HUDSONVILLE, Mich. — Today's announcement from Governor Whitmer was not what many local businesses were hoping for.
Whitmer held a press conference along with Huntington Bancshares to announce a $5-billion, five-year commitment to improve financial opportunities for Michigan businesses and communities through lending, investment and philanthropy.
While there was some questions asked during the press conference, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer only stated that she will make an announcement on reopening gyms, bowling alleys and movie theaters "very soon."
FOX17 spoke to Hudsonville Lanes owners Doug and Shelli Boomsma when the word got out that no decision was coming. They say the frustration continues to build because of the waiting game.
Their worries are now at its peak as league play, which is what their business thrives on as the weather gets worse, was expected to start after labor day. They were hoping to learn today that they would be allowed to reopen then, but instead the Governor focused on more support for small businesses. While the Boomsmas' are happy with more support, the loans and other programs only go so far.
"I am not sure a loan is really what we are looking for at this point." said Doug Boomsma. "We are looking for an opportunity. We are just hoping for a chance just to prove that we can do anything and everything that all these other businesses can do that have been allowed to open, we can do them to."
These businesses only want a chance to put their safety plans into place that they all have as the wait to open continues. They are in the people business and miss their customers who have become best friends to them over the years. They need to get league play rolling otherwise, they might not be around come 2021.
Governor Whitmer could have another announcement on opening these businesses as early as Thursday.