HARTLAND’S BUSINESS CLIMATE
During 2015 and 2016, several significant changes occurred in Hartland’s business scene, raising questions regarding the causes:
- Abandonment by Menards of its 10 year quest (since 2004) to locate in Hartland,
- Abrupt closure of Walmart,
- Startup and then abrupt abandonment of a major sports complex, and
- Slowdown of commercial development in Hartland.
Several owners of Hartland businesses sought answers. A logical beginning point was readily available in results from existing surveys, both those conducted by an independent group in 2012, and by Hartland Township between 2013 and 2016. The results of the surveys were analyzed; if the results are interpreted as a “Report Card”, they demonstrate that there is significant opportunity for improvement – that could make Hartland more friendly to its businesses. These surveys provide insight as to how Hartland might become more business friendly.
PANDEMIC NOTE: The Covid Pandemic of 2020 thru 2022 resulted in the total shutdown of most businesses in Hartland and permanent closing of numerous businesses. Of note – although the Township provided temporary relaxation of some restaurant regulations related to outdoor seating – the Township made no permanent reduction or simplification of its regulations.
Exclusion of Developers From Surveys. Property owners that develop and operate Hartland’s shopping centers, such as Waldenwoods, Ramco-Gershenson, and others were systematically excluded from the survey of businesses; these are the very businesses that return again and again seeking project approval by the Township Board and its Planning Commission.
Survey Conclusions and Results. The organizers believe such results should have resulted in a call to action by the Township Board, such as by a change in the Board’s instructions to its Planning Commission. Extensive attempts by the Association with one-on-one meetings with elected officials and by letters to the Board were unenthusiastic, at best, and became progressively more hostile.
HARTLAND’S REPORT CARD
The Strategic Priority Map, extracted directly from Township surveys, is probably the best overall “Report Card” on Hartland’s regulatory environment. Even more simply, it is clear that this is a “bad” report card – with essentially ALL important regulatory issues in the lower right quadrant – clearly indicating a less than desired regulatory climate. (Of course, this is from the perspective of business – not the regulators). Importantly, the exhibit shows lack of significant progress during the two years between surveys. For those who want to know more, see the survey details.
Another response from a Township official was to state:
“By definition, our regulations are business friendly”
The group met informally over the summer of 2016; at the conclusion, the group proposed to form a new Hartland Business Association – new because this represents a new incarnation of the original Hartland Business Association formed in the 1970’s, prior to the existence of the Hartland Chamber.
MEMBERSHIP
- Developers owning or controlling Hartland property, Building Owners and Tenants, Home Based Businesses, and professionals actually doing business in or from Hartland
- Individuals deemed exceptionally supportive of improving Hartland’s business climate, specifically approved by the Association’s Board
- Members must agree with and commit to the Association’s “Characteristics of a Business Friendly Community”.
- Others may be brought to meetings as invited guests, at the discretion of the Association president.
Individuals meeting the above criteria are invited to contact one of the Association directors, officers or organizers listed below, to receive more information and an invitation join our Association.
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- Mitch Anderson Director/President 810-341-4970 mitchyand123@gmail.com
- Tom Parshall Director/Secretary 810-333-6947 tom@imcproducts.com
- Doug Kuhn Director 810-730-5470 deepdigger@yahoo.com
- Brian Crouse Secretary 810-623-8742 crousebr@waldenwoods.com
- Frank Crouse Treasurer 586-940-4187 crousefr@comcast.net