For a century, the non-profit organization presently known as Lenawee Now has been dedicated to business expansion and the overall quality of life in Lenawee County.
On July 13, 1916, the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce was established. Since then, the name changed multiple times, the Chamber branched off, and the focus became not only cultivating local businesses, but attracting new ones, and encouraging a culture of entrepreneurism. We have seen great successes over the last century: manufacturers reaching international success, downtown shops filling the needs of their communities, and Lenawee County being recognized as not only ideal for business but perfect for life. Can it get any better? It sure can.
Looking forward to the next 100 years, we see companies adapting to new technologies and processes to meet customer demands. We know young people are returning to the area with fresh ideas, are ready to build a life here, and are eager for opportunities to do so.
Lenawee now is ready to assist in the innovation and success of the next 100 years. We, at Lenawee Now, understand the needs of locally-owned, “small” businesses. Take the story of the Merillats, for example. The Merillats began Merillat Cabinets in a garage. Look at how that “small” project advanced the economic development in Lenawee, for years to come. Lenawee Now celebrates the success of the past, but is ready for the innovation of the future.
To celebrate this century of economic success in Lenawee and commemorate the next 100 years, we are putting together a book that illustrates 100 years of progress in Lenawee. This book, titled Made in Lenawee, will be published in late spring of 2016. Throughout the remainder of the year, look to our blog, located at www.lenaweenow.org, and our social media pages for stories of past business accomplishment and current Lenawee County business endeavors. We are proud of what has been “Made in Lenawee” and honored to join this community in the next 100 years of business and economic prosperity.