One of the best indicators of a thriving local economy is when businesses are prospering. Local businesses often are the first to close their doors during a recession or economic slump. They can act as canary in the coal mine that signifies a larger, more devastating economic collapse.
Thankfully, in order to keep those canaries happily chirping, the East Lansing City Council approved a resolution Tuesday that amends the city’s purchasing policy.
The policy now favors local businesses in the bidding process for city projects. Under the approved resolution, if a local business places a bid 7.5 percent above the lowest bid, it could bid again to match the lowest bid. Regional businesses need to be 5 percent above the lowest bid. Professional services will be exempt from the preferences.
We have a long way to go until our area even is close to thriving, but taking steps to help boost local businesses is a good start. That the city has shown its concern about keeping local businesses afloat and put in the effort to help them in substantial ways is encouraging. Without a resolution such as this, smaller businesses otherwise would have little chance of winning a bidding war with a national corporation. Although economic activity of any kind is welcome, we always would favor local and regional business first. We’re glad the city sees things this way as well.
Even though strong national corporations and chains have and might continue to do well in East Lansing, it’s the small, locally owned businesses that add character to a small city such as ours. And a city that has a more distinct flavor and character is more likely to attract citizens.
Many MSU students were heartbroken when Flats Grille went out of business late last year, but they have several other options. Brother’s Grill, 403 E. Grand River Ave., is a great example of a local business that offers unique food options for students in the area. Menna’s Joint, 115 Albert Ave., is another great locally-based chain that some students might not frequent, and Espresso Royale, 527 E. Grand River Ave., is a great alternative to the behemoth that is Starbucks.
But countless students never will set foot in these businesses, if for no other reason than they simply are more comfortable with the chains they know. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a Chipotle burrito every now and then, but those Brother’s Grill weekly specials are to die for — take our word for it.
Our only concern with this new resolution would be favoritism and preference on the part of the council. We would caution the council, as well as East Lansing citizens, to take special care to ensure that this resolution in no way serves to benefit any sort of private interests of members of the council.
The city always can do more to encourage and support local businesses. This resolution, while helpful, only pertains to the bidding process. Any other incentives to local businesses would be welcome. Additionally, we would encourage the students on campus to seek out and browse some local businesses on Grand River Avenue that they might not have thought about before. Who knows — they could find a new favorite hangout.
This resolution hopefully will bring about its intended goal and encourage those who are contemplating starting their own local businesses but have been dissuaded because of the current economic conditions. Any little bit that the city can do to encourage growth helps.
Because when local businesses benefit, we all benefit.
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