For too long, people have viewed "diversity" as a soft and fluffy, touchy feely, nice-thing-to-do concept.  It isn't, it is an economic necessity.  The Diversity and Inclusion in Government Group (DIGG) held a mini-summit in Kent County to discuss the impact of diversity on a community's ability to recruit knowledge workers.  We heard some impressive statistics and information that really drove home the business case for inclusion, but the story of two young scientists deciding whether to move to Grand Rapids resonated most with me.  They wanted "gourmet ghettos" that included cuisine from around the world, they wanted to know that others who speak with an accent are welcome, they wanted to see the beauty of the beaches on lake Michigan and the urban feel of walking to work and grabbing a cup of authentic cuban coffee on the way.  And guess what?  Michigan has it, Grand Rapids has it!  Let's be sure to let the world know, one molecular biologist at a time, that we have world class, 21st century communities waiting to welcome them. 
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