Shop new West Michigan

Good-news holiday update in three parts:

1. Holiday open house for gift buying!
2. An invitation to West Michigan businesses.
3. Announcement of "Shop Holland" promotions.

1. Open House!

Put some equality under the tree this year! See sidebar (right, above map) to learn about the Holiday Shopping Open House December 6, hosted by Until Love Is Equal and West Michigan Pride. Click here for a map to 211 Logan Street SW in Grand Rapids. Drop in anytime during posted hours (to the right) and enjoy refreshments while we do the wrapping for you!

2. An invitation to West Michigan businesses

Until Love Is Equal invites all West Michigan business, especially those in Holland, to join the "In Support of Equality" list on the website. Until Love Is Equal consists of 3,000+ good people who hope City Council will revote to protect vulnerable minorities from discrimination.

Simply contact us at [email protected] to add your business! We actively promote those who do - and we've got a special promotion coming up soon, so please join us!

"West Michigan shoppers contact us freqently to ask which shops endorse a Holland City Council revote (on the anti-discrimination ordinance they voted down June 15)," said group member Erin Wilson. "Whether they're Holland residents or West Michigan residents going to Holland to spend a day, they want to know where they can spend their money in support of pro-equality shops."

Wilson said some people drive to Holland specifically to support the businesses that welcome all customers, from all communities. "That's the whole reason some people go: to say 'thank you' to businesses that stand up for all minorities in Holland."

In that spirit, Until Love Is Equal regularly posts reminders that the group welcomes and promotes all businesses added to the list.

Until Love Is Equal invites you to include your business among those that stand for equality. See the list here, contact us using this form to join it - or simply email [email protected] as the owner or manager, and let us know your business stands In Support of Equality!

Update: Are you an artist or artisan wishing to have space to sell your wares at our Holiday Shopping Open House event Dec. 6? Please join the list if you haven't - and contact us via email! We should get some good traffic at the cozy comfy West Michigan Pride Center on Tuesday, and we have a limited amount of additional space for endorsing artists and artisans. First come, first served!

(More info about the Holiday Shopping Open House Dec. 6 in the sidebar, to the right, above the map.)

3. Plans for "Shop Holland" promotions.

The group has announced plans to budget unused billboard money to promote Christmas shopping at independent businesses in Holland, MI.

Over the coming ten days, Until Love Is Equal will promote holiday shopping in Holland through all available outlets, to support business owners who support equality!

These engaged and civic-minded businesses on the Until Love Is Equal list ("In Support Of Equality") represent a new West Michigan: a region moving forward to pull itself out of economic recession. A region that is welcoming and remains hopeful that Holland City Council will affirm the openness in our hearts and vote to send a signal of welcome to all minorities and all people. The future needs all of us, as West Michigan columnist Tommy Allen frequently says. We encourage all of you to shop the new West Michigan, to support Holland business owners this Christmas shopping season and beyond - dine at the delicious restaurants, drink coffee, walk the gorgeous downtown area... Holland is one of the most beautiful facets of West Michigan and they have so much to offer!