By John Counts
Review Editor
In its 20-year history, the Orion Kennel Club has had two bounced customer checks.
In the last 20 months, there have been four.
The sorrowful plight of banks, automakers and retailers has been well-documented in this time of a woebegone economy.
But what about the kennel where you take your dog, or the flower shop where you’re planning on buying your sweetie a Valentine’s Day bouquet?
The temporary canine and feline tenants at the kennel on Waldon Road may not have noticed a difference during the economic shift, but owner Annette Battaglia has.
‘We’re down 27 percent,? she said.
In another sign of the times, the kennel is receiving an inordinate amount of bounced checks, according to Battaglia.
‘I’ve never experienced this. I hope it’s not going to be a trend,? she said. ‘I just don’t understand how people can run away from the situation.?
Rosemary Rangi, director of operations at Crittenton Medical Equipment, said that while the health care industry is being touted as ‘safe? in the current economy, there are still noticeable signs of decline.
‘We have seen a number of customers getting their benefits cut,? she said.
Many people race to get medical issues taken care of before the end of the year for insurance purposes, Rangi said.
Therefore, economic activity in the health care industry slows in January and February.
And when benefits are cut or lost altogether, no one wins.
Rangi, who sits on the board of the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, implores residents to shop locally.
She said it will help get us through the slump.
Jacobsen’s Flowers has also seen its share of hard times, according to owner Brad Jacobsen, who is also on the Oakland County Commission.
He said it was tied in with the troubles the auto companies are facing.
‘We did see a reduction in September and October, when those announcements came out,? he said.
Business is in peril countywide, Jacobsen said.
‘Everyone seems to be in the same situation,? he added.
So what, if any, is the solution?
Jacobsen’s Flowers will be offering more intensive Valentine’s Day specials.
‘It’s a matter of doing smarter marketing,? Jacobsen said.
Battaglia remains hopeful, despite the bouncing checks.
‘We’re all going through this period of uncertainty,? she said. ‘People will still spend a lot of money on their animal. It will be the last thing they cut back on.?