Wellness Spa wins 321 GO! retail competition, business plans move into Muskegon’s Midtown
Contact: Dave Alexander
Downtown Muskegon Now
231-215-8827
dalexander@downtownwww.muskegon.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 14, 2017
Wellness Spa wins 321 GO! retail competition, business plans move into Muskegon’s Midtown
Muskegon, MI – Four potential retailers for Downtown Muskegon’s emerging Midtown competed in a “pitch competition” as a Muskegon woman with a passion for expanding her wellness spa business taking the grand prize.
A panel of five 321 Go! judges selected Jodi McClain and her East of Eden Wellness Spa proposal for the space at 1144 Third Street being offered by building owner Brad Martell for six months of free rent. McClain and Martell will now negotiate the businesses entry into the space that once was an auto dealership showroom and office, hoping to reach a one-year lease for the space beyond the initial six months.
“I can’t wait to see you all in Midtown,” McClain told the 321 Go! gathering at the Muskegon Innovation Hub at Grand Valley State University April 13 that also was a Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.
McClain is a veteran message therapist and wants to expand her practice to a destination wellness business offering floatation and dry salt therapy along with messages. Judges found McClain’s pitch to be for a unique service not found in Muskegon from a businesswoman who is experienced and passionate with a researched business plan.
“I am excited and humbled to be selected as every one of the other presenters did such a great job,” McClain said. “Thanks to all who have taken a chance on me. Now let’s all get ‘salty.’”
McClain wins a prize package of more than $20,000 in value considering the six months’ rent from Brad and Mandy Martell along with business services from legal to marketing and accounting.
Also making their pitches to the judges were Sheeka Hawkins of Simply Vintage Design, a custom jewelry business; Emily Prow of the Occidental Barbershop, a men’s grooming center; and Shaun Haldki and Rebecca Holtz of SkeeTown Nutrition, a nutrition club and shake bar. The event emcee was Muskegon entrepreneur and Muskegon County Commissioner Bob Scolnik
The three budding businesses not winning the 321 Go! competition will be embraced by the event sponsors – GVSU Muskegon Innovation Hub, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Muskegon Now – and the Muskegon business community to find ways those business plans can progress.