Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shop, 7205 Telegraph, celebrated its grand opening recently. Tim Hortons District Manager Randy Hodge (left) turned out to congratulate the opening with owners Scott Suryan (second from left) and Gary David. Suryan and his wife, Shannon, and David and his wife, Sharon, together own five Tim Hortons, including three in Dearborn and one in Melvindale. The Dearborn Heights location features a new design, featuring a fireplace, leather couches, warmer colors and Wi-Fi.
According to statistics published by the Small Business Administration, seven out of 10 new employer establishments survive at least two years, and 51 percent survive at least five years. This is a far cry from the previous long-held belief that 50 percent of businesses fail in the first year and 95 percent fail within five years. Better success rates notwithstanding, a significant percentage of new businesses do fail. The good news is in the businesses who are successful. Not just in surviving, but in thriving, and contributing to the local economy.
A number of businesses in the Dearborn and Dearborn Heights communities celebrated milestone anniversaries during 2011. These businesses should be applauded and you should be congratulated for patronizing them. Every time you make a purchase from a local business, part of your money is returned to the community. In fact, for every $100 spent in locally owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures, according to the small business advocacy group The 350 Project.
There’s more good news. Many of the local business owners also give back to our communities by joining the local service clubs such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Goodfellows and Lions. These clubs share a common desire to improve the community by filling the gap between our own resources and the government’s. Many residents of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights have received food baskets, emergency assistance, handicapped services, college scholarships and more. All supported, in part, by your local business, and you.
So when you get discouraged about the financial plight of the city, state or country, or feel overwhelmed by the bad news swirling all around, stop at a local business and buy yourself, or someone else, a gift. You will certainly be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
The Chamber extends its congratulations to chamber members who celebrated milestone anniversaries in 2011: Kearns Brothers (25 years), T.I.F.A. (25 years), Leader Printing and Mailing (30 years), PAC Federal Credit Union (35 years), Ford-Tel Marathon and Tom Waligorski Roofing (40 years), Tel-Joy Shopping Center (50 years), Midway Golf and Entertainment Center (60 years), Stan’s Garage (70 years), Dearborn Federal Savings Bank (75 years), Dearborn Area Board of Realtors (85 years).