A place can be a great teacher. The communities, people, institutions, events and traditions that contribute to a region can collectively shape an outlook and an approach to life.

I count myself lucky. I grew up here, left for college, returned, started a career and stayed. And somewhere in the midst of my journey I developed a deep appreciation of the region where I’ve grown roots. I have become a certifiable fan of this diverse and wonderful place that is Greater Lansing.

What is there to call great? It’s a question my younger self asked as I watched friends and family head out on far-flung and exotic trajectories that took them across countries and continents. I returned and stayed, rediscovering what I learned growing up as well as a host of new things that continually confirm a great choice.

Of course we’ve enjoyed lots of confirmation lately—everything from “best town for young professionals” and “best place to start a business” to the best festivals and the best pies. You’ll find all of this and more in our region. But my first lessons started even closer to home.

A region on the learn

I attended great public schools that stood in the shadow of great colleges and a great university. I explored local museums, libraries and zoos. Today I share these and many more experiences with my children. This is a place that celebrates learning.

In the midst of pleasant peninsulas

My father worked for the Department of Natural Resources, and brought up a family connected to the natural world. We drove and camped and rambled through the lakes and forests and vistas that were Pure Michigan long before they had that name. This is soul-refreshing beauty—close and yours for the asking.

A place where business can grow

From my mom I learned early lessons in entrepreneurship. She started and grew a successful business, where I was grounded in the hands-on basics of office skills and customer service. I now own a business surrounded by scores of other women-owned businesses in a region that embraces and celebrates invention and growth. Our offices in Old Town are in the middle of a glorious menagerie of startups and success stories. The energy is everywhere. And it’s contagious.

A region with heart

Growing up, I also learned what it meant to be a part of a community and the importance of public service. Today I’m proud to have served on boards and volunteered side-by-side with folks from across the region. One thing we know how to do in Greater Lansing is to come together and make things happen, make things better, and have a great time doing it.

Come work (and live) with us

In our business we compete to hire the best talent from anywhere. The last few years that’s meant people from places like New York and Atlanta and Chapel Hill. And here’s where our diverse regional assets shine. I’ve heard lots of reasons why newcomers have found our region great. They include affordable homes and solid schools, trails for cycling and ledges for climbing, festivals and music, food trucks and Big Ten sports. The list goes on.

No time to rest

Our region is on a roll and it’s up to us to keep it rolling. It is our good fortune to be in this great place at this exciting time. And just as people did before us, it is our duty to lend our hands and minds to the work of building an even better Greater Lansing, because having a great place to call home is as important as it gets.

		Debbie Horak is co-owner of Pace & Partners, a Lansing-based marketing communications firm.