DETROIT ? Our city gets a bad rap, but if you look at the positive attributes, Detroit has the makings to be one of the greatest large cities in America. Detroit is the host to many museums, downtown sculptures, large events, four major sports teams, and many other wonderful things that are often overlooked.
Detroit is a city that prides itself on its diversity, art, culture, and an unmatched annual event that brings thousands of international visitors and media to the riverfront ? The North American International Auto Show. All to often, abandoned buildings and crime statistics overshadow the gems in the downtown district.
The Detroit Institute of Art, Wayne State University and Medical Center, Detroit Athletic Club, Museum of African-American History, and the Fox and Fisher Theatres should all come to mind when you think of great landmarks in Detroit.
Over the past two years and into the near future, Detroit will have hosted huge sporting events that bring millions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of tourists into Michigan.
MLB All-Star game (2005)
Ryder Cup (2004)
NBA Finals (2004 & 2005)
Super Bowl XL (2006)
90th PGA Championship (2008)
NCAA Final Four (2009)
Furthermore, every year The North American International Auto Show, which is the single largest media event, brings over 800,000 public visitors to downtown Detroit and an estimated $580 million (2005 NAIAS) to Detroit and its surrounding area.
The Black tie Charity event, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is the largest one-day charity event in the world. This great event supports 11 Detroit-area charities and has brought in over $58 million since its inception.
The potential for a great city exists, but we need continue working hard to improve our city. We can?t give up on it. Tell me what city in this country would not be proud to have any of this to brag about?
Can you see it ? a great future?
This column was written by John Bailey, founder of John Bailey & Associates, and posted to his blog. You can read his blog at BaileyBlog.Com
