Brief Moments

     A wonderful conversation with Gregory B. Ladewski yesterday afternoon resulted in a stunning book on my desk this morning.  It's called Tee Markers: Flame & Flower, Glass & Steel.    The high gloss table top format both tells and shows the story of the collaboration between the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Club at Harbor Shores and the Benton Harbor Arts District in creation of unique tee markers for each of the 18 holes.  Water Street Glassworks in particular through board president Anne Odden with Master glass blower Jerry Catania and celebrated metal artist Josh Andres .  The extraordinary photography was done by David Knight .      As the introductory text states: " Each marker is a work of art in its own right celebrating one of Jack Nicklaus' record eighteen major titles, and each is dedicated to a native plant or tree...Harbor Shores' mixed media markers integrate golfing history, varied habita...

     Yesterday was very exciting for me.  During many years of serving in both economic and human development organizations I had great hope for the rejuvenation of Southwest Michigan. I still do. With phenomenal community partners in Whirlpool , Lakeland Regional Health , and AEP (Indiana-Michigan Power) among many other much smaller businesses there has been steadfast growth in both programs and development to serve regional needs for change.  For years we worked to purchase the land which has become the Golf Club at Harbor Shores , host 2012 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid in a few weeks. During those years continual meetings and plans were drawn up for what at that time was the most underutilized waterfront property in the entire Great Lakes region.      For those that aren't familiar, the economic downturn hit Michigan long before the global financial crisis and the great recession.   There's no lack ...