Think Local Washtenaw County

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:50:42 +0000

The revolution has begun. Organizations across the United States are encouraging their communities to “Think Local”. As we heard numerous times in the past year, the economic recovery will come on Main Street, not Wall Street. As such, local business leaders have taken up the banner in support of their locally-owned, independent businesses. Many small, urban centers, such as those in Washtenaw County are dedicated to strengthening their local economy.

Think Local First – Washtenaw County

Our local advocate group is called, “Think Local First” and operates out of Ann Arbor, MI. As the group tells us on their website, “Our mission is to support and cultivate locally-owned, independent businesses in Washtenaw County, Michigan that are committed to making our community a healthier and more vibrant place to live”. Grand Rapids is also fortunate enough to be involved with a locally-sustainable organization called Local First Grand Rapids. Given the state of Michigan’s marketplace, buying local has never been more important to a self-sustaining economy.

Local Purchases Are an Investment

The Stats

For those looking for reasons to shrug online purchases, we highly recommend Michael H.Shuman’s book Going Local. According to his calculations, when you spend $100 at local businesses, $73 stays within the local economy. Compare that to the $43 that remains if the original $100 is spent with a national chain and you see how quickly a vibrant community like Ann Arbor can become unstable.

Does It Help?

The Andersonville Study of Retail Economics produced by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce concluded 4 critical points in 2004:

Local merchants generate substantially greater economic impact than chain firms.
Replacement of local businesses with chains will reduce the overall vigor of the local economy.
Changes in consumer spending habits can generate substantial local economic impact.
Great care must be taken to ensure that public policy decisions do not inadvertently disadvantage locally owned businesses. Indeed, it may be in the best interests of communities to institute policies that directly protect them.

Without getting too technical, residents can easily understand how the “Think Local” movement can help their community. By raising community awareness and encouraging shoppers to buy from their neighborhood shops, capital stays within the banks and businesses in their neighborhood. Business owners then reinvest this capital in their operations and spend revenue at other local establishments. Rather than a typical expenditure, thinking/buying local is an investment.

We’re in This Together

Think Local First of Washtenaw County began initial discussions in 2003 concerning the shared belief that strong communities begin with businesses that are a part of the fabric of our community. Since 2006, this organization has been under its current label.

Amish Tables Growing in AA

Companies and businesses all over Ann Arbor are jumping aboard the Think Local Movement…and so are we! We are dedicated to providing local customers the best shopping experience and results. This mission has led to a brand new showroom opening at the end of the month. Amish-Furniture-Home.com is just one of our family of sites that we at Amish Tables, LLC have put together to serve our customers more accurately. Please look for the Amish Tables showroom opening at 4844 Jackson Rd #100 in Ann Arbor, MI.

Like many businesses these days, we spurred initial success through a dedicated online presence. As our family of sites continues to grow, we are bringing the success to the community. Rather than keep the business as electronic only, our new showroom is a commitment to the Washtenaw Community.

Small Steps, Big Solutions

The economic climate in our state is depressing; no doubt about that. But in times of despair and gloom, groups like Think Local First are providing hope. Like numerous clichés point out, big problems often take many small solutions. Think Local First and the businesses of Washtenaw County must recognize the significance of a joint effort. When money is tight, it’s easy to hunt for the lowest prices online or at the “big box” retailers. But in the long term, a concerted effort to support our neighbors and independent businesses will benefit everyone.

A Brief History of Converting American Homes Into Bed and Breakfasts

admin — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:56:06 +0000

The unusual events in the world economy have many people looking for new ways to earn money and one idea is to convert one or more rooms of your home into a Bed and Breakfast. American homes that welcomed weary travelers date back to the earliest days of Colonial America. The country was young so comfortable and safe lodging options were few and far between in the rough and wild 1700s. Relying on word of mouth and the kindness of strangers, early American travelers in need of a bed for the night often sought out rooms in private homes.

As transportation went from man power to horse power and then to rails, hotels became more common. The Great Depression created the opportunity for less than wealthy travelers to save money while creating an income for home owners. With non-existent interstates travelers were forced to drive through towns, passed homes that provided safe haven for the night for as little as a few dollars. These homes were often a type of boarding house for transients as well as long term residents. The modern Bed and Breakfast is a specific form of boarding house where the guests normally stay only on a bed-and-breakfast or half-board basis (bed, breakfast and dinner only), and where long-stay residence is unheard of.

European influence, spawned by world travel post-WWII, created the romantic idea of the more refined and often historic homes being converted to upscale bed and breakfasts. From farm homes to historic mansions American were converting residences to accommodate paying strangers for the night. The 1980s-90s saw a rapid growth of B&Bs ranging from down home themes with shared bathrooms and simple homey furnishings to chic renovated historic mansions with plush furniture and wine tasting.

Regulations and laws vary from area to area but the most common regulations B&Bs must follow pertain to safety issues like fire resistance, fire escape plans, and smoke detectors in each guest room. Of course kitchens and food preparation are monitored for hygienic operation.

While regulations vary quality never should. Investing in Amish built hardwood furniture is a wise business decision. Not only is it available in every design from traditional to modern it is durable and made to last for generations. No one will ever care for your belongings like you do and the well constructed design of native hardwood beds, tables, chairs and desks can withstand the ever changing flood of guests that your B&B will see over the years. From full bedrooms with whimsical four poster canopies, clocks and fireplaces the unmistakable quality of Amish designed and hand built furnishings will undoubtedly earn you high marks and recognition from your B&B guests.