Senator Stabenow Tours Small Businesses in Calhoun and Ionia Counties

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow met with small businesses in Calhoun and Ionia Counties as part of her small business tour across the state. On Thursday, Stabenow visited Station 66, Stewart Industries, and Hall of Toys in Battle Creek before stopping at Books & More and Dickerson Music Company in Albion. On Friday, she visited The Gallery Brewery, Around the Block Quilt Shop, and The Chocolate Moose in Portland before visiting the Lamplight Grill and Promo Print & Stitches 2 in Ionia. Stabenow also visited the non-profit Bohm Theatre in Albion and the Ionia Theater in Ionia which are spurring economic growth in both communities.

Senator Stabenow’s small business tour has included stops in Harrison Township, Mount Clemens, Utica, Plainwell, Paw Paw, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Jackson, Flint, Bay City, Ludington, Onaway, Grand Haven, Hastings, Holland, Muskegon, Marquette, St. Ignace and Escanaba.

“When we support small businesses and entrepreneurs, our economy in Michigan thrives,” said Senator Stabenow. It was inspiring to meet all of the innovative and resilient business owners all across Calhoun and Ionia Counties.”

“Our team at STEWART Industries is always grateful when our lawmakers visit our facility,” said Erick Stewart, President of STEWART Industries. “The Senator’s visit today was extra special based on her support of small business here in Michigan. Centrally located here in Battle Creek, our community is poised to show the world that Battle Creek is not just about cereal, but it’s about growing diverse small businesses that add value in manufacturing and technology to the region. We believe her support along with the support of our state and local resources, establishes an environment that fosters continued growth in our Assembly, Metrology and Quality service areas. Senator Stabenow during her visit definitely showed enthusiasm in continuing to be a high-level supporter of that progressive vision.”

“We were very honored that Senator Stabenow was able to take time out of her busy schedule to visit us at Albion’s historic Bohm Theatre,” said Nancy Doyal, Executive Director of Bohm Theatre. “We were really pleased that she could stop by to see how federal dollars from the USDA are helping us expand our business and improve our community.”

“It was our pleasure to have Senator Stabenow visit Station 66 on her small business tour,” said Janette and Curt Tramel, Owners of Station 66. “It meant a lot that she appreciated the hard work that running a small business involves.  We really enjoyed sharing the history of our building, all of our unique Michigan made products that we sell and our story of how we started our business.  Thanks again, Senator Stabenow, for taking time out of your busy schedule to check out our business that we are so very proud of!

“It was an exciting opportunity to show Senator Stabenow around our store and we appreciate that she went out of her way to greet our customers,” said Tom and Jamie Saintamour, Owners of the Chocolate Moose.

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