ACTIVITIES
The Association has been organized as a 501(c)(6) Corporation and conducts activities such as:
- Analysis of the surveys and available information regarding the regulatory climate for Hartland’s businesses; our analysis demonstrate the existence of a significant problem, including that the regulatory climate is burdensome, lengthy, costly and uncertain:
- for new businesses expressing interest in Hartland and
- for existing businesses proposing to expand or adapt to changing conditions.
- Elections – in 2020 the HBA supported three candidates for the Township Board – two were elected. Now we must gain allies for positive regulatory change, and contribute to pressure to get the Township to implement change. AND, WE NEED TO ELECT AT LEAST TWO MORE (A MAJORITY) WHO WILL MAKE HARTLAND FRIENDLY FOR ITS BUSINESSES!
- Urging that the Township Board take emergency action in an attempt to save as many as possible of Hartland’s businesses. Permanent but immediate change wherever possible.
- Pressuring the Township Board to cause “business friendly” change through its Planning Commission – to measurably improve Hartland’s business climate.
- Only the two newly elected Trustees have acknowledged that any problem exists (pre-Pandemic) because of the Township’s processes and regulations.
- The declared position of the Township Supervisor has been that “Our regulations are by definition business friendly.”
- And so, the Township has simply declared itself to be “business friendly”, against all evidence
- During the Pandemic in 2020, the Township initiated temporary non-enforcement of regulations, allowing restaurants (primarily) to have outdoor seating and sales, upon minimal application. A very few businesses were able to respond – and such temporary waiver of enforcement has expired. (During the 2021 emergency situation – restaurants were allowed to operate at no more than 25% of capacity.)
- Surveys by the Township of its businesses have been discontinued – presumably because of what they clearly show! Regardless, it is still our intent to encourage the current Township Board to make changes to regulations, policy and attitude. Change continues to be unlikely until new trustees replace with the old-timers on the board.