Last month a hearty band of merchants, makers, allies and lovers from the Harbor Country community of Three Oaks launched what they affectionately call the Three Oaks Makers & Merchants Alliance in the heart of the community. 
When they first rolled out the concept on May 24th, Founder & President Suzanna Bierwirth said, “The mission of the Makers & Merchants Alliance is to support the thriving community of independent artisans and businesses in our historic village and to create joyful experiences for area residents and visitors across all generations.” Bierwirth is the owner of Goods & Heroes design store, co-owner of the Three Oaks Social Club event venue, and maker of Sinn Botanik skincare products.
On Thursday, Bierwirth’s dream creation will host the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce to perform a ribbon cutting ceremony at the welcome center for the new business association, at 4:30pm (EDT) July 1st. The public is invited to cut the ribbon, explore the space and get to know the non-profit organization that represents the artists and artisans, sellers of goods and services, and the many supporters of the unique community.
Bierwirth says that as a village founded by E. K. Warren, who was both a maker and a merchant, Three Oaks is steeped in a history of fine craftsmanship, and adds, “Our village is known as a creative community, with artists and entrepreneurs of every kind, from painters and clay artists to musicians and storytellers, to butchers, bakers, and whiskey makers. We’re excited to highlight the unique people and endeavors of our community.”
Membership in the organization is available at various levels: Makers, Merchants, Allies, and Lovers. Maker and Merchant memberships are open to business owners and individuals who create products or provide services through businesses in Three Oaks village or township. Membership as an Ally is available to nonprofit organizations that support Three Oaks residents. Lover memberships are open to anyone in the world. To join the organization, you can visit online at: http://ilovethreeoaks.org.
Guests can enjoy a beverage during an Open House on Thursday from 4 to 7pm. The location at 13 North Elm Street in downtown Three Oaks is easily identified by the “I Love Three Oaks” message proudly presented on the front window. The welcome center sells “I Love Three Oaks” merchandise, and showcases the merchants and makers of the alliance and informs visitors about Village happenings.
After the event, visitors are invited across the street to the art show opening for Keek Bielby at The Vickers Theatre followed by live music on the Driers Meat Market patio with a selection of grilled sausages for dinner at 6 pm.
In addition to Bierwirth, founding board members include:
- Vice-President Bridget Verdun, owner of Just B. maker space and maker of Occasionally Speaking letterpress greeting cards
- Treasurer Ellie Mullins, co-owner of Patellie’s Pizza and P+E Bottle Shop
- Secretary Colleen Newquist, maker of Stop and Smell the Butter: A Journal of Appreciative Living
- Board member Carolyn Drier, owner of Drier’s Meat Market
- Board member Kendra Grant, co-owner of Poppy Hill Vintage
- Board member Kim Pruitt, artist and owner of Dawning Art
- Board member Gavin Gray, a lover of Three Oaks whose donation helped launch the organization.
Gray points out, “I’m not a maker or a merchant, but I’ll tell you why I joined: because you won’t find a more dynamic group of creative people than the women who have launched this alliance,” and adds, “They’re already doing great things for Three Oaks, and this organization provides the opportunity to bring other artists and business owners together and make the most of their talent and energy.”
As a post-script, Gray adds, “And, of course, I also joined because I love Three Oaks. If you’re looking for one of a kind, this village is it—the people, the products, the place. There’s truly no place like it.”
The I Love Three Oaks welcome center at 13 N Elm Street will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm.
Shown in the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market are the Founders of the Three Oaks Makers & Merchants Alliance gathered in front of their welcome center last month. From left: Colleen Newquist, Kendra Grant, Bridget Verdun, Carolyn Drier, Suzanna Bierwirth, Gavin Gray, Kim Pruitt, Ellie Mullins. The photo is courtesy of the Makers & Merchants Alliance.
