Members of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce gathered last week at two businesses to celebrate their new locations. Approximately thirty people were present for the Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon tying ceremonies for both Oak + Ash BBQ and The Heddon Museum.
“Last year, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors chose to update the ribbon cutting tradition for new businesses and new business locations with a Ribbon Tying ceremony,” said Kris Soenen, Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce President. “No more ribbon cutting. The simple gesture is meant to symbolize that the business is tied in to the support and resources of the Chamber of Commerce, our City government, as well as our community, and, further, illustrates the interdependence businesses and the community have on each other.”
Oak + Ash BBQ is a new business located at 109 South Front Street in Dowagiac, in the building formerly known as Zeke’s Restaurant. After a major renovation, and installation of smokers outside, the establishment opened at the start of summer 2022 and serves smoked meats.
“We are really glad to be part of this community and have felt a lot of support,” said restaurant co-owner Tim Tinker.
After some brief ceremonial words, and some delicious taste bites shared by the restaurant, the group in attendance moved just down the street to the next ceremony.
At the Heddon Museums’s new location of 115 South Front Street, in downtown Dowagiac, Chamber of Commerce members viewed the historical collection of lures and artifacts produced by James Heddon and Sons Manufacturers, a Dowagiac company commercially producing lures, and other lines, from 1902 to 1984.
The Heddon Museum features the contributions of the Heddon Family to the fishing tackle industry. Both Mayor Don Lyons and Mrs. Joan Lyons have each written a book on the subject and have been keepers of the history for years. The Heddon Museum’s collection will now be under the direction of Dowagiac History Museum Director Steve Arseneau.
At the event, Arseneau commented on the importance of preserving such history for our community, and that “it is just as important that the community can access and view that history. This new space for the collection will serve our community well.”
Right photo: Mayor Don Lyons, Joan Lyons, Dowagiac History Museum Director Steve Arseneau, and Chamber of Commerce President Kris Soenen “tie in” the Heddon Museum at its new location.
Left photo: Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce President Kris Soenen, Oak +Ash BBQ Co-owner Tim Tinker, Gary Barton of The Barton Group, and Dowagiac Mayor Don Lyons “tie in” new business Oak + Ash BBQ.
– From the Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce
