Goodrich- While some of the reverberations of a struggling state economy rippled through the village in 2006’several signs of a revitalization may be on the horizon, say village officials.
‘A few of our local businesses have closed down over the last year, but while we hear about those businesses, we often overlook the local businesses who are maintaining themselves and some who are even doing well,? said Doug Tetmeyer, president of the Goodrich/Atlas Chamber of Commerce. ‘The businesses in the Goodrich/Atlas area are run by hard-working, dedicated entrepreneurs who believe in this community and are willing to put the effort into success.?
From the remodeling of the Marathon Quick Sav, 10318 Hegel Road, to the opening of the Family Life Center at the Goodrich United Methodist Church, to a new dance studio on Hegel Road in the downtown area, all are indications that village businesses are alive in the community, said Tetmeyer.
‘While the media tells us how bad things are, local businesses and residents have the task of keeping things going in as normal a manner as possible,? he said.
While area businesses strive to maintain their market share, the construction segment of the local economy declined from 47 building permits in 2005 to 11 new homes in 2006, following the downward trend in the statewide construction industry.
Ed York, village council president says while business may be slow, work on the village infrastructure should boom in 2007. Improvements to the Hegel Road bridge, a new turn lane on Erie Street at M-15, and upgrading the village master plan are in the works for 2007, said York.
‘We anticipate smooth running projects in the village this year,? said York. ‘The construction projects are results of grants, and due to the slow economy along with some job incentives, projects were moved up to 2007.?
‘Our goal is to satisfy the village residents,? said York. ‘It’s a great place to do business and we need the residents to support these businesses. There’s still a faction in the village looking for fault with the village council but have yet to find something. The council is moving forward to avoid any more hard feelings among residents.?