By Christy Vander Haagen – Dexter Patch
January 8, 2011
George J. Morse, a small business and life coach from Oscoda, will run through Dexter Jan. 14 to promote the importance of supporting local business as part of his ‘Thousand Miles for Michigan’ campaign.
The event will kick-off at the Dexter Fire Department at 12:30 p.m. Several local runners will join Morse on his 5-mile run as he visits Dexter businesses including Jolly Pumpkin, Dexter’s Pub, Dexter Mill, Stucchi’s and DAPCO. The run will end at the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce office followed by an after-hours event at Terry B’s, beginning at 5:30 p.m., where chamber members and non-members alike will have an opportunity to talk with Morse about strategies for success in a struggling economy.
“We hope some of the participants can get ideas and/or advice from Mr. Morse to help their business in these tough economic times,” Allison Bishop, community development director said.
Morse said his goal is threefold: to help small businesses be more successful; to help improve the local economy; and, to help improve the economic and business environment in the state. He also wants to inspire business owners to develop leadership skills that will help them survive and even prosper in the current economy.
Morse began his journey in the summer of 2010 in Oscoda and will end in Lansing on April 28. As part of Morse’s 1,000 miles, he will visit 200 total Michigan towns and run five miles in each community, he said.
Morse has extensive experience in both business and personal environments. He also coaches his clients on how to reinforce positive habits and skills.
Morse said the idea for ‘Thousand Miles for Michigan’ started last year as a result of his frustration with national news stories portraying Michigan as a lost cause.
“In addition, I’d about had it with politicians and their hot air, so I decided to do something about it. I teach my clients one of the secrets to business success is to find a need and fill it,” he said. “I saw a huge need in Michigan for something positive and I’m pouring my heart and soul (and money) into trying to fill that need as best I can, while encouraging my teammates to get back in the game.”
Bishop said the village hopes publicity surrounding Morse’s visit will encourage residents to shop locally.
Keri Romine of the Dexter Mill, said she heard Morse was visiting Dexter and hopes the media attention will generate interest in the outlying communities.
“Publicity always helps to draw people to Dexter,” she said. “We do have a pretty loyal customer base, but it always helps to get new customers. It makes a big difference.”
Check out Morse’s progress on his website.
