Launched in 2006 as a platform to share in 140-characters or less about what you are doing, Twitter has revolutionized the way people communicate online. With over 500 million users and 175 million tweets sent per day, Twitter is one of the largest communication platforms on the Internet.

Locally, government, schools and news outlets use Twitter as a real-time communication tool. Local businesses are using Twitter to keep customers apprised of the latest news and specials, even offering exclusive discounts.
In honor of #FollowFriday, here are 20 Tweeps you should be following:
1.   @A2GOV: The official account of the City of Ann Arbor, @A2GOV tweets important reminders and updates, such as updates regarding the Stadium Bridges. They also tweet about events happening in Ann Arbor.

2.   @A2Y_Chamber: The Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber tweets about local businesses, events and ways to help grow your business.

3.   @AnnArborareaCVB: The Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, whose mission is to enhance the economy of the Ann Arbor area, uses Twitter to promote the Ann Arbor area as a destination for overnight visitors. The @AnnArborareaCVB tweets about things to do in the Ann Arbor area.

4.   @AnnArborArtFair: Next week artists and visitors form around the world return to Ann Arbor to the Ann Arbor Art Fairs. Follow @AnnArborArtFair for exclusive information about the art, artists, entertainment and everything Art Fair related.

5.   @AnnArborcom: Follow @AnnArborcom for complete local news coverage including Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw County region.

6.   @BettyBrigade: A personal assistance and concierge company, @BettyBrigade tweets about how to make life easier, providing helpful tips and articles regarding organizing, party and event planning, pet care, and household projects.

7.   @Catchtheride: The official twitter account for the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), @Catchtheride provides followers with valuable transportation information and rount changes.

8.   @DexterPatch: Tweeting anything and everything happening in Dexter, including news, events and sports, the Dexter Patch is an online new source focusing on Dexter, Michigan.

9.   @FabulousMrFix: A local business serving Washtenaw County, the Fabulous Mr. Fix It tweets about home repairs, handyman services, and home renovations.

10.   @HeritageNews: With over 2,000 followers, the Heritage Newspapers uses their twitter account to tweet about what’s happening in Belleville, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor.

11.  @JobsinA2: Are you looking for a job in the Ann Arbor area? Follow @JobsinA2! They share job postings in the Ann Arbor area as well as articles and tips for job hunting.

12.  @lizzyalfs: As a business reporter for @AnnArbor.com, Lizzy tweets business related news including new business coming to the Ann Arbor area as well as breaking news.

13.  @LucyAnnLance: Host of the Business Insider radio show, Lucy Ann Lance tweets about guests she is interviewing on the show as well as local and national news.

14.  @PaulaGardner: Formerly the News Director of AnnArbor.com, it was recently announced that Paula Gardner will supervise AnnArbor.com’s entire editorial staff. Paula shares local and regional news with her 1,400+ followers.

15.  @producestation: An eclectic gourmet market in Ann Arbor, the Produce Station supports local and artisanal food producers. Follow @producestation for information about wine, cheese, produce and everything in between as well as the occasional exclusive discount.

16.  @PureMichigan: Promoting Michigan as a year-round travel destination, Pure Michigan uses twitter to share events, news, advertisements and behind-the-scenes stuff with their 32,000+ followers.

17.  @ryanjstanton: A political reporter for AnnArbor.com, Ryan tweets about government, politics and occasionally about life as a vegan.

18.  @SalinePatch: I must admit that the idea for this blog post came from an article on saline.patch.com back in January. @SalinePatch tweets about news, events and sports in Saline, Michigan.

19.  @VisitYpsi: The Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tweets the latest on what’s happening in Ypsilanti and throughout Washtenaw County.

20.  @Wiebesick: Director of Social Media and Interactive Marketing for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Chad Wiebesick tweets good news about Michigan as well as stories about social media.

 
Are you using Twitter?  Be sure to leave a comment below with your twitter handle!