Economic Development

Jobs Tomorrow: Deja Vu

By Dr. Burton W. Folsom, published on June 3, 2005

A Grand (Hotel) Lesson in Free Enterprise

By Daniel Hager, published on Jan. 4, 1999
The International Monetary Fund 's efforts to bail out failing foreign economies with American tax dollars harm not only thoseeconomies but also Michigan workers whose jobs depend on exported goods. … more

Using Sugar to Wash Down the Pork: The Joe Fordney Story

By Dr. Burton W. Folsom, published on Oct. 5, 1998
One hundred years ago, Saginaw Representative Joe Fordney was first elected to the U. S. House of Representatives. His 24-year career shows how protectionist tariffs hurt everyone-even the people they're supposed to help. … more

Dow Didn’t Sue Powerful Competitors; He Outsmarted Them

By Dr. Donald L. Alexander, published on July 6, 1998
Government interventionists argue that antitrust laws are needed to protect the public from Microsoft, but a lesson from Michigan history shows that brainpower and some old-fashioned free-market competition can break even the most powerful cartels. … more

Michigan and the Fantastic Federal Fur Failure

By Dr. Burton W. Folsom, published on Oct. 6, 1997
In 1822 the nation's first experiment with a federally subsidized industry-the Michigan fur trade-showed how entrepreneurs can succeed where government fails. … more

Corn Flakes and Greatness

By Dr. Burton W. Folsom, published on Sept. 8, 1997
From "dim-witted" dropout to one of the century's wealthiest Americans, Will Kellogg reminds us that personal and economic freedom encourage great achievement from even the most unlikely individuals. … more

Herbert Dow, the Monopoly Breaker

By Dr. Burton W. Folsom, published on May 1, 1997
A spirited Michigan entrepreneur finds himself in an international trade war. He fights back with his own resources instead of asking for government help. … more

An Economic Lesson From Michigan's Early History

By Dr. Burton W. Folsom, published on Dec. 9, 1996
Michigan's early state-run railroads and canals were such colossal failures that the citizens demanded a constitutional prohibition of state-run firms. This set the stage for Michigan's world-class lumber, carriage, and automobile industries. … more

Ford Did Indeed Have a Better Idea

By Dr. Burton W. Folsom, published on July 8, 1996
Henry Ford's automobile helped Michigan change the world. Without government assistance or mandates, he doubled workers' wages and reduced their hours. The result was lower cost and better quality for Ford and consumers. … more

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