Many participating artists and craftspeople report making good money at the annual Ann Arbor Art Fairs, which start tomorrow July 21 and run until July 24. As an Ann Arbor native, an art fair fan, and a locally-based journalist, I've gotten plenty of chances to ask art fair artists; "So, how are sales going?" Although some artists do better than others (and sales tend to ebb and flow with the health of the economy), I've heard it time and time again that some artists make more money at Ann Arbor's fairs than they do anywhere else. 

The Detroit News recently reported feedback from a few participating artists, including Rhode Island glass artist Christopher Belleau, who says that out of the 17 fairs he is doing this year, "Ann Arbor is my best show....I make twice in Ann Arbor what I do at East Coast shows," according to the report. I recently interviewed some of Ann Arbor's local art fair artists for an AnnArbor.com article, including painter Scott Hartley, who has "built up a customer base over the years," and finds it to be a valuable opportunity to connect with collectors. 

However, artists aren't the only ones who report making bank at the fairs. The nationally-revered fairs also have a substantial economic impact on the community at large. The approximately half million people who attend the four city-wide Ann Arbor Art Fairs also spend their money at downtown shops, restaurants, and hotels. AnnArbor.com ran an article last month, which reported, "As Art Fairs approach, Ann Arbor merchants brace for crowds, big windfalls." The article mentions a 2008 survey, which "showed expenditures of $49 million in shopping, $25 million in dining, and $5 million in lodging," according to the report.

Jennifer Eberbach is a professional journalist and writer. Find contact information on her website www.jenthewriter.info

Governor Granholm signed two new bills meant to "free Michigan's cottage food industry from unnecessary regulation," according to an AnnArbor.com report. You used to be required to have a Michigan Department of Agriculture-certified kitchen to sell or distribute homemade food. The legislation allows cottage industries that gross less than $15,000 a year to cook, package, and sell "non-potentially hazardous foods" made at home - including things like breads, pies, jams, herbs, and coffee. The MI Senate is still deciding on the fate of syrup. 

It's a win for the growing local food movement, which argues that increasing local food production and consumption can create more environmentally and economically sustainable communities. However, the move to allow more cottage industry is also supporting and encouraging more entrepreneurship. 

Ypsilanti Farmers' Market manager Ryan Stedman told AnnArbor.com that "she is regularly approached by people wanting to sell foods at the market," but had to tell them they couldn't do it unless they had a certified kitchen. "They had to be licensed and that takes time and money and knowing what the laws are, and that can be daunting. This removes barriers for lots of people looking to join the local food movement and supplement their income," she says, as reported in the article.

The Detroit Free Press also covered the story, and you can find another post about it on Ypsilanti blog www.markmaynard.com

Jennifer Eberbach is a professional journalist and writer. Find contact information on her website www.jenthewriter.info

Michigan is home to many unique, diverse, and attractive cities and towns. From our picturesque lakeside communities to our urban downtowns. From our heritage sites to our natural wonders - our state is full of distinctive travel destinations. The Center for 21st Century Communities (21c3) likes to see it when Michigan communities are honored for their uniqueness, and acknowledges that promoting a "sense of place" attracts tourists and makes communities vibrant places where people want to live and work.

Each year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation honors U.S. cities, towns, and sometimes neighborhoods that "exude an authentic sense of place," by acknowledging a Dozen Distinctive Destinations around the country. The program pays tribute to places where one finds things like "attractive architecture," as well as "cultural diversity and commitment to historic preservation, sustainability, and revitalization," according to the program's website.

Nominations for the 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations are being accepted until September 10, 2010. Nomination Guidelines are available online. Nominations must be submitted by a Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, National Trust Statewide or Local Partner, Main Street Office, Historic Hotel of America, or other tourism, preservation, or local organization, according to the guidelines.

Selected communities will receive online promotion, inclusion in a feature article appearing in Preservation magazine, additional promotional support, and the title of "2011 Dozen Distinctive Destination," which includes use of the program logo.

A number of Michigan communities have been honored with the title in the past. Last year, Marquette, Michigan was selected as the "2010 Fan Favorite," by public vote. 21c3 hopes to see more Michigan cities and towns join the ranks. So, get your nominations in before the September 10 deadline!

Jennifer Eberbach is  professional journalist and writer. Find contact information on her website www.jenthewriter.info

A growing demand for commercial businesses that supply filmmakers with equipment and services is creating more opportunities for small businesses, new startups, and entrepreneurs to take advantage of emerging niche markets in Michigan.

A movie obviously needs lights and cameras before a director can call, “Action.” Lest we forget that there is much more to making a movie than that. Imagine you are a filmmaker with a shopping list of items. Now imagine how convenient it would be to have access to places like prop shops, antique stores, costume shops, and other specialized establishments.

The Detroit Free Press featured an article last week, entitled “Prop supply on the rise in Michigan,” which profiles how three local Michigan businesses are taking advantage of this emerging niche market. Events and design company Display Group, in Detroit, already had a massive amount of props that they use at “high-profile events and corporate events,” which “can also be used for the movie industry,” according to President Rick Portwood.  Royal Oak antique store Heritage Co. II expanded to rent and sell props to some big time film producers. Sam’s Prop House in Hazel Park got its start after co-owner Julie Juran and her daughter scored some props that a film crew was going to throw away.

Jennifer Eberbach is a professional journalist and writer. Find contact information on her website www.jenthewriter.info