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Originally Posted by KenWittlief
I dont understand what resources you think only exist in the midwest? machine tools? engineers? machinists? money? corporate sponsors?
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The way I interpret it, he's not saying that these resources don't exist in other areas; rather, they exist in far greater qualities in the Midwest (especially Michigan) than in other areas.
The reason why is quite simple: the Big Three auto companies. Ford, GM, and DaimlerChrysler are all headquartered in Michigan. Beyond that, other companies that supply the Big Three (such as Delphi) also have a major presence in the state.
It's fair to say that the Big Three and their suppliers sponsor a good number of FIRST teams. It's also fair to say that some things come easier for those teams. My team, for example, worked in the GM Tech Center last year. This is, if I recall correctly, home to the largest group of GM engineers in the country. Needless to say, we had no problem getting intelligent and talented engineers to work with our team. The Tech Center is also home to more than a few shop areas, and we were able to do most of our work either in the Tech Center or in the nearest GM plant (can't recall exactly where it is).
Because of the numerous auto plants in the state, Michigan does have many machinists and machine shops...far more than some other areas.
With Ford, GM, and Delphi in the area, among others, it's also somewhat easier to find a corporate sponsor who will be reliable and support the team fully.
To answer your question, I'd say that the Midwest actually
does have more everything you listed than other areas of the country. It's just the way things have worked out.