Goodrich ? It’s been years since the Goodrich Chamber of Commerce has been active. That may soon change.
Patty Plant, owner of Cranberries Caf? in Goodrich, is looking for prospective members to fuel the organization and spur community interest in local businesses.
With an absence of area entertainment such as a movie theater, ‘the only social outlet is the schools,? said Plant, who says her restaurant is packed with diners the day of school plays, games, or the annual homecoming parade.
In addition, Plant maintains a reactivated chamber could be eligible for funds such as the $5,131 recently awarded by the United Way of Genesee County to the Goodrich-Atlas Block Grant Committee, to be distributed to area nonprofit groups.
Members of the Goodrich Chamber of Commerce, who originally installed signs at the village limits, have not been meeting for at least five years, said Jim Naugler, the last active president.
‘The same people kept doing the work, and just got tired. It’s been sitting there waiting for someone to take it and run with it.?
Naugler is in favor of seeing local businesses revive the chamber, and would eventually like a business expo held by area businesses, he said.
‘Good Times in Goodrich? will not take place this year, as no group has taken the lead, said Jakki Sidge, Goodrich Village Administrator.
‘It hurts that we don’t have a chamber. Most people go to Ortonville,? said Sidge, who says she’s willing to become a member if the chamber reactivates.
‘There needs to be one here,? said Sidge. ‘We have enough businesses that we should be able to sustain a chamber.?
Plant, who belongs to the Davison Chamber of Commerce, may look to Davison as a model.
Bob Hilgendorf, owner of Whitey’s Restaurant & Take Out in Davison, has belonged to the Davison Area Chamber of Commerce for more than 50 years.
Hilgendorf recalls a number of events involving the Davison chamber which have been good for business: the summer and pumpkin festivals, homecoming celebrations, the downtown Davison farmer’s market, and ‘A Taste of Davison?.
Although his role with the chamber is more passive, it’s good to belong, he says, recounting the benefits of occasional chamber breakfasts and special speakers.
‘It’s just the business community getting together and promoting the community of businesses in town.?
But a chamber won’t thrive without involvement, says Hilgendorf.
‘You’ve got to have people involved in it to make it go.?
If you’re a local business owner who wants to join others to increase the success of your business, call Patty Plant at (810) 636-3409.