Rick Stites, WWBA President
Tuesdays 9:20 AM on
“The Lucy Ann Lance Business Insider”,
1290 WLBY

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Current WWBA segment:

August 31, 2010: Rick Stites, President of the WWBA; and Bridgett Barnes & Therease Upshur, Ace Barnes Hardware

Originally in Dearborn, Ace Barnes  Hardware moved to Ann Arbor in 1958.  Bridgett Barnes tells us how her grandfather began the business that her family continues to operate daily.  In addition, Therese Upshur, a Master Gardner and Housewares Sales Associate, details what’s unique about this locally-owned business.

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WWBA History:

The WWBA grew from two preceding business organizations: the Jackson Road Business Association (JRBA) and West Stadium Area Business and Professional Association (WSABPA).

A business group arose in 1959 upon learning that the State Highway Department was planning only one entry ramp along the Jackson Road corridor for the proposed I-94 expressway–that being at Fletcher Road by Stiver’s Restaurant. The initial association was conceived in front of Holland Furniture Store by Jacob Grant of Farmer Grant’s, Herman Weber of Weber’s Supper Club, and Walter Ernst of Paul Bunyan’s Restaurant. Their efforts helped obtain ramps at Baker and Zeeb roads. In 1963, a formal association was formed, bylaws adopted, and the official name agreed upon as the Jackson Road Business Association. Jacob Grant was the first president.

The West Stadium Area Business and Professional Association originated in 1971 to help promote the West Stadium corridor as a viable business community and to provide social interaction opportunities among merchants. Gertrude Bethke and Dick Leslie were officers of the original board of directors. Enthusiasm dwindled in the late 70s and mention of merging with JRBA was considered in 1982, although not accepted at that time. WSABPA reorganized and accomplished the inauguration of a $60,000 three-year tree-planting schedule along West Stadium and adjoining routes, in cooperation with Elizabeth Dean Fund (a cost-sharing program offered by the Ann Arbor Department of Parks and Recreation). The association also began publishing a monthly newsletter: The Boulevard Banter and started the “Shop the Boulevard” logo used in group advertising, decals, and banners. During the 90s the tradition of a summer picnic for the merchants was adopted as well as an annual community involvement fund/friend raiser, Walk the Boulevard.

In the fall of 2001, the JRBA and the WSABPA merged to become the West Washtenaw Business Association (WWBA). The bylaws were changed and the state and IRS approved the name of the new organization.
Previous West Washtenaw Business Association segments:

August 10, 2010: Tim Patino, GM of Quarter Bistro & Jennifer Scott, Branch Manager/VP of Chase Bank

How Chase Bank is involved with the community, including the upcoming Westgate Festival and how financial education helps build good credit.

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August 3, 2010: Rick Stites, President & Sarah Woolson, Marketing Director of Mack Buick GMC talk about the former Jim Bradley and current Saturn of Ann Arbor Owner taking over Bradley Dealership of Jackson Road.

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July 27, 2010:

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July 20, 2010: Nell Narowski, Amish Tables

Nell Narowski discusses her company, Amish Tables, which has just won another “Best of Ann Arbor” award.  Amish Tables provides high quality furniture to its customers and allows customers to customize their furniture based on type of wood, finish, and more.

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July 13, 2010: Krishna Mallya, Owner & Tony Pacheco, Retail Manager of Batteries Plus

Krishna Mallya & Tony Pacheo discuss the business model of Batteries Plus, which prides itself in stocking the batteries that customers have a hard time finding in other places.  Mallya also talks about how he came to own Batteries Plus and why he joined the WWBA.

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July 6, 2010:

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June 29, 2010:

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June 22, 2010:

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June 15, 2010:

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June 8, 2010:

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WWBA Board Member Tim Patino &
Biggby Coffee Franchise Owner Jeannine Mickeleit

June 1, 2010:  Jeannine Mickeleit, Owner of Biggby Coffee on W. Stadium Blvd. & Plymouth Road’s Courtyard Shops; Tim Patino, WWBA Board Member & Quarter Bistro Manager – Originally from Germany, Jeannine Mickeleit came for a visit and fell in love with the U.S.  This entrepreneur shares with us her business philosophy, and tells us her plans to grow the Biggby franchise.

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