Highland Business Owners Learn About Local Resources

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 18, 2024)

Highland Township, MI – Business owners in Highland Township have a lot of support thanks to several organizations that are there to serve them. And in October three of those groups came together to host the Coffee and Connections event to showcase what they have to offer.

Here local entrepreneurs were able to chat with representatives of the Highland White Lake Business Association, Highland Downtown Development Authority, and Oakland Thrive.

FIVE STAR SUPPLY

Lori Woods of Five Start Supply was among those who came to the early morning event. The hardware store has been a part of the Highland community since the 1980s, with hubby Paul Greyerbiehl’s family taking over ownership in 2014. Taking over a successful, established business gave the family a great start, but there is always more to learn by networking with other businesses and using the resources available.

Woods previously served at the President of the HWLBA for two years, and has worked with the DDA over the years.

“The DDA does so much to put us on the map,” Woods said. In particular she loves events like the Festival of Trees where the quaint downtown area is adorned with creatively decorated trees for neighbors and visitors to enjoy. She’s also taken classes offered through the DDA which help business owners learn essential skills.

Supporting family-owned businesses and maintaining small town charm are important parts of downtown organizations like the Highland DDA. Having that support helps businesses like Five Star Supply stay encouraged as they face pressure from online shopping and big box stores.

Woods is not deterred by those shopping options. “Big boxes are not our competition,” she said. “We greet you at the door. We take you to what you need. And we help you make sure you have what you need in a way big box stores can’t.” She added that employees are Five Star Supply are like family.

HIGHLAND WHITE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Ann Giese has been Director of the Highland White Lake Business Association for the past two years. The organization is similar to a chamber of commerce, where businesses can become members and take advantage of benefits.

The HWLBA has networking and social events including monthly coffee and lunch gatherings and signature events like Laughs at the Lift. They offer ribbon cuttings to new businesses or those celebrating big anniversaries, and there are educational events as well. “We keep our members updated on legal issues impacting small businesses, like the recent changes to the minimum wage law,” Giese said.

The group has about 120 members in the Highland and White Lake area. Working with two communities means a broader network of business owners to connect with, especially as White Lake Township continues to encourage growth and development.

“The White Lake Township Library is an amazing community hub, with music and other events. And White Lake is creating a new Downtown area with space for residences and new businesses,” Giese said.

HIGHLAND DDA

While White Lake is focusing on thoughtful growth, Highland continues to bring attention to their quaint downtown while maintaining the emphasis on history, small town charm, and the beauty of nature.

Missy Dashevich is the Director of the DDA, which is funded with a property tax capture on properties in the DDA area which otherwise would have gone to the County and other entities. The money is reinvested in downtown maintenance, promotion, and support of the businesses. Dashevich started out as a volunteer and eventually became director in 2011.

“I love helping the businesses and I love the Main Street philosophy of preservation,” she said.

Among the projects she’s most proud of are sidewalk improvements and beautification efforts, including the recently painted mural paying homage to the community’s history as a railroad stop more than a century ago. Another mural boasts the name Highland designed like a giant postcard.

The DDA has also administered a façade grant program that helps businesses improve the look of their buildings and signage. The DDA has several committees where people can volunteer, including those that plant flowers, and those that plan events that help get people downtown, such as the upcoming Festival of Trees, and in the summer there is a weekly farmers market.

“People want to be here. People want to move it. We’re establishing a place people want to live, work, and play,” Dashevich said.

RAM INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

Dr. Brenda Oldham moved to Highland 25 years ago and built a thriving insurance business serving people all along the M-59 corridor from Highland to Pontiac. In recent years she and her son Ronell Stokes have built a business sharing financial planning and advice with clients, hosting workshops, creating business plans, and other educational opportunities. Oldman has even written a book – Grandma Piggy Bank Money Saving Tips. She teaches people that “It’s not how much money you make, if you understand basic personal finances you can take care of your family,” she said.

Oldham became interested in finance watching her father raise four children on his own after her mother died at the age of 43. “I saw the pain he had to go through, and the adjustments,” she said.

Part of the key to business success is networking, not just to grow one’s customer base, but for peace of mind and support as well. “All businesses need to feel like they belong, and not be an island of themselves,” Oldham said. She recommended joining organizations such as chambers and business associations, and in particular values her membership in the Small Business Association of Michigan, which works on a statewide level to advocate for businesses and inform members about legislative changes and opportunities.

But even if a business can’t afford memberships, local resources like the DDA and Oakland Thrive offer accessible resources. “The DDA does all these things you don’t even have to pay for,” she said. “And you get to meet people and learn from them. You have to be able to help each other.”

OAKLAND THRIVE

Oakland Thrive is a nonprofit that began recently to help serve businesses across the county. There are liaisons in different areas, and Brian Becker is tasked with NW Oakland County. While downtown organizations like DDAs primarily serve businesses in their district, and chambers and business associations are also geographic in nature, Oakland Thrive is able to connect entrepreneurs with resources across the county and beyond. They work closely with Oakland County’s Economic Development Department and other local governments to help small businesses succeed, or “thrive.”

There are classes and workshops that teach things like business planning, marketing, social media, tax preparation, networking, and how to access capital. The classes are often taught by other small business owners in the area who can share not only their expertise, but their experiences. The locations are spread throughout the county, and virtual presentations are also available.

During the Connection event, Becker was kept busy by eager business owners seeking advice, and he took time to sit with each of them to answer questions.

Oakland Thrive is also a sponsor of the Local Gems Sweepstakes taking place throughout the county. Until the end of the month, visitors can take selfies at local businesses and upload them to the contest page for a chance to win, while also promoting the businesses.

HURON VALLEY STATE BANK

Also at the event were representatives from Huron Valley State Bank, a financial institution that is truly local – with just two locations and a board made up of community members. Located in Highland Township and Milford, HVSB focuses on keeping resources local and supporting small businesses, as well as giving back to the community.

“We help business owners work through the process to make their dreams become possible,” said Sheri Miles. “Because we are all local, we care about investing locally.” Decisions about loans are made by a loan committee of people who live in the community, and the small-town focus means more personalized attention all around.

It’s not just that bankers know their customers by name when they come in, and feel that warmth of seeing their neighbors succeed – having a small local bank also means better service in challenging times.

“During COVID when PPP loans became available, bigger banks had more customers and bigger customers to help, and a lot of small business owners had to wait. But we were able to help the small businesses who needed it most,” she said.

“We make our decisions locally, and we personally see the impact a business has on a community.”