StockBIZ: Business news in and around Stockbridge

Local Chamber and DDA — Good for business. Good for the community.

by Mary Jo David

Speak with people in the Stockbridge area about the Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) or the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority (the SDDA),and it’s not unusual for them to confuse the two. Considering the relatively small size of the community and that both organizations focus on promoting local businesses and good works in the community, it’s not surprising. But their charters are actually quite different and worth learning more about—especially if you’ve ever considered participating in either of these organizations.

Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce (stockbridgeareachamber.org)

USchamber.com explains that a chamber of commerce is “a voluntary partnership of businesses and professionals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in a community.”

According to the SDDA website, the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce is made up of “businesses and individuals working together to support growth, community and volunteerism in the Stockbridge Area School District.”

Our local Chamber is led by Cherie Van Blaircum (president), Theresa Kightlinger (VP), Susan Pidd (treasurer), and Debbie Nogle (secretary). Stephanie Dunn and Mike Klimkiewicz are also on the Chamber board.

Van Blaircum suggests that, “Community involvement and investment are two of the biggest reasons to join this organization.” She adds, “Not to mention, by investing in the community you work or live in, you are creating a dynamic environment for yourself and others.”

You don’t have to be in business to join the local Chamber as an associate; however, those with voting rights in the organization must be business owners.

If you are just starting out in business, the local Chamber has members willing to discuss tips and practical advice, even providing guidance on the tax ramifications associated with setting up as a sole proprietor, a limited liability corporation (LLC), or a partnership. For those who wish to boost their management or marketing experience, you can learn from other members or even hands-on by helping manage a local event.

In addition to helping and promoting the businesses of their members, the Stockbridge Area Chamber hosts and coordinates, “with tremendous community support” notes Van Blaircum, A Day in the Village on Father’s Day weekend and Festival of Lights on Small Business Saturday—the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.

To join the Chamber, fill in the application online at stockbridgeareachamber.org (click on Benefits for Members) or contact a board member to request an application. Annual investment (aka: dues) range from $25 for associate membership to $225 for a corporate membership—with three other levels between these.

Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority (stockbridgedda.org)

According to the Michigan Municipal League, “a downtown development authority is designed to be a catalyst in the development of a community’s downtown district. … [State DDA legislation] provides municipalities with a tool to halt property value deterioration, to increase property tax valuation, to eliminate the causes of the deterioration, and to promote economic growth in their business district.”

In general, DDA funding comes from “tax increment financing,” often referred to as TIF. Information at legislature.mi.gov further explains, “Under tax increment financing [TIF], an authority captures a defined portion of the property tax revenues in a designated area…for use in financing a variety of public improvements in the area.”

In Stockbridge, the DDA financing is provided for businesses that fall within TIF boundaries that primarily encompass the downtown business district in the Village. Note: For additional SDDA financing information and a map showing its TIF boundaries, read the January 2020 issue of Stockbridge Community News.

The SDDA’s mission, as stated on its website, is “To create a thriving, urban neighborhood that is a vibrant place to live, work and play.”

Members of the SDDA are automatically members by virtue of being a business owner within the TIF area in the Village. To become an SDDA board member, interested business owners in the TIF must go through an application process overseen by the Village of Stockbridge. Village Council members vote to select the SDDA board.

On Sept. 23, 2021, the Stockbridge Township Clerk swore in Geri Uihlein of the G.U. Crew as the SDDA chair. Also on the SDDA board are Daryl Anderson (vice chair and secretary), Susan Pidd (treasurer), and the following directors: Jon Fillmore, Molly Howlett, Mellisa Taylor-Powers, Stephanie Dunn and Judi Cook.

SDDA-sponsored initiatives include projects like the 2021 Stockbridge Retail Market Analysis, last year’s crowd-sourced Bridge to the Future COVID-19 Relief Fund, numerous village maintenance projects, paving at Memorial Park and building-façade improvements. SDDA donations also support Stockbridge community functions like A Day in the Village, the Harvest Moon festival, the Festival of Lights, All Clubs Day, the Positively Chiropractic 5K Run, the Stockbridge Open Air Market, and the Stockbridge Sidewalk Sales (new in 2021).

As the new SDDA chair, Uihlein was asked recently to comment on the possibilities she sees in the Stockbridge community.

“As I look around Stockbridge I see so much potential for growth and new opportunities,” says this business owner and resident. “A commitment to volunteerism and buying in to the concept that Stockbridge is a great place to live, work, and play is all we need.”

Uihlein, who was very involved in getting the Stockbridge Retail Market Analysis and the Bridge to the Future projects off the ground for the SDDA, is also a firm believer that, “A little passion goes a long way with good intent.”

Geri Uihlein (right), new chair of the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority (SDDA), is sworn in to the office by Becky Muraf, township clerk. Photo credit: Greg Uihlein.

Community involvement and investment—two good reasons to join the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce, according to Cherie Van Blaircum, Chamber president. Photo credit: Mary Jo David.