Fenton Farmers Market helps local businesses

The Fenton Farmers Market, which located in downtown Fenton in front of the Community Center, brings in many customers for new business owners, especially for those who have only been at the market for only four weeks. 

Ben Goodrich, the owner of New Leaf Farms, attends the market as his first year at being a local vendor for the market. 

Goodrich started farming in his mother’s backyard while growing his microgreens within his house as well. 

“Our business specializes in salad greens and we also have other vegetables,” said Goodrich. “Such as radishes, beets and carrots.” 

Goodrich owns New Leaf Farms, a local produce farm that specializes in microgreens and vegetables. Being a vendor at the market has helped his business in many ways from new customers to feedback. 

Goodrich said: “Because of the Farmers market, I’m able to get a lot of feedback from new customers, from people asking questions gives me a chance to educate people on the microgreens that I’m selling. That gives us information to be able to grow with the market and meet the demand of the market.” 

The feedback that Goodrich has received is “little things” like the Facebook page or business cards that are making improvements for Goodrich who wants to expand and give more interest to his customers. 

Goodrich started his business because he “fell in love with it” and then decided “Why not try it as a business? Why not go out there and make something happen?” 

Pat Allen, Fenton Farmers market manager, said that having the Fenton Farmers Market impacts local or small businesses in the area. 

“There is a lot of (foot) traffic,” said Allen.

20th Annual Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo

The 20th annual Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo was a celebration of women, entrepreneurs and bringing people together. There were over 300 businesses with products catered to women, including healthy eating. One of the businesses at the event was Vitamix, a company that manufactures blenders for restaurants and every day consumers. Every booth at the event showcased their products, ranging from cakes, hair styling tools and jewelry, but Vitamix promoted something bigger. 

“Love hearing stories about how we changed people’s lives, that they’ve gotten healthier, they’ve beat their healthy obstacles etc.,” said Nancy Spruiell, a Vitamix demonstrator. Spruiell said the blender also helps parents get their kids to eat fruits and vegetables. 

“Raising healthier kids, that’s a huge thing these days, especially with the way they make our food these days,” Spruiell said.

More young entrepreneurs starting Michigan businesses

By STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ McGAVIN
Capital News Service
LANSING — In a state that has a reputation as an economic sinkhole, revived cities, growing local economies and the idealistic attitude of students are starting to keep young entrepreneurs in Michigan. Small Business Association of Michigan Director of Government Relations Michael Marzano said that it is time for the state to relabel itself and its vibrant cities to attract businesses. He used the introduction of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids as an example of a new idea that stimulates the local economy and draws in young people. Marzano said, “Think about what ArtPrize does for the economy of a downtown area like that. It’s just built it up so much.

Truck ID enforcement raises farmer, business concerns

By SAODAT ASANOVA-TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING – The move by the State Police to force commercial vehicles to obtain U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) identification numbers is under fire from some Michigan farmers and small businesses. The federal regulation applies to pickups, vans and trailers that carry equipment and supplies if the vehicle weighs more than 10,001 pounds. Matt Smego, legislative counsel for the Michigan Farm Bureau, said the problem is not obtaining an ID number but complying with the additional regulations and inspections that comes with it. “By having this number, the pickups or trailers may be subjected to inspections that last for up to four hours. This timing is critical for many to run their business and provide jobs,” he said.