President's Point of View: Diana R. Sieger's Blog

Fireball - - - - on our tail!

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:49:30 -0500

Last Thursday, October 15th marked two momentous occasions. My birthday - I don't count years anymore - and the one year anniversary of moving into our building on the corner of Oakes and Grandville! Of course I'll focus on the anniversary as this past year has gone by so fast that I'd blink and it will be time for my birthday again!

When we set our sights on buying a building, it didn't come without a great deal of scrutiny, strategic planning and just plain soul-searching. Through some comments that I heard and through the ever-present rumor mill I caught the drift that some people thought us ridiculous and that it would be folly for the foundation. But onward we went because we knew that there were many reasons why having a building was important for the community and putting down real roots given our 87 year history!

I still hear that the building demonstrates that we do indeed have deep pockets and don't really need support from the community. Nothing could be further from the truth but perception being what it is I can only keep moving forward and hope that our track record and our care for this community shines through. Our mission is to build and manage our community's permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people. We intend to follow our mission.

Back in November 2008 I watched news reports that the stock market had plummeted 800 points in one trading day and it felt like the already shifting sands were turning into quicksand and the course was downward! We purposely raised support for the building through planned gifts, New Markets Tax Credits, our own investment, staff, board and campaign committee gifts prior to going more public for a $1.3M campaign which by Grand Rapids standards is a relatively small campaign. We also made sure that we wrapped things up mostly during the summer of 2008.

Thus my analogy. I pictured that the crumbling financial markets resembled a fireball that was steaming our way and I was trying to make sure it didn't set us ablaze! We were fortunate and frankly smart to move swiftly. We bought the building in December 2007, selected an architectural firm and contractor (Design + and Fryling Construction) and finalized the mile high pile of reporting for the New Markets Tax Credits two months later. We were mere weeks ahead of more discernable disintegration of the financial markets though certainly we were feeling the effects of a down economy and market fluctuations throughout 2007.

That fireball was just a few feet behind us but it never caught up with us thank heavens. So what you ask yourself? Well - consider this: we distributed more than $9 million in great grants back out to the community this past fiscal year (7/1/08 to 6/30/09), raised more than $8 million and embraced our community even more strongly than ever before!

In the time period of November 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009, we opened the doors to many of our nonprofit and community partners to use the building for their meetings and seminars. Here are the numbers: 902 meetings and 6,031 people attending these events and activities! This was but one of the many reasons we are in this beautiful and welcoming building. And it has NOT detracted us one minute from keeping our eye on the prize. We are still strong in our funding of needed programs and services. We are part of a unique and effective partnership with 17 other area foundations to finance basic needs through the Essential Needs Task Force Fund! We hold the funds and the collective effort is remarkable and demonstrates the strength of our philanthropic community.

It is definitely great to be home . . . in our own home . . . in the community's home!

Can't win for losing - the 2nd installment!

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:07:56 -0500

I for one am glad that ArtPrize is winding down - I'm tired! Yes I realize that this has been great for the city so please don't crawl down my throat thinking this is a negative comment because it is NOT. I am very proud that Grand Rapids did well in showing itself as a hub for the arts. Even that last sentence will raise a cynical eyebrow or two. I participated almost every day and many of our staff volunteered for ArtPrize itself helping to guide people and as registrars. We were very involved and engaged. Hats off to our GRCF crew - they were simply terrific!

I have a few "bruises" from the past two weeks due to reactions I received to my thoughts expressed along the way but that is another story for another time as my experiences are still too fresh to really provide an objective, constructive reaction. I do know this - I am going to take a break from the local arts community and the local "experts" for a short period. After commenting about my first impressions of the art, I was resoundingly put in my place by a local artist who didn't understand that I wasn't naive and that I did know that there was some art that really wasn't all that great. I have found that my opinions are still taking shape on the democratization argument though regarding people's choice versus a juried contest.

Somehow I'm caught between the boosters of GR and "isn't this great for GR" crowd and the artists whose work was not noticed as much as they could or should have been. To have an opinion on ArtPrize other than "the greatest thing to happen to GR" to "good art or just plain hype", may not sit well with anyone.

It is interesting that my last blog entry prior to the official beginning of ArtPrize was titled: "Can't win for losing" detailing how a person reacted negatively to a postcard he received from GRCF noting the two artists we hosted at our building. He thought we should not have been promoting any artist over others. I realized his wife had an entry in ArtPrize which was likely the root of his dissatisfaction. My "can't win for losing" subject in this entry seems more seasoned now that we have experienced ArtPrize than the previous one posted on September 21st.

In the midst of all the excitement of the past two weeks, we did manage to host 4 major donor events and one of them was specific to ArtPrize thanking the donors who helped bring artist Daan Hoekstra to Grand Rapids from northern Mexico. His stunning, permanent mural is painted on our east facing wall of our building!

What I didn't realize was the level of promotion that was going to be necessary to spark excitement about the artwork and that the location of venues would play such a pivotal role. GRCF is only one block south of The BOB and that venue saw a great deal of action and was always jammed. We sent many, many volunteers - many of whom were our staff, their family members and friends including wonderful friends from a neighboring community foundation - into the crowds distributing flyers to drive traffic down our way. We served cider and cookies over the weekend of the first round of voting to entice people to stop and take a look at the entries at our building which was not too far off the beaten track. It worked up to a point.

I am eager to learn of the artist(s) who will win the top prize. I would say good and productive reflection on ArtPrize may take some time as the experience seeps in! In reviewing my comments from the previous post at the beginning of this contest I am not so sure I would agree with my thoughts expressed then! "No amount of promotion - hype - or advertising is going to improve someone's chances if the artwork is not good! Even though the ongoing debate for some (not me!) is whether or not the "general public" has the ability to choose good art. But don't get me started on that one!"

Hmmm - well the debate rages on!

Can't win for losing!

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:26:35 -0500

I received a pretty angry voicemail message this morning. I haven't received a call like that in quite some time. The message was from a man who was not at all pleased about a postcard he received from us at GRCF about the two artists we are hosting at our building. He stated that he owns several businesses and that his wife is an artist also part of the competition of ArtPrize. He said that we would likely not receive any gifts from the other artists, their family and friends because of the fact that we are hosting two artists at our venue. Okay . . . got that.

But the part that was nasty had to do with his comment that whoever came up with the idea regarding the postcard and the artists should no longer have their job. Well then fire us all! My heavens - why so angry? He said to NOT call him back and that he didn't want any association with us in the future.

So to all of the artists who are competing in ArtPrize - to all the families and friends of the artists who are a part of ArtPrize, remember this: we are voters too and that we are all celebrating the importance of the arts and the attraction this competition will have promoting how great Grand Rapids truly is! AND if the piece of art you are entering in ArtPrize receives the number one vote, then congratulations! No amount of promotion - hype - or advertising is going to improve someone's chances if the artwork is not good! Even though the ongoing debate for some (not me!) is whether or not the "general public" has the ability to choose good art. But don't get me started on that one! Here's to a grand competition!

Everyone is entitled to my opinion . . .

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:34:58 -0500

Okay maybe not! That actually was a saying on a desk plate that I received as a gift a couple of decades ago so you can see that my expression of opinion isn't a new phenomena! Recently I saw a Facebook entry and a tweet on Twitter posted by friend and amazing photographer/artist Brian Kelly that read: "Is it too much to ask to just have everyone share my perspective on everything?" I laughed knowing Brian's wonderful sense of humor but I've been thinking about that question ever since.

So if the world was perfect according to me I would like to see the following:

* That the leadership of the state Department of Human Services would value prevention services and not view them as a luxury. And yes I am more than aware that the state budget - whenever it is passed - is severely limited due to the economy and ever dwindling revenue.

* That the not-so-savory references that identify that we in Kent County are "privateers" relating to the manner in which child welfare services have been delivered for the past 30+ years through our nonprofit organizations be more enlightened and that children and families were seen by the policy makers as the critical focus.

* That there will be effective collaboration around the stimulus funds known as funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The County is organizing a meeting to stimulate this collaboration and coordination.

* That the private sources of funding coordinate effectively with our public partners and consider strategic and smart ways to funnel these scarce funds. While philanthropy can never match governmental funding, it is the leveraging that makes all the difference.

As I have written a number of times in past blog entries, leading a foundation is not just about raising resources, making grant decisions, attending community events and the like. It is taking hold of real issues and making things happen in a positive fashion in our great community. It is digging deep and actually THINKING! This isn't the time to operate in a surface/veneer fashion.

Creating the Conversation

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:09:14 -0500

Striving for transparency in all that we do is a discussion we have at the Foundation often. What are the factors involved when grant decisions are made? Who is making those decisions? How do we decide what issues to pursue? What role does the Board of Trustees play?

At first I was going to write about a conversation I had this past Saturday on Facebook regarding the decision to help Rob Bliss in the financing of his latest event* to take place in late September. The person with whom I was conversing questioned that decision. This is not a problem frankly as this comes with the territory as a leader of a major Foundation. My question back to the individual had more to do with being transparent as to why the question was being posed than discussing the background on the decision. But that passed and while the decision still may not set well with that person, creating the opportunity to have the conversation was good! Transparency is two-way.

Then I received a message that referenced negative blog entries and commentary about the planned event and our funding. The message bearer was stating that in truth more people were supportive than not and was passing along his support. I went back to local media sites and references to the announcement of the September event. The reaction was mostly positive. However some comments did get personal in terms of me and in terms of the Foundation. Again this comes with the position so I don't really get exercised about it.

In fact, I was heartened by the fact that Roberta King our VP for PR and Marketing told me that when The Rapidian, our Neighborhood News Bureau partnership with the Community Media Center, is launched on Tuesday, September 15th that all who comment on stories will not be given the choice to hide behind a moniker. I believe if you are going to express an opinion then stand behind your opinion with your true identity so a conversation can occur if necessary like I was able to on Facebook.

*The decision re: the aforementioned event is a small part of a bigger effort that is coming up in a few weeks.

Where's Ira Glass when you need him?

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:14:04 -0500

The arrival of Daan Hoekstra on Monday, August 10th driving in from his home in northern Mexico got me thinking about the great stories that ArtPrize will provide! It is about the art - yes! It is about showing the world our wonderful city - yes! BUT what didn't dawn on me until Daan's arrival and learning a bit about his life, was the richness of the stories that each artist will be bringing to Grand Rapids!

Daan is a gifted artist and we are fortunate to be connected with him offering up the east facing exterior wall on the Grand Rapids Community Foundation's building for his beautiful mural. His story is very interesting and I'm sure that more will be learned as the weeks pass. His website shows a bit of his story. This would make for a good entry in This American Life on NPR!

And then The Man in the Van Project is rolling this way! The other artist we are hosting is Aaron Heideman who is working on an inspirational project that is quite unique. In fact, his journey is attracting a great deal of interest on the part of people participating in his effort providing their thoughts on the impact that the recession has had on their lives as well as Aaron's own journey. He is traveling across the country in a van that he purchased in his home state of Oregon for $350 and is collecting compelling and heartbreaking stories of how people are coping or NOT coping well in this economic climate. His website provides a glimpse in his life and when he rolls in to Grand Rapids, I'm sure his story will be quite intriguing!

So while ArtPrize is about so many things, I am also interested in the stories. What is the motivation behind the artists' decisions to participate in addition to the prize money? How is it that the artists decided to make their creations here? More to be uncovered! What an opportunity!

Ideas that SOAR!

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:50:06 -0500

Remember Malcolm Gladwell's oft-quoted book The Tipping Point? He discusses how some ideas, trends, products, and the like just take off while others just fizzle away. He describes these "things" as social epidemics. Frankly there is much more in the book than that but the point is that we really don't know what the spark is that make ideas soar.

Gladwell's book is what I thought of when I read a profile in the Sunday, July 26th edition of The Grand Rapids Press on Rob Bliss who is a 20 year old Grand Rapids Community College student who has landed (or soared!) on ideas that have brought thousands to downtown Grand Rapids. From pillow fights, chalk fests, to zombie walks, he has helped downtown GR become the happening place for the twentysomethings to people my age and then some!

Rob Bliss did this without hiring anyone to test his ideas and without hiring a national organization that promotes cities and how to design them for a growing population. Not an "expert" hired to help! It is also a testimony to the power of social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter. I have been bombarded by plans in the last few months that promise to find the "it" factor to make Grand Rapids and West Michigan a "happening" place. I guess I am getting a bit tired of the hype and promise. It is going to take patience, vision and bold leadership.

While the ideas that Rob Bliss creates and acts on may or may not be short-lived, it is great to enjoy the moment. I am eager to see what develops in the future!

Taking several steps back . . . Hmmm!

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:27:52 -0500

Back in 1956 sociologist C.Wright Mills wrote a book titled, The Power Elite and there are others who wrote about power, who has it and why they have it. I majored in Sociology many, many years ago and I still recall reading these commentaries that basically said if you aren't a CEO, in a particular social class and don't have money, then you are powerless. Just pack your bags because you are not going to be able to change a thing. Disheartening.

In recent years, readers of this blog may recall that I tout the book Leadership on the Line, Staying Alive through the Dangers of Leading by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky. I refer to this book often as it provides clear examples of "adaptive leadership" which I believe has and will help resolve and address the knotty issues in our world, our nation, the state of Michigan and at local levels. Worth the time to read it.

This morning, I opened up a Google Alert that I have set for one of a variety of topics I have arranged for scanning purposes. This particular filter is "community leadership" and what popped up was a column that The Detroit News editorial page editor Nolan Finley wrote in today's edition of The News.

Mr. Finley laments the fact that Detroit has lost corporations and along with it corporate wealth and that is true. However, to dream of days when the business titans would "save" a city is just not reality today in 2009.

Are we "back to the future"? Now my big qualifier is this: the DeVos and Van Andel families are remarkable and the entire community is grateful for their tremendous gifts and leadership! However, I am sure that they would also say that it takes an "entire community" to be catalyzed into action and committed to growing a thriving city and region. And that frankly is what it takes for sustainable systemic change. In fact, I have heard Rich DeVos talk about the need for others to take hold of the problems in our area, to take responsibility and be a part of the solution.

In reading the article, think about what Mr. Finley says about Max Fisher and Henry Ford regarding the building of the Renaissance Center. The RenCen back then was the hope for the future and I am sure that many people in the Detroit area are grateful to both of these "titans" and should be. What ultimately is the long lasting impact and how has the leadership of the community been honed to work together collaboratively is more the point in today's efforts with an eye to success. I grew up in Detroit and remember well the hope that was created when the gleaming glass towers of the RenCen went up. Decades later, I also remember with great sadness the emptiness of the lobby and public areas. Hope had been dashed.

New leadership structures need to be created and a city needs to be transformed to recognize that different industries need to be built and nurtured and new skills need to be developed which is what the Detroit area foundations and others are trying to do - - - together!

Collaboration - a variety of leaders - building new industries - providing hope - transforming our cities and the state of Michigan doesn't just take a few people - it takes a strong connection to all leaders in the community. Yet here is Mr. Finley's parting sentence: "But leadership of the Ford/Fisher caliber is what it will take to save Detroit." My comment: There is no silver bullet. And frankly there never has been. It is going to take committed leadership on the part of business, labor, government, foundations, and the citizenry of the community. We aren't immune in Grand Rapids either and we are working together to help our community and the state dig its way out of the current dismal financial crisis.

Rested and ready to get down to business!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:29:45 -0500

I've taken the last two weeks off . . . well almost. Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) staff would contend that someone should have taken my laptop and iPhone and hidden them for the past two weeks! The first week I was still so wound up that I couldn't really relax but finally - I took a deep breath, a few power walks, and suddenly I was breathing more easily and looking at life without the edge that was evident just days before.

When I left on vacation, the funding from the Department of Human Services (DHS) was being cut for our collaborative network of prevention programs focusing on child abuse and neglect. While the situation is still tenuous, the programs are still operating for now but for how long remains to be seen. What got me was the manner in which this whole thing went down. Yes I realize that the state of Michigan is in financial crisis and funding is being slashed everywhere.

Funding from private sources like GRCF helps to fuel this network of prevention programs yet private funding will never match the level of public funding. I'm still bristling from a comment a state legislator made during a meeting of DHS leaders, county leaders, and local funders that the "community needs to step up." Huh? Where has this person been? Pretty unaware of what is really happening in his own community I'd say. Before saying things like that, more homework should be done to find out that this community has been stepping up to do as we effectively braid private funding with public money and leveraging resources. We make it work in our community!

My passion is to make sure that these prevention programs can continue in some form as funding reductions are inevitable. Further another successful program that involves braided funding and strong linkage between private and public sources is the Kent School Services Network which I have written about previously needs to grow and thrive. The only way that this is going to happen is the continued cooperation of school leaders, the county, private sources and an unprecedented collaborative network of nonprofit health and human services agencies. Evaluation results are now available that demonstrate how important this program is to help children and families in our area.

In the next few weeks, we will be highlighting the priority areas that the Grand Rapids Community Foundation finds critical for a vibrant community. We are focusing on academic achievement, building economic prosperity, achieving healthy ecosystems, promoting healthy behaviors, and assuring that our neighborhoods are safe and vital. Further we are working with area foundations and nonprofit agencies on weathering this recession. No one organization can do this alone so I'll be back in the trenches soon!

This is how we roll in our community!

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:52:16 -0500

Here's a sneak preview of my article for our Summer issue of Current - GRCF's quarterly journal:

Our community is known for its collaborative nature, public/private partnerships, "we can do this" spirit and compassion. Grand Rapids Community Foundation does not shy away from key issues. We use our influence and funds to take action.

In 1992 the Community Foundation convened a task force, Perspective 21, to define community priorities for the 21st century. The 200 people at a community forum we hosted identified Kent County's high child abuse and neglect rates as their biggest concern.

For eight months, a 34-member community task force met weekly to gather data from the community and reach consensus on 16 broad-based recommendations. The Perspective 21 process marked a significant step in opening Kent County's child welfare system to community involvement.

The key recommendation was to provide services to at-risk families before parents abused or neglected their children.

What has happened because of Perspective 21?

What emerged from that convening is a great example of how this community works together to respond to and anticipate problems. Before 1992, free services to relieve parenting stress were not available for families. The Department of Social Services (now called Department of Human Services), nonprofit child welfare agencies, other county departments and private funders crafted a system of prevention services.

A key component of this effort is the nationally recognized Early Impact program, which provides voluntary prevention services to families at-risk for child abuse and neglect. These prevention services include individual and family counseling, housing assistance, parenting skills and substance abuse counseling. Currently the program is offered at Arbor Circle, Bethany Christian Services, Catholic Charities West Michigan, Family Outreach Center, and Lutheran Child and Family Services of Michigan. This carefully developed system involves constant cooperation of agencies, the county government and others to assure that families can receive services voluntarily.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation, along with United Way, Steelcase Foundation, Sebastian Foundation and many others, has invested more than $2 million to provide these services. A few years ago, the Kent County Board of Commissioners decided to allocate nearly $2 million a year for prevention services, besides what was already being spent.

We know this system works for families

In other counties, government entities directly provide family services. Kent County is unusual in its close cooperation with local nonprofit agencies. The Department of Human Services (DHS), network 180 (our county's mental health authority) and the county Health Department are key funders, and they issue contracts to local nonprofit service providers. Private sources previously noted also provide funds.

Kent County Family and Children's Coordinating Council helps to keep this prevention system working and reports to the county commission. Agencies are working together and talking with one another. Kent County commissioned an evaluation study three years ago to measure prevention services effectiveness. Not only did the evaluation show accountability, it also showed the services are working for families who choose to receive them.

The issue at hand

Michigan's Department of Human Services (DHS) recently agreed to a settlement agreement with a children's rights organization that sued the State over mishandled cases that ended tragically for some children. None of those cases was in Kent County. Yet the agreement recommendations affect five urban counties, including ours. This means that precious County resources need to be expended to ramp up training for State caseworkers and to hire 800 new State staff.

Presently, we find ourselves dealing with the potential dismantling of the effective child abuse prevention services described above. This isn't just the typical "you need to tighten your belt" scenario. A series of missteps created this situation, and contracts with local private child welfare agencies are being terminated.

We've had many emergency meetings with our county commissioners, area legislators and State leaders of DHS. We are working on ways to remedy this situation. I hope that by the time you read this, we see brighter days ahead for continuing our community's prevention services.

Community leadership

Leading significant social change is a key strategic goal for Grand Rapids Community Foundation. We are at the forefront of influencing change and encouraging collaboration. I hope the next chapter in this saga includes that we successfully influence the State to let us continue our successful program and to use Kent County prevention efforts as THE model for other counties across Michigan. The lives and well-being of our children depend on it.

Leadership and what influences it

Sun, 31 May 2009 11:16:23 -0500

Dry spell in the blogging department. It has been a time for me to evaluate this blogging business as it is tricky given the fact that this IS the GRCF website and whatever I write is definitely a reflection on the Foundation. I love this Foundation! How can you not? What a privilege and an honor as trust is formed between the community and this Foundation. After 22+ plus years of holding the position of president, I certainly am not going to tarnish it. Nor are any of us who manage the GRCF Twitter account going to tarnish it - just want to update anyone who is interested on the key things that are going on with the Foundation.

That all said I do believe that there may be some hesitancy for some leaders in the foundation world who are concerned about how their words may shape opinions about the foundations they lead. However, not revealing ideas, opinions, or stepping into the "scary" realm of having every word scrutinized is just as dangerous. People need to have an idea of how foundations are run and the thoughts that help shape them. Thus, how decisions are made that are significant in terms of individual organizations or in some cases, for the entire community.

I do admit to holding back on some ideas as they do need vetting with those who govern the Foundation prior to making them public. I am also cognizant that my blog may not receive the "traffic" on our website that other sections may and that while many do read my words, many in our area could frankly care less.

Leadership has been on my mind for the past few weeks and how people view the "actions/behaviors" of leadership. I still experience a sense of being discounted even after all these years based on my gender. I still observe how others may view various businesses and organizations and how the person who is at the helm leading the charge may shape the perception of that business/organization.

Be aware that I am not a person who obsesses one iota about gender bias as it relates to me. That is the problem of the person who exercises that bias. However, when I read the words of younger women who are in their 20's and 30's try to explain their experiences of leadership on Twitter and Facebook, I read the words that a younger Diana Sieger would have written who was experiencing similar things BUT back in the 70s and 80s!

So have things changed? I'm examining it and experiencing it . . . more later!

Cynicism will slow us down!

Sun, 03 May 2009 13:23:08 -0500

This is a longer entry than usual but worth the time!

People who know me well know that I exercise a healthy dose of skepticism when dealing with issues and occasionally I travel down the path of cynicism. I do have a dry sense of humor and I just want it known that I am aware of these traits before this blog entry is read leaving some to shake their heads wondering what has come over me. Some of my staff know that I am growing increasingly weary though of excessive cynicism. There needs to be some trust left on this planet to know that when an idea is thrown into the mix that it deserves consideration and not summarily thrown out.

I will say though that when I am approached by people pitching ideas my antenna do go up when I wonder who is behind the "idea" and what do they ultimately want from The Foundation in addition to the obvious which is funding. This usually occurs when it is not clear who is really doing the promoting.

We all learned a few weeks ago that a big announcement was going to be made that would transform how GR would be perceived and would literally rock the world with the power of the idea. Armed with a dose of Sieger skepticism and cynicism, I awaited the news expecting that it would be the usual hype promoting someone or over promising something.

As the date of the announcement was drawing closer, I read various tweets on Twitter from local artists whom I admire and respect a great deal. These tweets were teasers about the big announcement and while I still had no idea what it was, I tempered my view about what was coming because I so respect these wonderful folks. A confession: I am a lover of art and love our local artists whose work are displayed both in my home and in my office. I am certainly no artist BUT I am not intimidated by what "experts" call important art. I know what I like and that is all that matters and our local artists do create important and great art! While I am not fond of opera as some of my friends will attest, I still am a huge fan of Opera Grand Rapids because of its importance in keeping our area vibrant and attracting audiences who do appreciate it! In other words, all forms of art are so critical to our very being - be it performance art, the visual arts, a beautiful symphony, a piece of jazz that feeds my soul - whatever!

So it was with a more open mind that I awaited the announcement which was to occur at an event on the morning of Thursday, April 23rd by Rick DeVos. I was not able to attend as The Foundation was hosting a Spring Philanthropy Forum with Tom Rogerson, a wealth manager and great speaker, from Bank of New York Mellon! There were two events connected with the forum - the first was a breakfast with professional advisors and then a luncheon program for our donors and prospects. More on this event can be found on our website. I learned about the ArtPrize later that morning and as I greeted our luncheon guests, it was obvious that many people were energized by the news and the possibilities that this arts competition could garner!

I dug through all the news later that day and read how thrilled many people were particularly the artists I follow on Facebook and Twitter! And these people are not pushovers by a long shot! I watched a video that Andy Dragt produced interviewing Rick DeVos, tuned in to an interview with writer/artist Tommy Allen relaying his excitement on local TV news, and was advised by photographer and artist Brian Kelly to not be deterred by the negative comments that inevitably emerged as the hours and days followed after the news hit the streets! Ghastly comments they were!

Reading the Thursday, April 23rd issue of Rapid Growth (RG) was a joy as I was able to view Andy's video. In the following week's edition of RG, Tommy Allen wrote in his G-Sync column words that caught my eye regarding the reaction to the ArtPrize and its importance to Grand Rapids and to artists around the globe. He wrote, "The key is not to be a Monday morning quarterback, but a real player. Judging by the chatter, the playing field is about to become massive."

For those who read this blog from outside of Grand Rapids, it is worth your time to review the ArtPrize link above and here. The website describes this effort as the following:
A radically open art competition, giving away the world's largest art prize. Part arts festival, part social experiment - this international art contest is decided solely on a public vote. Call for entries ends July 31, 2009. Art festival begins Sept. 23, 2009. Come and see.

The entire process is detailed on the website with the handsome sum of $250,000 to be given to the artist whose work is viewed as the best based on public vote. Other financial prizes are to be awarded as well. This is being funded by the family foundation led by Dick and Betsy DeVos who are Rick's parents.

My observation is just this: give this a chance! Watching Rick on West Michigan Week on WGVU-TV, I was impressed by his answers, his demeanor and his humility. We are building a dream and all that is needed is an open mind and a chance to let that dream unfold. Skepticism is an important filter at times. However in this case I think the ArtPrize is worth a shot and let's see where it lands. Hey why NOT?????

Criticism has been leveled by the "establishment" of the art community outside of Grand Rapids and was addressed by Brian Sherwin the Senior Editor of myartspace.com. Here is an excerpt from his blog: "My opinion is that the critics of this competition are stuck in the past and fear change. They fear the same public that they strive to reach out to with their art criticism and exhibit reviews. They don't want the flood gates of the art world to be opened to the public-- while at the same time it is common for these same individuals to complain about how the general public is not interested in art. It is obvious that they want the 'system' to change-- on their terms."

The ArtPrize will help bring attention to our area to inspire innovation. Certainly when GRCF provided $500,000 to InnovationWorks of Right Place, Inc back in October 2008, we took a chance that this program can provide the needed inspiration for entrepreneurs and inventors to stay in West Michigan and develop new businesses and industries. We need to just take action and frankly doing nothing will garner us exactly that. Now is not the time for over planning and being risk averse.

But then just so you know, my filters are not turned off totally! Here's to a more promising future for our community!

Federal Stimulus funds - let's be strategic!

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:15:15 -0500

Seems lately that each day is a "big news day" around the globe - the economy, swine flu, wars, politics and of course the ever interesting yet "what does it matter anyway" popular culture items featuring American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and Susan Boyle! Hard to compete with all that "news" so I won't even try. However, many good things are happening and more than what I can fit in one blog post so that means I need to kick myself into high gear and write more.

From the ArtPrize announcement last week . . . to the hugely successful "Good for Education" celebration that the Grand Rapids Community Foundation hosted last week that did NOT attract any discernable media attention in spite of all attempts . . . and more topics to cover in the coming weeks! Okay please someone find me the time!

Yesterday I attended a meeting at Grand Rapids Community College's M-Tec Center where Governor Jennifer Granholm was announcing Michigan's plans re: the American Recovery and Reinvestment funds - more commonly known as the federal stimulus dollars. Governor Granholm did not tout the funds as the panacea for the state but that certainly the money could help. She encouraged local governmental units and nonprofit entities to apply but to do their homework first. It was also noted that this is one-time only money thus must be used strategically given its short time horizon. I was pleased to hear her cautionary yet hopeful message that indeed the stimulus dollars can help in recovery efforts across the state,

The Governor acknowledged that the greater Grand Rapids area is known for its collaborative efforts and was calling for us to continue along these lines. I made a comment during her Q&A time period that GR is known for its collaboration and that this is strongly practiced and encouraged. However, that said I noted that we still suffer from poverty and all the many ills that this economy has wrought and to remember that Southeast Michigan is not the only place where people are suffering.

For readers of my blog, you know how I feel about collaboration when it makes sense particularly the Kent School Services Network, the foundations banding together to create a fund in concert with the Essential Needs Task Force and the Kent County Family and Children's Coordinating Council. This is the time to band together and make sure that there are many partners around the community table re: the spending of these precious federal dollars!

In the spirit of presenting the many sides of an issue . . .

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:58:52 -0500

here is the blog entry from the Right Place,Inc dated April 16th re: the Michigan Future, Inc report I wrote about yesterday. Good points made and I think that acknowledgment from Michigan Future that many recommendations from the past have been taken seriously is really what Right Place would have liked to have seen. That said, I do think there needs to be consensus on the direction for the state and for West Michigan. Right Place is the premier economic development organization in our estimation in the country. Certainly the GRCF support of InnovationWorks in the amount of $500,000 this past fall demonstrates our commitment to the strategies and goals of Right Place, Inc. Talent . . .economic development . . . major focus on how to turn our state around is needed!!!!!

Michigan needs to act now for a prosperous future!

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:46:39 -0500

A sobering and hard hitting report was released this week by Michigan Future, Inc. a highly regarded non-partisan, non-profit organization. The mission, as noted on the website, is to be a source of new ideas on how Michigan's people, enterprises and communities can succeed in the Information Age. Its work is funded primarily by Michigan foundations including the Grand Rapids based Frey Foundation. Lou Glazer the president of Michigan Future has long been sounding the alarm for Michigan to wake up and take hold of its future and take seriously the need to dramatically change! Often when listening to Lou, I have to admit it is difficult to want to heed his warnings but heed them we must!

Michigan Future's second annual progress report: "Michigan's Transition to a Knowledge Based Economy" is well worth the time to read and absorb! The key message the report clearly makes is that "economic development priority one is to prepare, retain and attract talent." It will take all of us to make this happen!

And lest we think in the Grand Rapids regional area that we are an oasis in the state that means we are sitting pretty, think again. I view the report not from a doomsday perspective but as a rallying point to make sure that we heed the warning and take action. AND IT IS NOT A QUICK FIX! Please take the time to read the report - not lengthy but powerful!