Learning From Ann Arbor’s Big Sister
Authentic German pretzels—and some ideas on high-density land use and sustainability to boot. Forget the symbolic cultural exchanges, there's much more Ann Arbor can learn from her sister city, Tübingen.
Kimberly Chou's Latest Articles
MASTERMIND: Peter Sickman-Garner
"Connecting the dots" for Zingerman's community of businesses by day, depicting the earthly adventures of Satan and Jesus by night, marketing manager and comic book artist Pete Sickman-Garner could be the new Wallace Stevens — only funnier.
MASTERMIND: Carrie Hensel
From chemistry to web development to the co-founder of a growing business women's movement, Carrie Hensel clearly prefers the road less traveled. And the Women's Exchange Of Washtenaw reflects her unconventional approach, creating a unique series of events that encourages professional women to collaborate with and empower one another.
DIY Hollywood
"My Dad has a barn" has become "My brother has an HD video camera." Do-it-yourself filmmakers and producers are offering Ann Arbor area locavores something other than regional produce to consume. How about homegrown home entertainment?
Konichiwa, Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor as an international center? You betcha. With it's growing global appeal, and proximity to the country's automotive hub, The Deuce has to keep up with its foreign-born citizens and visitors. Case in point: The growing Japanese community and the rising influence of Japanese-owned businesses.
MASTERMIND: Jeanine DeLay
In this heated political season, discussions of personal ethics has been used to both praise and damn candidates. For Jeanine DeLay it's an every day conversation. Founder of A2ethics.org and a long time teacher and advocate, DeLay is hoping to inspire greater ethical consideration in Ann Arbor's young professionals.
Michigan Jobs 2.0
As Michigan evolves its economy, innovative high-tech companies are successfully planting their flags in uncharted territory. For job seekers, however, it means applying for a position that didn't exist five years ago. Kimberly Chou takes a look at three local companies and the cutting edge jobs they're creating.
Foragers Guide To Employee Perks
Last month's open house at Google AdWords in Ann Arbor caught the eyes of many 9 to 5ers left wondering why their companies don't provide catered lunches, free massages or superhero cubicle décor. Where are the Michigan businesses with benefits beyond the 401k? And why aren't there more of them? The region has some catching up to do when it comes to unorthodox work perks and places, but there's hope yet.
The Kids Are Alright
When we talk about quality of life issues, who considers the region's sizable teen population? Ann Arbor's Neutral Zone is setting the bar for teen community centers, making use of the latest technologies and trends while nurturing the kind of homegrown talent Michigan desperately needs.
Can You Say Oliebollen?
"No, that bib doesn't come in scotch plaid." Fashionable kids clothes really are out there--and Oliebollen, an Ann Arbor online store, helps sartorial young parents find them all in one place.
