Published in the Grand Haven Tribune — Fri, Nov 12, 2010
BY ALEX DOTY
Small business owners in the Tri-Cities got some support from a man who is putting his own sweat into making sure people know the importance of small businesses.
“I’m running 1,000 miles to help support small businesses in the state of Michigan,” Oscoda-based leadership coach George Morse said.
Morse made Grand Haven his 65th stop on Thursday afternoon in a 200-city tour. Morse spends time jogging five miles in each city, visiting businesses, interviewing owners and having them say they believe in small business for a slideshow he is making for each town he visits.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize how much time and energy and sacrifice go into keeping a small business running in tough economic times,” Morse said.
Tonya Christiansen, owner of Must Love Dogs, said she was glad Morse spent time in Grand Haven to rally small business owners.
“I think it’s great that he is trying to bring it to the forefront,” she said. “It’s a joined effort. If he did it all by himself, it would be one flame, but there is a lot of combined efforts to remind people that shopping local is very important to the local economy and the Michigan economy.”
According to Morse, between 80 percent and 90 percent of what goes into a small business goes right back out into the community.
Christiansen also said the visit by Morse and his message could be heard by others who could be potential visitors to towns like Grand Haven.
“I think it would be a great possibility if someone is looking for a weekend away they live in Michigan and want to keep their money in Michigan,” she said.
Rita Fortino, who like Christiansen had Morse visit her store Fortino’s, was also excited about Morse’s visit, as well, saying she was enthusiastic and had faith in Michigan’s small businesses.
“(Do I) believe in it? Always,” Fortino told Morse.
She said the business is in its third generation and they are hoping they can keep that trend going well into the future.
These successes are what Morse is finding along his journey.
“I’m finding businesses all across the state are not just surviving, they’re thriving,” Morse said.
He said the times are tough, and not only are businesses having trouble, but there are a lot that are succeeding.
“It’s the same environment, two different results,” Morse said.
The 500 mile mark of Morse’s trip is set for the week before Christmas in Frankenmuth, with the goal of finishing the journey in the spring of 2011.
“The goal for the 1,000 miles is to be completed by April 28 (2011) in Lansing for Michigan Celebrates Small Business,” Morse said.
