By PAUL R. CHATFIELD
As the landscape changes with Northgate Plaza being partially demolished to make way for Walmart and other retailers, the small businesses along the Dewey Avenue Corridor remain strong and ready to serve the needs of the community. Changes are taking place from the city line to Ling Road, and also adjacent to Dewey Avenue along Stone Road.
These small businesses remain the fabric of the community and need support from local residents to remain vibrant.
Building renovations and façade improvements have taken place at many locations along the corridor. As you drive by, remember that these improvements were completed with private money and recovery of those costs comes in the form of increased business volume. So when you are on your way to the “big-box stores,” take a moment to visit and patronize some of these stores.
You will be pleasantly surprised when you are greeted by the proprietors of the bakeries and sweet shops, florists, carpet and linoleum stores, pizza shops, liquor stores, meat markets, delicatessens, fish markets, dry cleaners and tailors, computer and game stores, card shops and other businesses. The personal treatment you will get from these business owners is unmatched in today’s world of “bigger is better.” You will find their prices are fair and reasonable and they are genuinely thankful that you stopped by and that you truly do make a difference. These small purchases add up to the business’s bottom line, help to keep them profitable and keep the doors open to cheerfully serve you.
Developing the mentality of shopping local takes a little forethought on your part and may slow your day down just a bit (but hey, that might be a good thing). Still, it reaps huge rewards for you and certainly for the small business owners. Everyone wins!
The Greece Chamber of Commerce has spearheaded an effort to enlist the support of the business community along the corridor by forming the Dewey Avenue Business Roundtable. This committee has brought together the business owners, property owners and community partners (churches, library, non-profits and the local government) in an effort to share information and work together to return the Dewey Avenue Corridor to the vibrant business area it once was. Business owners interested in participating in the Dewey Avenue Business Roundtable should contact Jodie Perry at the Greece Chamber of Commerce at (585) 227-7272.
The best way we can keep the economy strong in our area is to support our small businesses shop locally and keep the commerce in our community.
Paul R. Chatfield is principal-in-charge of Chatfield Engineers, P.C., of Greece.
