Business Partnerships Promote Dexter Community

Building stronger ties among local businesses is one of the goals of Abby Erickson, executive director of the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce. Recently that goal was achieved when two local businesses began working together on landscaping projects throughout the village.

This is the first year that the village has employed the services of LNJ Landscape Lawncare, Inc., a Webster Township-based company that does everything from lawn maintenance to excavations. LNJ was hired to maintain the landscape island flower beds throughout downtown Dexter, and LNJ is buying most of
its inventory from Dexter Gardens, located on Baker Road in Scio Township.

"LNJ asked us to provide flats, and we were excited to help beautify downtown
Dexter," said Henriette Rowland, manager of Dexter Gardens. "It's nice to know
we're supporting someone else who is local."

As an added benefit, Rowland refers her customers seeking landscaping services to LNJ.

"I drive through Dexter every day, and it's really fun to see our plants," Rowland said.

Village Manager Donna Dettling said when local businesses partner together, it helps keep money recirculating in Dexter.

LNJ also recently joined the chamber and is getting involved with golf outings and the upcoming summer gazebo concert series.

"We love to support local businesses," said Lesia Cobb, vice president of LNJ. "Networking and getting to meet people in the community like at the chamber luncheons gives us exposure and advertising."

Erickson said she encourages local businesses to look for partnership opportunities locally, which can be done on the chamber website. 

"Keeping business local is great for the whole community," she said.