"Look on the bright side of life." It’s a phrase we hear a lot. And today, living in a country and state facing some uncertain and confusing times, it’s one we could all stand to remember. But, like many things, it’s easier said than done.
Luckily, while many Michiganders may be feeling discouraged, organizations like the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) are here to help wade through the confusion. The association reaches out to organizations who are working to create vibrant, Michigan communities and provides them the resources, training, and advocacy they need.
While community growth may be their main goal, they have now branched out with a television program urging people to focus on what is good in what may appear to be a dreary state.
Look on the Bright Side
First airing in 2011, the TV program The Bright Side delivers just what its name implies; a positive look at the people and businesses that are working to make Michigan communities great. Started with a grant from the Lansing Public Media Center, producer Olivia Courant says they didn’t want to be just another travel show. The show helps, “bring to the forefront the ways communities are developing economically,” says Courant. But, she says, it’s even more than that. The show also works to direct people to resources in their communities they may not have been aware of.
The show revolves around themes CEDAM believes make a bright and vibrant community. Some of those themes include; Arts and Culture, Education, Quality Housing, Economic Vitality, Community Building, and more. Each episode chooses a theme or topic and then features businesses or organizations that are working in that area to help create vibrancy in their community. “We envision communities built on many areas,” says Courant, “and that’s why each show is broken down into the aspects we think will help create strong Michigan communities.”
In a segment focusing on career development, The Bright Side showcased Capital Area District Libraries (CADL) and the LCC library. It showed how, by joining forces with Michigan Works!, Lansing residents can find free career training, online courses, and additional career resources, all through their local library. All the classes are free, even to those without a library card. “Libraries can help you find jobs,” Courant laughs, “And I had no idea! We’re hoping that by putting the content out there, people will get the resources they need.”
While the show features businesses from all over the state, each episode does feature a local or Lansing business or organization. Some Lansing businesses that have been featured are; The NEO Center, Ingham County Landbank, MSHDA, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Old Town and more. “We’re never short of content,” says Courant, “Especially here in Lansing.”
Growth
When the first episode aired, it played on Lansing City TV, which reached about 27,000 people. Today, having been picked up by more than a handful of additional stations, the number of people reached has grown to 335,000. According to Courant, the growth has just been incredible. “We started it on a whim,” she says, “We never expected to create what we’ve created.”
The topics that are next on the agenda for The Bright Side include; housing (specifically shelters), placemaking, foreclosure resources, and remodeling vacant properties. Courant also says they would like to take another look at food and art, which they covered in their very first episode.
When it comes to the future, Courant is thinking big and has high hopes for the show. Every time a new episode airs, featuring businesses in new areas, new stations call to pick up the show. They’ve covered shows in the Upper Peninsula, including Marquette and Calumet, and though the show has crossed the bridge, Courant hopes to soon add stations in the UP, as well. Courant’s hopes for the show go even bigger though and she says she would like to talk to PBS or WKAR about picking it up. We just want “to continue adding stations and meeting people, and highlighting areas in Michigan that don’t get the attention they should be getting.”
Something for Everyone
If Courant could give you one reason to tune in to The Bright Side; “There’s something for everyone,” she says. There have been shows about art, bicycling, gardening, libraries and more. “If you’re looking for a creative outlet, we can show you something in Lansing to do.”
But, Courant stresses, the show isn’t just about entertainment, it’s also about connecting people to resources. If you’re having trouble making a house payment, or if you want to start a small business, the show can help point you in the right direction.
It’s also about shedding new light on certain situations. When the show first aired there was such a negative stigma surrounding Detroit and the surrounding areas. Now, Courant says, the city is their number one source of positive stories. They set out to change the view of the city and they are well on their way to doing so.
Need more reasons to watch? “The shows content speaks for itself,” says Courant. So, the best way to find a reason to watch seems to be to simply watch.
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Photos ©
Dave Trumpie
Dave Trumpie is the managing photographer for Capital Gains. He is a freelance photographer and owner of
Trumpie Photography.