Web list directs seniors to Michigan businesses

By Terry Oparka
C & G Staff Writer

People 60 and older account for more than 17 percent of the state’s population.

And by 2030, this number will increase by more than 1 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

According to Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, in her proclamation for Older American’s Day June 11, there are 1.8 million people in Michigan who are age 60 or older.

And they have money to spend.

According to the U.S. Census 2006 Community Survey, more than 1 million Michigan households with people age 60 or older earn income or Social Security that is primarily spent here in Michigan. More than 20 percent of those over age 60 are still in the labor force.

“The aging of the population in our six-county service area and across the state presents unprecedented challenges, as well as opportunities,” said Tina Abbate Marzolf, CEO of the Area Agency on Aging Association 1-B.  The agency serves seniors in southeast Michigan, including those in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Marshall, 70, and Jan Rice, 57, aim to do their part to keep Michigan dollars in Michigan.

They own www.MichiganMall.com, an online search directory for Michigan businesses. Jan started the business after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than 10 years ago. The chronic, disabling disease attacks the central nervous system, or myelin, the substance that protects nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Symptoms may include numbness in the limbs, paralysis and vision loss, and are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.

When his company downsized, Marshall, an engineer, joined Jan in the business full time.

“We wanted to let people know about the opportunities and resources we do have here in Michigan,” Jan said.

“The thing about the Michigan Mall Web site is that it’s easy to navigate,” said Marshall.

Jan described the site as a “mini-Google” of Michigan businesses.

The business, said Marshall, is picking up speed, and will soon feature a direct link to the Association of Michigan Golf Courses. The site offers seniors a free Web listing of businesses. The businesses are charged approximately $100 to be linked on the site.

“MichiganMall.com drives traffic to member sites,” Marshall said. “Then it’s up to that site to sell the product or service.”

“We really pride ourselves on being affordable to the little guy,” Jan said. “For $8 a month, it’s a good marketing tool.”

To mark their 10th anniversary in business, MichiganMall.com will sponsor the Celebrate Michigan Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Hilton Detroit in Troy.

The free expo will feature more than 100 exhibitors. The Celebrate Michigan Dinner and VIP reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Dinner program speakers will be announced at a later date. Event sponsorships are available.

The Hilton Detroit/Troy is located at 5500 Crooks Road in Troy. For information about the expo or MichiganMall.com,  call (888) 315-1928 or visit www.MichiganMall.com.

You can reach Staff Writer Terry Oparka at toparka@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1054.