Innovation Through Diversity

League staff had the opportunity this week to attend a Crain's Detroit Business conference titled "Innovation Through Diversity."  As part of our Center for 21st Century Communities (21c3) project, the League has identifited diversity/multiculturalism as one of eight key assets communities require to be vibrant and sustainable places to live.  This conference certainly emphasized that message.  Speakers presented on all types of diversity and tolerance issues from race to immigration to the disabled.  Bottom line:  If Michigan is going to survive in the 21st century and become a knowledge-based destination state, we have to be welcoming to all and accept people from different backgrounds, disciplines and perspectives.  This in turn invites a whole new approach to problem solving and creates opportunties for innovation.  Look for these ideas and speakers sprinkled throughout our programming in the future.