Michigan has earned the title of America’s comeback state. It’s an economic success story that would not be possible without collaboration by the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Our shared accomplishments during the past two years underscore the need to work in partnership toward a common vision of economic prosperity. That’s the goal of Gov. Rick Snyder’s Regional Prosperity Initiative.

While Michigan’s future is bright, our job creators, local governments and nonprofit leadership face stiff global competition. We must recognize that the world does not simply identify with local units of government, individual counties or even the entire state of Michigan. It is the uniqueness of our regions – Greater Detroit, the Traverse City region, the West Michigan shoreline, the magnificence of the Upper Peninsula and similar corridors throughout our state – that makes the world take notice. These regions drive Michigan’s economy and define its character.