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 and thanks for sharing your letter with me.

Lowell Homburger
Charlotte, NC

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

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

Go Marlo!!!
Its needed. Kyle Hanley

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

Barack Obama's first act as President

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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)

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!

Good idea, but how much you wanna bet, it goes nowhere? Talk is cheap. Everyone says they want to help but noone ever does. It is a shame. Good luck though, I will be curious to see if this goes anywhere.

Count on us!

Steve Rajewski

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.

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!

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!

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!

I agree with Marlo,

We need to be positive and slow down on the negative attitude and become more pro active with regartds 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 Kreskies, 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 Dyas; a festival to look forward to. Carniuval rides; storefront shopping and plenty of fine places to eat. All directed towards the working class customer. Really Bay City is a "Working Class" town adn 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 Chees for the family experience.

Bay City always has and always will be a special place to me. The Downtown needs to attract the familys back with resonably priced products for the working class citizens. Lets get back to a larege 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 utlimate;ly the volume of people will make a profit equal to that of expensivre 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 fmaily can enjoy a day downtown.

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

T REX
Bay City

Asking landowners to "spot" unsuccessful businesses is not the answer. I disagree that rent is "the straw that breaks the camel's back." People with good products and business practices are making it in Bay City.
Bay City has some of the lowest rates in the Mid-West. People who own rental property in Bay City have bills to pay, too. As a landlord, I would rather deal with a vacancy than deal with the liabilities (insurance, utilities, etc.) that can be passed my way by someone who doesn't have his/her act together.

Very well written.

I heard Governor Grandholm 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.

Marlo,

I hear your putting together another "Marlobama Madness" board meeting. Please forward the information to our executive offices and we will surely attend and the answer to your question, YES we will sit on the board. The surrounding communities can count on you making a change and you may count on us to support your efforts my dear.