansing area. 

We have great institutions of higher learning, an emerging technology sector, a couple of small business incubators, great college and amateur sports teams, leadership that “gets” regional planning and a vibrant arts, music and cultural scene.  What’s more, we deeply appreciate our agricultural roots and are ardent supporters of farmers markets and community supported agriculture.  We celebrate the diversity of our collective heritage through festivals and we offer opportunities for people of all faiths to worship (or not) as they choose.

I’ve lived elsewhere, including Europe and Washington D.C., but #LoveLansing will always be home.

Lansing, Michigan