Senator Stabenow’s Visit to Traverse City Marks Over 100 Stops on Small Business Tour

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow met with business owners in Traverse City, marking over 100 stops on her small business tour across the state. Stabenow met with owners and employees at Grand Traverse Pie Company, Cherry Republic, Golden Shoes, and The Workshop Brewing Company.

Stabenow’s tour has included over 100 stops in communities across the state including Plymouth, Ann Arbor, East Tawas, Alpena, Three Rivers, Fenton, Marshall, Big Rapids, Ithaca, Mt. Pleasant, Bangor, South Haven, St. Johns, Lapeer, Imlay City, Portland, Ionia, Battle Creek, Albion, 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.

“Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of meeting with so many hardworking and innovative business owners in Michigan who help keep our economy growing,” said Senator Stabenow. “It was inspiring to talk with small business owners in Traverse City who have invested their own time, money and ideas into making their businesses and their community successful.”

Recently, Senator Stabenow introduced the Growing Small Businesses Act to provide a 25 percent tax credit for small businesses planning to grow and expand. Since the 1970s, small businesses have created 55 percent of all new jobs but scaling up is one of the most expensive hurdles for a business.  Stabenow’s legislation supports businesses that are in the process of getting off the ground, as well as businesses that have started small and want to expand from an incubator or home into their first facility.

“It was very gratifying that Senator Stabenow took the time to stop by and hear our story,” said Pete Kirkwood, Owner of The Workshop Brewing Company. "We talked about how The Workshop's commitment to craft intersects with her commitment to education, and how teaching trade skills can benefit small business – and the entire State's economy."

“I appreciate Senator Stabenow and the entire Michigan delegation for their efforts with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative because fresh water is so important to Michigan’s economy,” said Bill Golden, Owner of Golden Shoes. “Because her time is so precious, I appreciate the Senator stopping by and spending time talking to me and other businesses in downtown Traverse City.”

“We had a great time speaking with Senator Stabenow while she was in Traverse City,” said Mike Busley Co-Owner of Traverse City Pie Company. “Whether it is infrastructure, education, or healthcare, it is important to have a Senator in Congress who understands and is working on solutions for the issues most important to me and my business.”

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