Downtown glass is half full!

A recent Daily Telegram article quoted me as saying that we have to revitalize our downtown if we want developers, businesses and families to call Adrian home. The downtown is the heart of any community and I am firm in my belief that downtowns must be vibrant, attractive and bustling with people shopping, eating and obtaining professional services.

I am one of those people who grew up here and remember when there were 100+ stores, shops and eateries downtown. Lunch hours and breaks were spent walking the aisles at Kresges, having lunch at the counter at Cunningham’s Drug Store and looking for the perfect outfit for Saturday night’s date at any one of the many clothing stores that were here. While it would be awesome to see that kind of vitality again, I realize it will look different from the 1960’s. But I also realize that it can be done and the Chamber is committed to being a part of the eventual solution.

But, in the meantime, we need to realize what is in our downtown, support those businesses and pass the word to others that downtown Adrian has a variety of viable and attractive businesses. Last Saturday at Graze to Raise, a woman came over to talk to me and commented on what a shame it was that there was so little in our downtown. She was surprised when I told her how many retail shops are here. Do you know how many there are? read this Sunday's Telegram to find out!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

A Great Monday!

The day started out well as I joined a good-sized and enthusiastic crowd in the County Commission chambers in the historic Lenawee County Courthouse as Doug Spade began his quest to make a bit of history of his own! Spade will be running for the 16th District Michigan Senate seat. Doug commented that he wanted to serve in this capacity with all of his heart and the crowd applauded its approval. Check out the photo on the Chamber's Home Page at www.adrianareachamber.com .

The day progressed as I joined a group of Adrian Maples supporters to judge the Adrian Homecoming banners and windows in downtown Adrian. Great work by lots of students who are looking forward to beating Ferndale on Friday night. The theme this year is Dr. Seuss and it was fun to see how the students built the theme in to the artwork! i.e. "We can beat them in a house. We can beat them with a mouse. We can beat them here. We can beat them there. We can beat them anywhere!" Go Maples!

Thank God for Mondays!