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
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