("Thinking Outside the Box: A Report on Independent Merchants and the Local Economy" – Civic Economics, September 2009)įrom Portland, ME: Every $100 spent at locally owned businesses contributes an additional $58 to the local economy. The primary difference was that the local stores purchase many goods and services from other local businesses, while Target does not. In contrast, the local retailers returned more than 32% of their revenue to the local economy. ("Local Works: Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy" – Civic Economics, September 2008)įrom New Orleans: 16% of the money spent at a SuperTarget stays in the local economy. Spending $1 million at local restaurants, meanwhile, generates over $900,000 in added local economic activity and supports 15 jobs. From Grand Rapids: $1 million spent at chain restaurants produces about $600,000 in additional local economic activity and supports 10 jobs. There are many studies to support my assertion. And, while the University of Michigan is an undeniable economic and cultural force, the money generated there stays in Ann Arbor best when there are thriving local businesses to take those dollars to train and pay staff, buy more local products and services and give back to the community through donations and the many daily generosities that often go unaccounted for. Ann Arbor has fared well through the recession relative to many other towns in Michigan, and this is due, in large part, to our thriving independent businesses. The work of small businesses is a real engine in our economy. While this may seem a quaint picture, there is more to it than that. These people, in their daily work, are bringing character, integrity, resilience and generosity of spirit to the community. Just this morning Curtis Sullivan, honked, waved, and shouted, "Hey dude!" as he drove by with his son, headed to Vault of Midnight well before its opening hour. I often take a route through downtown and the farmer's market, seeing many of my fellow entrepreneurs – farmers, shopkeepers, mechanics, restaurateurs, and contractors – going about opening up their day to their own beautiful businesses. These days, having sold my business to work a more standard 9-5, I wake up early to walk the dog. Every morning I was coaxed towards a sense of purpose. Even the early-morning customers were regulars, often ordering the same pastry and coffee day after day. But those first hours had a clear sequence of tasks, a routine that offered an even-keeled start through whatever the rest of the day would bring. When you own a small business, unpredictable demands can absorb a good chunk of your day. It was a unique, if foggy, pleasure, a slow opening to what were almost always very busy and often chaotic days. It never felt like a chore or even a duty. We are our people, our places – and our small businesses.įor seven years, I awoke before sunrise most days to walk a few blocks through my neighborhood and open my business. The kids proudly attend Ann Arbor public schools and love this community as much as their mother. Jean lives in that same house with her two children, Ada, 15, and Ezra, 7. She returned to the Zingerman's fold in 2008. Jean's food business habit started at Zingerman's in 1985, where she was employee #28. Past Jefferson Market staff and customers are still her local family. Jefferson Market was a neighborhood restaurant, grocery, pastry, coffee, toy, and gift shop with side work in catering, all in 1,200 square feet. After stints at many local small businesses, Jean and ex-husband Matt Banks renovated and operated Jefferson Market from 2000 to 2007. She bought a house on the Old West Side in 1988. She grew up on a farm in Lebanon, Pennsylvania and came to Ann Arbor in 1984 to attend the University of Michigan. Jean Henry is Special Agent for the Environment at Zingerman's.
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