Goodrich-Motorists driving into Goodrich may notice a Chamber of Commerce sign on M-15 just south of the village.
The problem’the sign stayed but the chamber left.
For almost three years, Goodrich has not reaped the benefits that many other businesses around them are.
Past chamber president Jim Naugler has shown interest numerous times in reviving the organization, but hasn’t felt support from others in tackling the many jobs and duties involved.
‘It’s the same people doing the same jobs. No one really wants to put effort forth into the work. We need new people who are willing to take some of the responsibility because one person can’t do it all on their own.?
The Goodrich Garden Club recently cleaned up the area around the sign, using money from the chamber account. Naugler said they’re in limbo about what the sign means in the community. Currently the chamber has between $1,300-$1,500 waiting to be used on scholarships, outings, or any events that need monetary support.
Before the chamber strings unraveled, there were 75 members. At the last meeting nearly one year ago, the turnout was less than 20.
Many business owners from Goodrich, and other areas, have seen the benefits and joined the Greater Ortonville Chamber of Commerce. President Robert Renchik is happy to have them.
‘The exposure that these businesses get is great. Not only is it good for them, it’s helpful for people who want to move into the community to pull up our website, and learn things about Ortonville, places to go, who the officials are, and what businesses are in town.?
The Greater Ortonville Chamber has an extensive website that offers information pertaining to Oakland County, minutes, outings and best of all, exposes the business on the internet for free.
Each member is asked to pay yearly dues, Ortonville’s being $75, which is very low in comparison. Many business owners in Goodrich never saw any advantages except a plaque with their name engraved on it.
Patty Plant, owner of Cranberries? Cafe? on Hegel Road said it would have been helpful when she was a member to have the purpose of the chamber is diagramed.
‘I would be interested in joining, but I would first like to know what it will do for my business and how it would be helpful.?
Glenda Minzey of Exec-U-Tan off M-15 said she has only been in the area a short time, but would like to see the chamber come back to life.
‘When the village has fairs and other events, it’s like we don’t exist up here. It would be a way for the downtown area and the plaza to come together.?
Mike Kranz is the director of member development for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Kranz said the purpose is essentially to bring a sense of togetherness. He feels the networking system is a better way to work, rather than trying to accomplish something individually.
‘Businesses are informed about unemployment, economic development, township and city ordinances and environmental issues. It’s just a better way for a community to work for the same goal, to prosper.?
Kathy Posio has owned Tori’s Flowers and Gifts off M-15 for four years. She attempted to correlate ideas with the small number of people who showed interest in initiating the organization, but didn’t get the feeling that others really had a plan on how to get it started.
‘We are all small businesses. We don’t have the time to do all the work ourselves. It has to be a combined effort, or it won’t happen. It’s really pretty sad we don’t have one.?
Others in Goodrich are in a different position. They would like to see Goodrich get the ball rolling, but have already joined the Greater Ortonville Chamber.
Sharon Schulmeister, owner of Nana’s Deli and Bakehouse said it would be great to have one.
‘It’s really separated from the downtown businesses and the M-15 businesses.?
Schulmeister was a part of the 2003 Business Expo and enjoyed the exposure that Nana’s received during the event.
‘The problem is that many Goodrich residents don’t frequent Goodrich businesses. It would really be a way for us to join and become one, instead of being two separate areas.?
The main point that the community and business owners seem to agree on is the issue of time and no one having enough of it to dedicate the revival of such a lucrative asset.