The benefits to communities and residents are well-documented. Buying locally spurs the regional economy, benefits non-profit organizations, helps keep our area unique, reduces environmental impact, increases customer service and contributes to our range of product choices. With so many benefits to purchasers it makes practical sense to explore regional buying options first.
You can contribute to yourself and your family's welfare by buying locally. Studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms. This strengthens the community economic base. Economic impact studies repeatedly reveal that locally-owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and tax base.
Small businesses are the backbone of our national economy, creating and providing jobs. Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know shoppers. If we're interested in customer service we should shop local businesses.
Our shopping habits also contribute to our range of choices. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
Owners who live in our community are more invested in the community's future. Non-profit organizations also benefit from local and regional shopping, making our own community a better place to live. Town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.
Where we shop, eat and play keeps our community unique. One-of-a-kind businesses give our area a distinctive character and add to our sense of home. Tourism also benefits from this, as people on vacation seek out businesses that give them a sense of being somewhere, not just anywhere.
Local purchases requiring less transportation also reduce our environmental impact. Town centers contribute less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
We at On the Shore magazine are proud to be a locally owned, produced and printed publication. We are continually impressed by the local experts who contribute the useful information you find here every month. We are happy to be serving friends and neighbors who overwhelmingly appreciate the articles we offer.
If you haven't visited the local businesses we feature in this, our Salute to Small Business issue, we at On the Shore magazine encourage you to explore the services these businesses offer. Regional purchases benefit you, your family and your community.
Downtown Muskegon is an area with a long history of change, perhaps beginning with the devastating fires of 1871 and 1874, when many wooden structures that comprised the downtown hub were destroyed. The area may have changed over the years, but many dedicated businesses have been at their locations for decades and are convinced downtown Muskegon is entering a new golden age.
For much of my time living here on the Lakeshore I've heard residents lament about the lack of shopping downtown. This has always puzzled me as someone who has, in recent years, taken full advantage of the variety of businesses there. If shoppers are waiting for a downtown Muskegon "comeback," they don't need to wait any longer.
With popular museums' changing exhibits, a theater with world-class entertainment, the Muskegon Lumberjacks hockey team and a thriving night life, downtown Muskegon is the happening place to be. Heritage Landing features music in a beautiful setting all summer long and it's not uncommon to hear nationally renowned performers complimenting us on the impressive sunsets.
Carmen's Café is open in the newly renovated building at 878 Jefferson St. Scott and Carmen Buchan's breakfast and lunch spot was a fixture at its former location and the spacious new restaurant features attractive murals and an attentive, friendly waitstaff. The omelettes are recommended.
The Muskegon Athletic Club at 333 Western Avenue is the newest downtown hotspot. Serving bistro style mac 'n cheese in a casual atmosphere, the MAC has become a meeting place for friends enjoying sports in high definition or just hanging out after downtown activities.
North of the MAC on Terrace Street is Kathleen Riegler, known far and wide as The Cheese Lady. She returned from Provence, France with a love for fine cheese. "I now have a passion to make you love cheese as much as I do," she said. "My favorite cheeses might not be yours. Your favorite cheeses may not be mine. But in the thousands of cheeses out there we both can find one that makes us smile."
Smiling is common among uncommon artwork at Jilly's Gallery and Sun, Wind and Rain, both across from the L.C. Walker Arena on W. Western Avenue.
At Jilly's, Jill Barnes works in sand, glass, clay, metal and driftwood. "Some of my pieces have been known to be whimsical and they can make you laugh out loud," she said. All of her pieces are hand made and one-of-a-kind.
Sun Wind and Rain is a specialty gift store with the distinction of being the first full retail store to open on Western Avenue since the major urban renewal project of the downtown began years ago. Designer and Proprietor Filis Slater features a selection of unique gift ideas, many not available anywhere else.
Mario Stevenson is a Muskegon native who returned home to participate in the new downtown. LaBrae's Footwear and Accessories is a discount shoe store at 1144 Third Street just south of Muskegon Avenue. "I scour the country looking for deals that I can pass on to my customers," said Mario.
Paulette Truax's Accurate Income Tax and Accounting offers income tax preparation, and bookkeeping and small business payroll services. "We make tax time less taxing," said Paulette. In addition to the downtown office at 307 W. Muskegon Avenue, Accurate Income Tax offers a new location at 5263 E. Apple Avenue.
Downtown Muskegon has also become the place to go for everything automotive. Ginman Tire Company offers wheels and tires service and repair at 665 W. Clay Avenue. Downtown Firestone at 952 Terrace is a T3 Certified tire center with complete auto repair. Midas on 25 W. Apple Avenue (and 3385 Henry Street) provides auto service experts with the "Midas touch." Witt Buick has been a family-owned, full-service Buick dealership in Muskegon since 1912, with sales, service and a body shop. Dr. Mark Campbell and Carl Miskotten opened the 40,000 square foot Hot Rod Harley-Davidson at 149 Shoreline Drive in 2007, offering merchandise, new bikes, parts, service and rentals.
Not all downtown businesses are brand new. Numerous downtown businesses have been serving the area for many years. All say customers are happy to discover the one-on-one service available at a locally-run business.
Founded in 1947, Weber Lumber is one of West Michigan's premier independent suppliers to professional builders, remodelers and do-it-yourselfers. An Energy Star compliant business, Weber Lumber is currently encouraging homeowners to stop by and look into receiving Energy Tax Credits for replacing current windows with windows that are more energy efficient.
Ken, the Picture Framer has been fulfilling customers' needs for many years. He offers framing, matting, lamination, glass choices and shadow box construction. Plus, original art and limited prints are available at his store at 752 Pine Street.
Muskegon Glass Company at 777 Pine Street has been a part of downtown Muskegon since 1908, providing "everything in glass."
The future of downtown Muskegon looks bright as the city builds on its historic past and looks toward the future. For unique shops, gathering places and quality services, the future is now. Downtown Muskegon is back…and has been back for some time!