Man Makes 1,000 Mile Run Across State in Support of Michigan’s Small Businesses
By Genine Hopkins – Clare County Cleaver
With so many people abandoning the state, author and leadership coach George Morse is asking, “Do you believe in Michigan?”
To show his love and support for his state, he is running 1,000 miles, visiting both larger cities and small villages, offering help and guidance to anyone who asks, hoping to return Michigan to the vibrant state it once was.
Morse began his journey on July 15, 2010, in Oscoda, a city hard hit by the closure of the Wurtsmith Air Force Base, which shut down operations in 1993 as part of the DOD’s downsizing. A portion of the former base is in operation as a city airport and much of the housing for Air Force personnel has been converted to serve the public.
Running from town to town has been a long haul, and Morse is not expected to finish until April of 2011, when he hits Lansing, the state capitol.
Harrison welcomed Morse on Monday, November 22, as he ran through the city along Old 127, visiting with small business owners along the way; the Harrison Chamber of Commerce hosted his visit.
During his visit, Morse videotaped his run, making stops at Harrison Realty, H & R Block, Country Flowers and Harrison’s home of the best wings in the country: Georgio’s Pizza, Subs and Wings; the video can be accessed on YouTube, titled “A Thousand Miles for Michigan Run in Harrison.”
Although the day he passed through was overcast, the weather was mostly clear and the video captured the best of Harrison, with its small town charm and clean streets and sidewalks.
At the end of the video, Morse gives a talk about how Michigan can be saved, if people will work together to change the economy, “one person at a time, one business at a time, one community at a time.”
Since so much has been reported about the bleak outlook for our state, it was refreshing to find someone who not only believes in Michigan, but will take action to bring attention to our state and help provide enthusiasm for Michiganians to challenge ourselves to make this a place of which we can be proud.
