The Heart of Our Community’s Economic Health
Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage
As the leading organization responsible for guiding our community’s economic growth, I often hear from friends and neighbors about what they believe our community is missing. I appreciate the spirit of a previous Holland Sentinel article “We asked Hollanders what they’d like to see instead of car washes” that sought to spark a discussion on what other establishments might be desired in our area. However, it is equally important to highlight the significant economic impact behind the car washes you see and the cultural influence that leads to our many Mexican restaurants.
It might surprise some to learn that our community is home to one of the world’s leading providers of car wash systems—Tommy’s Express Car Wash. Tommy’s is more than a chain of carwashes. The company uses Holland as a research and development hub, allowing them to test their latest, best-in-class systems right here. Additionally, we host their national support center and manufacturing facilities, making this a key area for their operations.
The presence of Tommy’s has spurred growth among several local suppliers. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to present an expansion proposal to the Zeeland Township Board alongside the CEO of Quest Car Care, one of Tommy’s largest suppliers. Quest, a locally-owned company, is investing in significant expansion, driven by the booming car wash industry, nationally and internationally. Expansions like this bring good jobs for community members and investment in local construction, real estate, legal, and finance industries, and beyond. This is just one example of how local businesses benefit from having a major industry leader like Tommy’s headquartered in our region. Our concentration of state-of-the-art car washes is not just a convenience but a true economic win-win for our community.
As for the abundance of Mexican restaurants, this is directly tied to our growing Latino population, which is a vital and vibrant part of our community. The types of international cuisines available in any area often reflect the demographics of the local population. As our community continues to grow, we might see an increase in the variety of cuisines in the region, such as Indian or Korean, to meet the evolving needs of our residents. The growth of our Latino population is something to celebrate, and I am particularly grateful for the fantastic food that our local Mexican restaurants provide.
What makes our community special is its diversity—both in the businesses that thrive here and the people who call it home. Every car wash, every restaurant, and every new face brings something valuable to our shared experience. I hope this perspective not only sheds light on the importance of our local car washes and restaurants but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the richness that each contributes to our community. Together, we can continue to build a welcoming, vibrant, and economically strong place that we are all proud to call home.
Jennifer Owens is the president of Lakeshore Advantage, the leading economic development organization for West Michigan’s Allegan and Ottawa counties.