Frankenmuth

14 We are excited to see things starting to get back to "normal." For us at the Chamber/CVB, normal looks a lot like the hustle and bustle of vibrant streets filled with smiling faces frequenting our businesses. With the Covid restrictions loosening, most of our businesses are now able to operate with more confidence than we've had in the last 18 months. For such a long time, there was a dark cloud of uncertainty with changing rules that it made it difficult for many to operate in normal ways. As we head into an anticipated busy summer for Frankenmuth, we are optimistic and prepared, ready to welcome droves of visitors to our beautiful city and to continue the legacy of being a safe and welcoming place for all. Many speculated that we'd lose a lot of businesses during the pandemic, but our losses have been far less than anticipated and in a surprising twist, we are seeing more new and expanding businesses! Having a community full of small, locally-owned businesses really makes a difference from what you might still be hearing on a national scale. It is quite impressive if you look around the City and take notice of many construction projects. While construction can be ugly and disruptive, it's a beautiful sign of progress and economic growth. Although this is certainly not a complete list, we were excited to see some businesses open amidst the pandemic, such as Just Us Girls Crafting Retreat, Rustic Seasons on Cass and a new Frankenmuth location for Renue Physical Therapy. We have more recently also witnessed new businesses being added at River Place Shops such as Pepper Palace & Sticky Situations/Sticky Tea. New retail shops and services are popping up all over town and it's a wonderful sight! For example, Magma Gems on Franklin, Creative Lane at the top of the hill on Main Street and home- based Melinda Bateman's Piano Studio. It's great to add new business but equally as important to see our existing businesses reinvesting in our community. Star of the West likely has the most noticeable large expansion on Main Street, but others, like the Fischer Platz at Bavarian Inn Restaurant, have also received a beautiful facelift. Yet many more are in planning for expansions from one end of town to the other in all business sectors. We are a Blessed community. Hard working people working together to help keep our community one of progress for generations to come! BUSINESS AS Usual? B Y J A M I E F U R B U S H Members gather for a Ribbon Cutting on June 2, 2021 at Magma Gems Jewelry, a new business located on Franklin Street. Construction at Star of the West is well underway with their new building on Main Street.

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