Mike Burns is a born entrepreneur, and at 58, he could easily run rings around guys half his age. Or fly rings around them, as the case may be (he pilots WWII era P-51 Mustangs). More importantly, Burns is an entrepreneur who believes in doing business in Michigan. It's why he sources nearly all the components to his iPad accessory, the HandeHolder, locally.  And it's not just a recession thing. It's part of his overall business philosophy.

It was an economic development scheme that paid dividends and then some. Back in 1901, Ypsilanti deeded land to the Michigan Ladder Company in exchange for a hand full of jobs. One hundred ten years later, the company is still manufacturing their trademark wood ladders. And 95% of their business comes from outside the state.

While much of the world may be going virtual, most businesses still have to make stuff. Putting together teams of engineering and business students, U-M's Tauber Institute plays matchmaker for companies that are looking to improve their manufacturing process. It's a partnership that provides students with a valuable skill set and saves participating firms up to millions of dollars.

Call the term "taking ownership" a cliché, but that's literally what's in the works at some local businesses. This week, Maggie's Organics founder Bená Burda writes about forming 100% worker-owned co-operatives, from Nicaragua to North Carolina to Michigan.