The recent economic downturn has been harsh, but it seems Lansing’s Old Town is doing all right. On Tuesday, the Old Town Commercial Association will celebrate 13 new businesses that have opened in the last year with a series of ribbon cuttings.
Brittney Hoszkiw, executive director of the Old Town Commercial Association, said having 13 new businesses open in a year is a big deal for the association, and really good for Lansing.
“It’s been an economically challenging year for some people, and Old Town is continuing to grow, and we’re ready to celebrate that,” Hoszkiw said. “We’re ready to showcase opportunities that continue to arise in Lansing, particularly Old Town.”
One business that has opened in Old Town is Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. Cynthia McCants, community liaison executive, said the business is helping with the continued revitalization of Old Town.
“We give girls more opportunities,” said McCants. “We have a program space for their troop meetings and activities.”
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan also has offices in Saginaw, Kalamazoo, Jackson and Ann Arbor.
Proud business owner Mike Polston, owner of the family-run Greenfield Collection Antiques, is excited to be in Old Town. Once located in Potterville, its old building was lost to a recent fire that gutted the downtown. Greenfield Collection Antiques is in its second month in Old Town.
“We couldn’t ask for a better location. We drove by, saw the building for rent and really liked it,” said Polston. “We love everyone. There’s nice people, and a lot of foot traffic. We couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s really fun down here.”
Chad Jordan, owner of Cravings Gourmet Popcorn, has been in Old Town since mid-February. He sells homemade gourmet popcorn, popcorn seeds, oil and seasonings.
“I want to be an asset to what Old Town is already doing. It’s terrific, and I want to contribute to that,” Jordan said.
Jordan said he is trying to build up a soda market, too, offering fizzy beverages from different regions from across the country.
Lansing Economic Development Corp. Director Bob Trezise, will do the actual ribbon cutting.
“Old Town represents the incubator of business development, and is a creation place of business,” Trezise said. “I truly believe Lansing is the hot spot in the state of Michigan, and Old Town is helping to lead the way.”
The ribbon cutting starts at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. The ribbon cutting will begin at the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan and continue to each new business. Some businesses will celebrate with samples, or an open house, Hoszkiw said.
The new businesses:
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
1223 Turner St.
David Zoglio, Attorney at Law
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