Spotlight, you say the key is “fostering a community that supports intangible networks of entrepreneurs and innovators.” Real entrepreneurs and innovators seize on opportunity, not compliments. Maybe that means the low cost of doing business, or a lax regulation regime, or an abundance of materials. Henry Ford didn't invent the assembly line because people in Detroit were just so darn encouraging.

Call it “talent retention,” “talent infusion,” or whatever you want, but telling young people that Michigan is a place with cool jobs isn't going to fix the problem. People follow jobs– not the promise of jobs. Let's make those careers real, which starts with lowering the barriers to small business growth. Those perceptions you keep going back to? Somehow, I doubt people would harbor them if Michigan had a low unemployment rate and was considered the hub of something other than failing car companies.

I really think you hit it on the head in point 3 – if people don't have any connection to their communities, there's really no reason for them to stay, even with the other 2 components. Young people who get involved in their communities and get connected to other people in the community are more likely to try to look for jobs that are in their community. Personally, I've involved myself in many local organizations, including the Jaycees who are churning out talented young people between 21-40 all over Michigan. It's really gotten me connected – we visit local bars, restaurants, attractions, while also providing community events such as Easter Egg Hunt, Relay for Life, Children's Shopping Spree and Food Drives. We're all about giving back to our community.

I appreciate the comments you made regarding this, and hope that you continue your success here! You give us much to think about!

Language is everything. It creates a perception. When we perceive that the solution to our “brain drain” is “retention,” we've already lost. How can a strategy of “retention” work in a global economy? Changing the wording is the first way to change the way we conceptualize how to fix the problem. It changes the way we think.

So, the reason that Kelly is right on about “talent infusion” instead of “talent retention” is that is gets us (“us” being Michigan residents, small business owners, economic developers, government officials…everybody that is working towards or cares about Michigan's future) thinking about how to garner value out of young, bright innovators that may or may not choose to stay in the stay. We need to think about changing a perception about Michigan, one that has lasting power. I believe that what this means is what Kelly describes: fostering a community that supports intangible networks of entrepreneurs and innovators. T

hat way, people in the community, particularly young people, will be in touch with the “goings on,” which, I guarantee you, Drained brain, is more than you elicit. There are plenty of things going on in Lansing, and in Michigan as a whole. Detroit is certainly down, but does it do anything to continue to buy into it? Assess what's good and what's bad, and create a perception that is different than the status quo by highlighting the good. People can be proud of Michigan cities again; and that pride will most assuredly make these places more attractive for young people.

Our legislature needs to get its act together and realize the taxes aren't the answer