"As a frequent visitor to numerous downtown Grand Ledge businesses, I hear from business owners and patrons who are looking for ways to be more resilient and better withstand the lasting impacts of the pandemic. I give my highest recommendation for this development and ask the MEDC to strongly consider funding this worthy project."

- State Representative, Angela Witwer

"Since the pandemic began, we had to reduce the amount of indoor seating, and focus more on take out. Our new plan will allow for additional outdoor seating, that would greatly benefit from a rehabilitated street scape and a focus on placemaking."

- Owner, Flour Child Bakery and Café 

"During our most challenging, months, I remember being forced to temporarily close my doors, not knowing when or how I would be able to pay my staff. As the owner of EYES Optometry Boutique, please accept this letter as an acknowledgment of our full support of the City of Grand Ledge’s downtown revitalization project."

- Owner, EYES Optometry Boutique

"Our tenants’ [banquet hall, restaurant, hair salon, and bookstore] income was reduced substantially and our desire was to limit the stress to the tenants to be able to keep their businesses. A steady influx of customers across all four seasons will put us back on track for growth and job creation, ensuring the vibrancy and long-term success of picturesque downtown Grand Ledge for generations."

- Owner of 300 and 304 S. Bridge Street Commercial Buildings

"To date, we are still below our staffing levels and significantly below revenue levels prior to the pandemic. As the owner of Salon 219, please accept this letter as an acknowledgment of our full support of the City of Grand Ledge’s downtown revitalization project."

- Owner, Salon 219

"I spoke with many distraught couples who were in tears due to the complete disruption of their plans. Fortunately, we are coming back but we need help, and this is why this economic-driven project is so important."

- Owner, Bridge Street Wedding Chapel and Holmes Photography Studio

"This letter is to show our full support of the City’s proposed place-based infrastructure project to drive resounding economic activity in downtown Grand Ledge."

 - Owner, Eschtruth Enterprises, Inc. (Commercial Space Rentals)

"During our most challenging month, I remember receiving countless messages from members of the community, pleading for the re-opening of our theatre. Not only does Sun Theatre provide entertainment for the community, but more importantly, it provides the opportunity to relax and escape from reality, which is vital during these tough times."

- Owner, Sun Theatre

"During our most challenging months, I remember thinking my business is not going to make it and will cease to exist. We are coming back but we need help and this is why this economic-driven project is so important."

- Owner, The Salvage Yard Antiques

"We lost 68% of our revenue in 2020 due to inactivity. We also waived membership fees so that we could continue helping our more than 200 members but ease the burden of them paying for dues that year. In a typical year, we have 12 community events, and we were only able to host two (2) in 2020. A steady influx of customers across all four seasons will put us back on track for growth and job creation, ensuring the vibrancy and long-term success of picturesque downtown Grand Ledge for generations."

- Executive Director, Grand Ledge Chamber of Commerce

"As a business within the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, in 2020 and 2021, our business suffered extreme harm as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. As a director of the Grand Ledge Opera House, please accept this letter as an acknowledgment of our full support of the City of Grand Ledge’s downtown revitalization project."

- Grand Ledge Opera House

"We are coming back but we need help and this is why this economic-driven project is so important. We applaud Grand Ledge for working to ensure the vibrancy and long-term success of picturesque downtown Grand Ledge for generations."

- Owner, Rising Star Studio of Dance Arts

"During our most challenging time, I remember zero income for months followed by limited hours and capacity limits. As the owner of the Log Jam, please accept this letter as an acknowledgment of our full support of the City of Grand Ledge’s downtown revitalization project."

- Owner, Log Jam

"During our most challenging months, I remember the struggles to maintain payroll and necessary business cash flow. Our business is open 12 months a year and we applaud the City for ensuring these new amenities will provide vibrant and abundant accommodations focused on pedestrians (our customers) in downtown Grand Ledge through the winter, spring, summer, and fall."

- Owner, MacDowell's Fireplace and Flower Shop

"The City of Grand Ledge has long prided itself on the unique natural resources in and around our downtown. But the real heroes are the travel, tourism, and hospitality businesses that make up more than 50% of industries in the core downtown. By successfully securing a RAP grant, the MEDC will support the City’s commitment to helping downtown businesses rebound from the impacts of COVID-19 by improving health and safety outcomes with a resilient project that will withstand future adversities and thrive."

- Mayor Thom Sowle and the Grand Ledge City Council