On December 13th, My Letter to the Editor was published by The Flint Journal, unfortunately, a lot was edited, but either way, most of my point was made. Yesterday, Doug Gilmore, a neighbor and small business owner (Davison Office Products), called me to compliment me on the letter, stating that he wished more people had the same mindset to shop at locally-owned small businesses, ones that are owned by families, not franchises. He also let me know that another Flint Resident had written a counterargument back disagreeing with my standpoint. He wasn’t very happy by what she had to say because franchises do not count as small businesses and that he wrote back to her letter (you can only submit 1 letter a month).
Ms. Boyce did state that I
should "first be sure they have their facts correct" which makes me a
bit upset because I do; Downtown Flint is a majority of small businesses,
created by small business owners (though, mostly restaurants, shops, salons,
and party stores). Yes, we have a few
chains, such as Subway and TCBY in UofM-Flint and Rally’s across from the
Click Here to Read the Letter or see below:
When letter writers express disappointment about a new business opening in downtown Flint ["Coffee chain in downtown grounds for worry," Your Views, Dec. 13, Page A14], they should first be sure they have their facts correct. Sarah A. Razak stated that the one thing she loves about downtown Flint is the fact that most businesses are "locally owned."
If that is true, then she shouldn't be upset with entrepreneur Melissa Jordan opening a coffee shop because Jordan has been a local business owner for many years. The writer also states that this is "homegrown blood, sweat and tears" and that supporting local businesses is an important step in sustaining and growing the city of Flint for a stronger economy.
Having known Mrs. Jordan for the past six years, I have seen her work 16-18 hour days using "blood, sweat and tears" to make a success of her title company, which she recently sold, where she worked with many local families to assure them a home when others weren't interested in helping. She contributes to many local charities and fundraisers for the betterment of every community.
So what if there are already coffee shops in downtown Flint? Drive down Miller Road and notice the 20-plus restaurants there or the gas stations and drug stores on every corner of Flint. Isn't that what is great about this country, that we have the freedom to "choose" where we go? If anyone can help "revitalize" downtown Flint, it will be with the help of Melissa Jordan and so many others who can see outside of the box.
I'm sure it is an attitude like Ms. Razak's that keeps many other entrepreneurs from taking a chance on Flint, downtown or anywhere else.
Elaine O. Boyce
Flint
*Funny, as I’m writing this, my brother just turned it to Seinfeld, at this exact point:
KRAMER: Jerry, you know that shoe repair place at the end of the block? Well, if they don't get some business, they're gonna have to shut down and make way for one of those gourmet coffee or cookie stores.
ELAINE: I like coffee.
GEORGE: I like <imitates Kramer> "cookies."
KRAMER: Yeah, of course you do. And do you know why? Because you're a bunch of yuppies. It's your go-go corporate takeover lifestyles that are driving out these Mom and Pop stores and destroying the fabric of this neighborhood.
GEORGE: Well, what's so great about a Mom and Pop store? Let me tell you something. If my Mom and Pop ran a store, I wouldn't shop there.
KRAMER: Hey, Bogambo - they've been in the neighborhood for 48 years. Now, come on, Jerry. You've gotta have a pair of shoes in need of a cobblin.'
Source: http://www.seinfeldscripts.com/TheMomAndPopStore.html
