Detroit's Italian Invasion

It ain't Turin, Italy, where the picturesque snow-capped Alps loom in the distance, but Detroit locals are doing everything possible to roll out the red carpet for Fiat executives. Fancy boutiques and real estate agents are hoping to reel in the new arrivals, who will likely settle in Detroit's wealthy suburbs. One boutique owner is banking on finally selling her $795.50 sandals, which have she marked down from $1,595. One school in the area is even looking into offering courses in Italian. The suburbs are also bracing for a cultural infusion from the Italian execs, who will further enrich the wealthy, cosmopolitan culture found in places like Birmingham, Michigan, where many of the auto industry's fallen CEOs' lay their heads. You know a city is hurting economically when the arrival of only 200 executives is cause for celebration.