Story published in Morning Star Publishing
Leader & Kalkaskian > News
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
By Chris Tredway
Editor
MANCELONA — This is not a publicity stunt for Subway, not a creative splash into the world of politics, and not the next phase of training for an Ironman triathlon.
This is one man’s bid at slapping Michigan in the face, snapping disenchanted small business owners out of their funk and inspiring individuals to “believe” again.
“It’s really a demonstration of taking initiative,” said George Morse, an Iosco County resident and small business owner in the midst of running 1,000 miles, visiting 200 communities across the state. He’s attempting to promote leadership skills, raise awareness and increase visibility for the state’s economic situation. Last week, he hit the streets of Mancelona.
“There is no shortage of things to be down about today, but if we go to that bad place and stay there too long, we can’t focus on the important skills we need to be successful,” Morse said. “I don’t believe Michigan’s best days are behind us.”
An author, triathlete, personal development and leadership coach, motivational speaker, and owner of five Subway restaurants, Morse has not only survive the current economic climate but seems to have maintained a positive attitude as well. He hopes to show others how to do the same.
Running five-mile stints in each community he visits, Morse typically stops in at five local businesses that catch his eye. He talks with business owners, takes photographs and shoots video of
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those willing to proclaim they “Believe in Michigan.”
The campaign is called “Thousand Miles for Michigan,” and it’s pretty much a one-man show.
Morse is on the road several days a week, driving to different communities and working with local chambers of commerce to create his running route.
“It usually takes about three hours and I usually connect with five or six different people,” he said last Thursday while driving from Central Lake to Charlevoix. “I’m 215 miles into the run now and I’ll be looking to finish on April 28 in Lansing.”
The epic will end — if all goes according to plan — when Morse bounds up the stairs of the Michigan State Capitol.
But like persevering through an injured economy, the 1,000-mile journey may come with its fair share of pain.
“I’ve been having trouble with my knees. The last 25 to 30 miles they’ve been bugging me,” Morse said. “It might turn into a 1,000-mile hobble for Michigan. This journey is definitely going to have its ups and downs similar to what a small business faces.
“I know by experience that times can get tough, but even in this environment it’s possible to overcome challenges and thrive.”
In Mancelona, Morse took a breather at Mancelona Hardware, where he met owner Karl Paul. The hardware continues to run its own race, enduring despite little help from Lansing, according to Paul. “It is very tough,” he said of running a small business in today’s climate, “and it doesn’t seem like the state government is wanting to work with small businesses.”
The solution to overcoming economic obstacles — motivating Michigan to start hurdling again — may not be as simple as slipping on a pair of running shoes and heading out the door. But something had to be done to shake things up, according to Morse, and taking one stride at a time didn’t seem like a bad way to start.
“Communities,” he said, “cannot afford to lose one more small business.”
Morse plans to run a five-mile course in Kalkaska on Wednesday, Oct. 27, visiting local business throughout the community. For more information on his effort, visit www.ThousandMilesforMichigan.com.
Contact Chris Tredway at ctredway@michigannewspapers.com.
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