A few years ago the “Pure Michigan“ campaign was launched. This extremely successful ad campaign was launched to promote travel and tourism. Each time I see one of the campaign ads, I am struck by the gorgeous photos of our state…sparkling lakes…breathtaking golf courses… stunning fall colors. Backed by the inspiring voices of Michigan natives like Tim Allen and Jeff Daniels, throw in some heartwarming music and the result – Pure Pride.
More recently, Chrysler’s compelling Super Bowl ad caught our attention. I remember watching the scenes of Detroit, and listening to the words of another devoted Detroit native, Eminem touting “This is the Motor City and this is What We Do“referring to our beloved auto industry. It was awesome! I got goose bumps as Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” kicked in, and a voice asked “What does this city know about luxury? What does a town that’s been to hell and back know about the finer things in life?” I remember saying to my family, “Was that national or local?”…hoping it was national. It seemed to truly convey the city’s spirit, attitude and passion.
Every morning as I arrive at work, I see a billboard just outside our corporate office that says “I’m a Believer” (for BelieveinDetroit.org) and you know what, I am. I speak for myself, but I know that I also speak for so many of my coworkers, when I say that I am proud to be part of Detroit, part of the auto industry, part of the great state of Michigan. Evans has supported the auto industry for more than 80 years and just recently was provided with an opportunity to support Detroit Public Schools with warehousing and transportation services translating this passion of ours directly into the work we do every day. Personally this year, I volunteered to tutor two beautiful Detroit Public School students and this has been more fun and more rewarding than I ever could have imagined.
I recently heard our new Governor, Rick Snyder, talking about the changes that need to take place in the city of Detroit and in the state of Michigan. He called out to each of us to be mentors. He explained that although most people are willing to mentor, most don’t actually consider themselves mentors. What a waste of powerful resources. We all need to trust and believe in the power of each other, in the power of our passion and in the power of community. It takes the commitment of an individual, of a city and of a company to drive change. Here at Evans, as Robert Bobb says… “We Are In!“