Downtown Bay City is one of many "Great American Main Streets"

---

"Marlobama Madness" - Are You Going To Finish Strong This Year?

Nick Vujicic Will Inspire You To Face Hardships Head On!

February 22, 2009
By: MyBayCity Staff

In a recent article titled "Marlobama Madness", I suggested the idea of maneuvering local forces into advantageous positions for success and continued growth by pooling our resources.

I am proud to say that many contacted me with an outpouring of support for such a group.

Below is just a sampling of such support.

Thank you all! Together we can find the strength to "get back up" and finish strong!

Stay tuned to my column for an announcement of our first "Marlobama Madness" meeting in March!

"The BUZZ" - Feedback From Readers

Lowell says: On January 24, 2009 at 09:33 PM

This is a strong push to make a change people, don't ignore it!

Marlo:

You did a superb job in composing your thoughts in the letter you sent. I hope it receives some response from people who take your suggestions.

It would seem to me that a lot of the people who responded to the TIMES article are Bay City natives who grew up going to a much different downtown than what exists now (or at least, the last time I was back which was in 2005).

"That" downtown was a mix of strong anchor department stores the likes of Wendland's, Oppenheims, Sam's Brothers and WR Knepp...then bolstered by a strong Bay City Cash Co, Penny's and a Sears store close-by. With these power draws, well run independently owned stores in all categories did well. I know that first hand, since my family owned Burton's Jewelry...and in the 80's we owned WBCM Radio when it's studios were in the Davidson Building (and we had this sports nut by the name of Cunningham doing the city's first sports talk show on radio!).

Sadly these giants of retailing did not fall into the hands of family members and the stores went out of business. (as did our radio station...Bay City has "no" local station with studios in the city whatsoever) I know Tom Tabor Sr. quite well and his children have done an admirable job keeping Herman Hiss up to their high standards.

With weaker merchants filling in the "holes," you don't have that longevity factor which allowed the businesses of the 70's and 80's to survive those economic downturns and in today's world, it takes a LOT to survive, especially with the city's diminished population base...an older one at that...and the current retailing familiarity with anybody under 30 that a "mall" is the most important center for retail activity.

In 1973 when Fashion Square opened, it took a good ten years for that area to catch on with Bay City shoppers since our Downtown was so strong and vibrant.

What is needed is people like yourself to impart some "soul" and "heart" to what the core downtown area can be and how people need to address competitive forces and create their own island of "desire" on he part of the city's population.

I wish your efforts well

Lowell Homburger Charlotte, NC

Birchmeir says: On January 24, 2009 at 09:35 PM

I believe you are on the right track Marlo. I would be more than willing to help in whatever way I can. You are a trooper for doing this... at least giving it a try.. Sign me up.... Duane

DBRogers says: On January 24, 2009 at 09:36 PM

Congratulations, Marlo...a well thought out and inspiring message..Count on me

StarlyteProd says: On January 24, 2009 at 09:37 PM

Go Marlo!!! Its needed. Kyle Hanley

FinancialEdgeCU says: On January 24, 2009 at 09:39 PM

H Marlo, Although my political inclinations run to conservative republican, lol, I am all about what you're saying, so count me in and keep me posted. Diane Szczepanski

Anonymous Says: On January 24, 2009 at 09:41 PM

Barack Obama's first act as President 36 President Barack Obama signs his first act as president, a proclamation declaring a national day of renewal and reconciliation and calling on Americans to serve one another, after being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States during the inaugural ceremony in Washington Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP)

DKane says: On January 24, 2009 at 09:56 PM

Dear Marlo,

I would like to give kudos to you on all of your continued success and wonderful ideas such as this. We are behind you girl and all for marlobama madness. Give me a shout next week and let me know what we can do from our end of the spectrum. Even though your no longer in the tech world, and the fantastic "Marlo geek" that we have come to know and love, you are still a bright light of innovation. Count Chemical in on your train!!! Save us a seat and let's ride!

Burden says: On January 26, 2009 at 07:58 AM

Good idea, but how much you wanna bet, it goes nowhere? Talk is cheap. Everyone says they want to help but no one ever does. It is a shame. Good luck though, I will be curious to see if this goes anywhere.

United Way says: On January 26, 2009 at 09:33 AM

Count on us!

Steve Rajewski

downtownb2b says: On January 26, 2009 at 10:10 AM

I AM one of the "little guys" facing the possibility of closing my doors because I cannot afford the rent. Thank you thank you thank you. I am not only interested in being involved in your group but need assistance. I will call you directly.

Susan says: On January 26, 2009 at 10:16 AM

Sadly, this comes too late for us. I only wish we would have had your spirit and dedication to this beautiful community in the past. Ya never know, with your perseverance that appears to be full steam ahead, maybe we can make a come back. Good luck

What is perseverance?

Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience, endurance. Perseverance is being able to bear difficulties calmly and without complaint. Perseverance is trying again and again. You show perseverance when you ... SPEAK UP and pool your resources like you Marlo!

Anonymous Says: On January 26, 2009 at 10:23 AM

Bartering is a great way to get access to goods or services that you wouldn't be able to afford otherwise. Negotiation, exchange and networking have always been your strength Ms. Marlo! Keep it up and bring forth change with the tools you can provide this city!

RonMil says: On January 26, 2009 at 10:42 AM

Marlo, a year ago, I condemned you for leaving the technology (VOIP) arena and your own consulting firm that did so very much for today's communication needs and the business community. I simply could not understand why you would go work for someone else? You told me that you wanted to simplify your life for your boys and was in search of an avenue to have a voice for the community which you felt you would have in taking this job for OJ Advertising. I now applaud you and am able to see what it is YOU saw when you accepted this position. I want to apologize for every doubting your intentions and we are behind you 100%! Go girl!

trexx0072002 Says: On February 02, 2009 at 11:18 AM

I agree with Marlo,

We need to be positive and slow down on the negative attitude and become more pro active with regards to our beautiful downtown area.

As a child in the 60s and 70s I remember going to downtown Bay City and boy what a time I would have. The stores like Kresge's, Sears and JC Pennys along with many other stores made a day shopping something to look forward to. I especially looked forward to the Downtown Sidewalk Days; a festival to look forward to. Carnival rides; storefront shopping and plenty of fine places to eat. All directed to wards the working class customer. Really Bay City is a "Working Class" town Adan we should be proud of who we are and remember that.

Additionally; I feel we should be looking at recruiting bigger corporate companies to the downtown area; the GAP; Fashion Bug Plus; Additional Men's Shops; Sporting Goods Stores; and even Movie Theatres or imagine a Chuckie Cheese for the family experience.

Bay City always has and always will be a special place to me. The Downtown needs to attract the families back with reasonably priced products for the working class citizens. Lets get back to a large scale "Sidewalk Days" with a carnival, and a host of other family oriented festivals that are wallet friendly. We already have a lot going on the river front but we need more events that cost less and ultimately;ly the volume of people will make a profit equal to that of expensive events that cost more.

Lets get together; brain storm and see what we can do. Lets make Bay City a friendly place to visit for all and offer a pleasant family environment where a family can enjoy a day downtown.

Finally; we need to lighten up and enjoy what we have. Take a look at downtown Mackinaw City. What a great vision that community had. As my grandfather once told me; " Stop talking and get doing".

T REX Bay City

reahlberg Says: On February 04, 2009 at 12:09 PM

Very well written. I heard Governor Granholm mentioned in her State of the State address to the Michigan Legislature that we should promote "Buy Michigan" to keep those dollars here in Michigan. Buy Bay City is also not a bad idea either. Inspiration only comes with the confidence people have in their ability to keep their jobs and stay economically viable.