Our economy has been through major transformations and Michigan emerged from them stronger than before. Our great state’s history is one of reinvention. Each transition did bring its difficulties and challenges, but the ingenuity and resilience of Michiganders shaped a new era and a brighter future for our state.

Rick calls the first era of Michigan’s economy Michigan 1.0. That era was built upon the use of Michigan’s natural resources. In Michigan 1.0, we charted a new course for our state and became an economic powerhouse through the expansion of the fur, timber and mining industries. The entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic built by competing in those industries helped create Michigan’s first generation of prosperous Michiganders and their traits remain a part of our culture today.

The entire world was revolutionized as Michigan transformed itself into Michigan 2.0, the industrial era. With the creation of the automobile industry and mass manufacturing, entrepreneurs like Henry Ford changed the way the world operates. The work of business leaders throughout the 1900’s helped create the American middle class. Not only did Michigan become the automotive capital of the world, but we led with furniture, cereal, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, baby food and other industries.

After this period of economic decline, Rick believes we are ready for another reinvention. While our industries will need to be continually supported as they adjust to new realities, a new path forward for Michigan must emerge. Rick’s vision for that is Michigan 3.0, an era of innovation that transforms our society into a vibrant force of entrepreneurs and innovators that can compete in the global economy.

Below you will find an interactive timeline of major events in Michigan's history as it transitions through its first two eras and now begins another.