Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE -- The American auto industry is in the repair shop. 

Chrysler and GM are still around today because of government bailouts that top $100 billion.  Ford Motors avoided the bailout bandwagon, standing strongest of the "Big Three" over the past few years and never actually claiming bankruptcy. 

Monday, students at Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech talked business with Ford's Chairman of the Board, William Clay Ford, Jr.

"We've come through a very difficult period, but we're hitting on all cylinders now.  We were profitable last quarter, our quality ratings are they highest they've ever been and our market share is going up all around the world.  So I feel really good about where we're headed," explained Ford.

Students listened to the fourth-generation Ford speak about the turbulent times of the past several years, and he left a lasting impression. 

"He's someone who has an idea where he wants to go without forgetting about what they've gone through in order to keep them honest into the future," said Dan Lesperance, an NMU sophomore.

Ford recognizes that like the rest of Michigan, much of the Upper Peninsula is battling the adversity of high unemployment.  His advice is for the U.P. is to follow the lead of the auto industry.  It's time to reinvent.

"I think like every community, it needs to continue to reinvent itself.  You know, I think about our own industry, talking about electric, bio fuels, the kind of things we wouldn't even be talking about two or three years ago.  And I think you've got a real resource here--two great resources--in Michigan Tech and Northern.  And if you have higher education, you've got the ability to reinvent yourself."