February 18, 2025 - Supporting Coopersville’s Local Economy
Here is a post from Facebook I thought I would share and my response:
Q: Original Facebook Post
"Hey Peter Weise. Thanks so much for putting this out to all of us. Just to express my thoughts on the addenda: I won’t be able to attend. I would like to see business that would not pull directly from our neighborhoods—that have businesses here in town. I understand the free market, but as a small town we should be pushing to keep corporate stores from running our mom and pop stores out of business. Thanks so much for everything you do and for serving as our community voice."
A: My Response
"Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I understand the concerns about new businesses coming in, but it's important to remember that if a business—like the proposed Ace Hardware—follows the rules and laws, they have the right to set up shop. However, the real power lies with us as citizens in deciding where to spend our money.
Consider our local gems like Coopersville Hardware, L&L Printing, Adema's, Bronco Glass, Delly Belly, Coopersville Heating and Cooling, Coopersville Brewing, Taskers, Continental and Fairlie, Taqueria Manriquez, and many more. I am truly sorry that I did not list all the great businesses here in Coopersville—take a moment and think of the ones I didn't mention. I encourage everyone to share and support their favorite local spots. These businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and when we choose to support them, they support us right back. We see this in the way our local sports events are backed by businesses that give back in time and funds. Ultimately, it's not just the planning commission or city council making the difference—it’s our choices as citizens to put our money where it matters most: directly into our community."