Lenawee County is home to Michigan’s oldest fair, longest-running opera house, and largest speedway. What empowers a region to keep these places and traditions alive throughout the years?
Having a vibrant community invested in a solid economy provides a variety of ways for individuals to pursue their goals and build up the area which they call home. Throughout every region, there are several factors at play to make a community thrive.
It’s nearly impossible to increase economic and community prosperity without the next generation’s success. Giving a student a vision of what’s possible after graduation early on in their coursework sets them up for success, by getting the resources they need to thrive in society.
According to Kelly McNicol, Career Navigator: “We always need to be working towards something. Developing goals based on interests makes a big difference in school and life success. I love being able to help people see that there is a future that includes them and the exciting things that they can be doing.”
This gives employers the workforce they need to provide goods and services for the community and improve the economy. Also, having an attainable vision for the future helps individuals contribute to a more vibrant region by chasing a career path they are excited about, whether in a traditional vocational field or through creating their own business.
Nearly half of the employees in the United States are employed by small businesses. Since many small business owners enjoy living in the same town as their business, they are uniquely positioned to foster community, provide unique products, and find and fill product or service gaps where they live.
In 2022, Michelle Beechler decided to pursue her passion for knitting, crocheting, and related fiber crafts. Through starting Tink and the Frog, she has been able to weave the community together over a love of crafting since starting. In addition to sharing her expertise and providing premium yarn, Michelle has also been able to foster a kinship of fiber artists through social stitching, and instruction.
Local enterprises are uniquely positioned to keep the community together, whether through social events or giving residents a place to meet up and access amenities without leaving town. For instance, Ben and Lindsay Forche started Stirling Lounge, a 1960s lounge-inspired espresso bar to give residents somewhere to get a fresh cup of coffee without leaving Blissfield. As well as providing a pleasant atmosphere, their shop gives patrons increased options for health-conscious people and a wide spread of flavors. This keeps revenue in the Blissfield economy, by giving patrons the option to buy their coffee locally, and through the synergistic relationship between businesses, since Stirling Lounge offers baked goods from Blissfield bakeries.
Small businesses and large businesses can have a mutually beneficial relationship. Gwynne Marks, founder of The Marks Trading Company highlighted being in the Adrian Meijer and 16 Busch stores as some of the company’s leading successes. It has been a large driver of exposure and revenue, for repeat business from larger entities, and has driven many individuals back to The Marks Trading Company’s website. In turn, this gives chain establishments offerings that are better tailored to the residents they serve, providing a draw to patronize the business.
Also, having corporate enterprises in a local area can drive revenue to the region, as these sorts of entities often do business with places outside the county, and attract patrons from surrounding regions. Also, having several mid-sized to large businesses allows job seekers greater options to pursue work in the county.
Creating a county where people can live, work, and enjoy what the region has to offer are the essential elements for making a community thrive.