Hartland in Hindsight #5- Business Friendly
Hartland Township’s board and planning commission are always striving to come alongside our current and potential business community, paving the way for smart, thoughtful growth. Through strategic partnerships, along with investments in solid data and research to equip local businesses, our business community has experienced growth and an adaptability that has resulted in resiliency during the most challenging of times.
A key relationship that has benefited both the Township and business community is with the Hartland Chamber of Commerce. Laying a foundation for open communication, the Chamber has nurtured and given a voice to our growing business entities.
“Over the past few years, the Chamber has worked on strengthening its relationships with the Township and it's many partners to make Hartland a great place to do business,” explains Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce executive Director Katie Chuba. ”Through Partners in Progress, we've been able to create a welcoming brand and keep open lines of communication flowing for the betterment of our business members and community.”
In 2018, Hartland Township commissioned world-renowned consultant, Gibbs Planning Group, to conduct a Retail Market Analysis. This study was designed to provide information to the township along with both current businesses and potential entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves within Hartland. Findings illustrated the ability to support over 110,000 additional square feet of retail and restaurant development, potentially generating over $35 million in new sales. This solid data provides businesses a better understanding of their potential markets and opportunities, allowing them to target their plans accordingly.
These insights and support have demonstrated the commitment that Hartland Township has taken in its local businesses, and others have begun to take note. In 2019, the University of Michigan-Dearborn researchers honored Hartland Township for its strategies to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic development. Through its iLabs eCities study, data across Michigan communities was collected and analyzed as it relates to entrepreneurship, economic development, and job growth. Hartland was one of only five communities across the state of Michigan to have been recognized for this distinction and was also designated a 4-star Honored Community.
“We’ve made our business community a priority in our Township,” says Township Supervisor Bill Fountain. “From soliciting solid retail market analysis on our business’s behalf to supporting enthusiastic entrepreneurs, we’re so pleased the UM-Dearborn’s iLabs recognized the hard work that has gone into making Hartland a business friendly, business ready space.”
Over the past few months, our Township, businesses, and entire community have been tested as we have faced a challenging global pandemic. The “Business Friendly” slogan the Township has messaged over the past few years was put into action in a very visible way. The “Hartland Outdoor Business Friendly” initiative is an example of how the Township partners with and supports local commerce. With multiple restrictions placed on restaurants and retail spaces, Hartland took early action to relax ordinances for the utilization of outdoor spaces by business owners.
“Limiting restaurant seating space is a real threat to business,” explains Joe Mackle, owner of local restaurant Mackle’s Tables & Taps. “Working with the Township to expand our outdoor patio has provided us to serve more customers and in turn helps us to keep our doors open. Our local patrons have supported us through these challenging times and we are grateful to be here in Hartland through this difficult time. It’s what living in community is all about!”
As we face an uncertain future and a changing economic climate, we move forward in a more united way. Not only building these relationships, but also nurturing them. Not only seeking out data and research but implementing it. And as we grow as a community, we strive to support those doing business around us: business friendly, business ready!
