The weather is starting to heat up, and so is the buzz around town.

Over the last few weeks, Dowagiac has seen a couple of new economic developments, with more on the way.

Last month, WHO kNEW? Consignment owner Kris Lamphere launched a sister store, Refine Women’s Consignment downtown, offering a new way for local ladies to purchase quality clothing and accessories. Further down the road, the Dowagiac Chamber took the wraps off their new Farm & Artisan Market, bringing back a central location for fresh, locally sourced produce and plantlife that has been missing from the city since 2007.

Later this week, brothers Earl and Larry Collins plan to open their new barbeque eatery, Earl’s BBQ, delivering an authentic smoked flavor close to home.

Even for a newcomer like myself for Dowagiac, I can’t help but feel excited about these new businesses and venues opening up around town. For a community that is already blessed with unique shops, eateries and attractions, the addition of even more places to visit is hardly a bad thing.

It’s also great to see additional community needs being met here in town. While there’s no shortage of farmer’s markets, apparel stores or barbeque joints around the area, the fact that locals can now keep extra miles of their cars while spending their money in town is a benefit to everyone.

Let’s hope that the momentum the city has received in recent years continues to build. There are still holes downtown and across the cityscape that could use some development, for the benefit of business owners and customers alike.

 

Ted Yoakum is the community editor for the Dowagiac Daily News. Email him at ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com. Call him at (269) 687-7706.