05/03/2026
Just this evening while browsing Facebook and Instagram, I came across two beautiful independent shoppes, one in Perrysburg and one in New London, that announced they were closing.
And believe me, I get it. I’ve contemplalated the same 36 times this week; 14 times just between 1pm and 3pm this very afternoon. 😂
The good news is, we’re not closing. We are fortunate to own our buildings and the income from our apartments and B&B significantly help pay the mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
A lot of small business don’t have that luxury… they have large lease payment, triple net, and maintenance costs on a building they don’t even own.
But, it’s rough out there for everyone… small businesses included:
- property taxes on overly inflated buildings (we pay about $9,000 a year).
- freight costs
- heating and cooling these old buildings (our March gas bill was $2,435)
- increased costs of product, while
keeping the price the same to compete with Amazon
- WEATHER WOES
- payroll costs
- a building owner in our charming town selling three buildings that left us down a restaurant and much loved antique store
- fuel prices thru the roof keeping people at home
- and so one, and so forth, and what have you.
I’m not here begging for your patronage (okay, maybe I am a little😂), but what I am asking you to consider is taking a fresh look at Downtown Grand Rapids Ohio.
All of the shoppes and restaurants in Grand Rapids are owned by real, local people. Investing in Grand Rapids.
Your purchase or dining experience impacts local people.
Your patronage brings a smile to THEIR FACE… not a smirk to the face of an investor.
The properties in Downtown Grand Rapids contribute $110,000 annually in property taxes, which fund:
- Fire Protection
- EMS Service
- School
- Village Operations
- Township Operations
- PENTA
- a community swimming pool
- Senior Citizens Services
- Park Services
- Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services, and more.
Our businesses donate and support local initiatives, events, and school groups.
Our businesses bring value to Grand Rapids.
So, we have an ask.
Before you buy it on Amazon; before you head to the Big Box; before grab a Hot-n-Ready pizza… would you consider local first?
Would you consider that you might find that perfect gift, that perfect piece to complete the bare corner in your living room, that delicious meal you’ve never tasted anywhere else?
Would you consider that local businesses bring value to our community, school, and civic organizations?
Would you consider what Grand Rapids would look like with a downtown full of empty buildings?
Thanks.
😊
It’s much more fun to be in business than to be a statistic… and I think our neighbors would agree.ted
