Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter (center) with 2024 “Local Gems” Sweepstakes winners (left to right) Rachelle Hoover and Garo Danayan.
Oakland County announced the winners of the 2024 “Local Gems” Sweepstakes, a campaign designed to encourage residents to shop small and support local businesses during the holiday season. The winners celebrated during a check presentation reception Wednesday at Apothecary Espresso & Coffee, located in Downtown Farmington.
The 2024 sweepstakes winners, chosen by random drawing, are:
• 1st Place ($1,000): Rachelle Hoover of Farmington Hills, whose local gem is Apothecary Espresso and Coffee in Farmington.
• 2nd Place ($500): Garo Danayan of Huntington Woods, whose local gem is Noorjahan Indian Cuisine in Royal Oak.
• 3rd Place ($250): Christie Rigoulot of Waterford, whose local gem is Crave Nutrition in Waterford Township.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter praised the campaign’s impact.
“Shopping local not only supports our small business owners but also strengthens our entire community by keeping dollars circulating in Oakland County,” he said. “Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who participated by highlighting their favorite local gems.”
The “Local Gems” Sweepstakes drew 984 entries from residents across 91 communities, featuring 499 unique small businesses located in 47 communities. Top businesses receiving the most entries included HobbyTown in Southfield, It’s the Little Things in Ortonville and Designed Mindfully in Pontiac.
“This campaign highlights the incredible diversity of small businesses in Oakland County,” said John Bry, coordinator for Main Street Oakland County. “Every entry represented a vote of confidence in a local business, and we’re grateful to everyone who participated.”
The sweepstakes was sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, which provided cash prizes and promotional materials. In partnership with Main Street Oakland County, Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development and other local organizations, the campaign promoted small business shopping through events, social media and community outreach.
"The success of the 'Local Gems' Sweepstakes highlights the power of community coming together to support small businesses," said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. "Congratulations to Rachelle, Garo, and Christie, and all the incredible businesses recognized for making Oakland County a vibrant place to live and work."
The Top 10 Small Businesses receiving the most Local Gem entries, including ties, are:
• HobbyTown, Southfield
• AM2PM Barbershop, Southfield; and It's the Little Things, Ortonville
• Designed Mindfully, Pontiac; and Vibrant Vizionz, Oak Park
• Impact North, Ortonville
• Bizzy Buzz Artisan Market, Rochester; and Monarch Home Design, Holly
• Hamilton’s Feed & Fuel, Ortonville; Marcia Hovland Studio Gallery, Royal Oak; and Road Less Traveled Book Store, Farmington
• Altered Designs, Holly; and Bijou Salon and Spa, Farmington
• Bittersweet Café, Holly; Catching Fireflies, Berkley; My New Favorite Thing, Waterford; and Unexpected Craft Brewing Company, Oak Park
• Design to Shine Salon, Madison Heights; Noelle the Stylist Studio, Madison Heights; and Uncle Joe’s Chicken Fingers, Southfield
• Salinair Salt Room Spa, Rochester Hills; and Crave Nutrition, Waterford
The 2024 sweepstakes winners, chosen by random drawing, are:
• 1st Place ($1,000): Rachelle Hoover of Farmington Hills, whose local gem is Apothecary Espresso and Coffee in Farmington.
• 2nd Place ($500): Garo Danayan of Huntington Woods, whose local gem is Noorjahan Indian Cuisine in Royal Oak.
• 3rd Place ($250): Christie Rigoulot of Waterford, whose local gem is Crave Nutrition in Waterford Township.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter praised the campaign’s impact.
“Shopping local not only supports our small business owners but also strengthens our entire community by keeping dollars circulating in Oakland County,” he said. “Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who participated by highlighting their favorite local gems.”
The “Local Gems” Sweepstakes drew 984 entries from residents across 91 communities, featuring 499 unique small businesses located in 47 communities. Top businesses receiving the most entries included HobbyTown in Southfield, It’s the Little Things in Ortonville and Designed Mindfully in Pontiac.
“This campaign highlights the incredible diversity of small businesses in Oakland County,” said John Bry, coordinator for Main Street Oakland County. “Every entry represented a vote of confidence in a local business, and we’re grateful to everyone who participated.”
The sweepstakes was sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, which provided cash prizes and promotional materials. In partnership with Main Street Oakland County, Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development and other local organizations, the campaign promoted small business shopping through events, social media and community outreach.
"The success of the 'Local Gems' Sweepstakes highlights the power of community coming together to support small businesses," said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. "Congratulations to Rachelle, Garo, and Christie, and all the incredible businesses recognized for making Oakland County a vibrant place to live and work."
The Top 10 Small Businesses receiving the most Local Gem entries, including ties, are:
• HobbyTown, Southfield
• AM2PM Barbershop, Southfield; and It's the Little Things, Ortonville
• Designed Mindfully, Pontiac; and Vibrant Vizionz, Oak Park
• Impact North, Ortonville
• Bizzy Buzz Artisan Market, Rochester; and Monarch Home Design, Holly
• Hamilton’s Feed & Fuel, Ortonville; Marcia Hovland Studio Gallery, Royal Oak; and Road Less Traveled Book Store, Farmington
• Altered Designs, Holly; and Bijou Salon and Spa, Farmington
• Bittersweet Café, Holly; Catching Fireflies, Berkley; My New Favorite Thing, Waterford; and Unexpected Craft Brewing Company, Oak Park
• Design to Shine Salon, Madison Heights; Noelle the Stylist Studio, Madison Heights; and Uncle Joe’s Chicken Fingers, Southfield
• Salinair Salt Room Spa, Rochester Hills; and Crave Nutrition, Waterford
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