we’re a small town right in the middle of the third largest city in Michigan. We’re surrounded on all four sides, yet we manage to maintain our small-town appeal.” That sense of identity is something residents work hard to preserve.“There’s an exceptional amount of community pride here,” says City Manager Dennis Champine. “People choose Center Line because they value connection and a sense of place. That’s something we’ve never lost.” MOTOR CITY ROOTS TO MODERN RESILIENCE Historically, Center Line’s economic backbone has been its industrial and automotive sectors. “We were once the world headquarters for Mopar until Chrysler sold it to Fiat,” explains Mayor Binson.“Even now, the site remains a major property with great potential under Stellantis.” That manufacturing legacy continues to shape the city’s identity. Generations of skilled tradespeople, engineers, and entrepreneurs have built a resilient business base that adapts to changing markets while preserving local expertise. The city’s business community is a tapestry of longstanding family enterprises and major manufacturers. Notable employers include Ed Rinke Chevrolet, Buick and GMC; Binson’s Medical Equipment and Supplies—the largest family-owned medical equipment company in the United States; Whitlam Label; Wico Metal Products; and Stellantis’ Mopar, Champine notes that the arrival of new players continues to diversify the economy. “Crest Ford has grown into a major business in recent years,” he says. “And since Michigan voters approved cannabis sales, Center Line has been at the forefront in Michigan. The cannabis industry has helped us repopulate our industrial zones. At one point, our occupancy rate was around 10 percent—now it’s nearly 100 percent.” BUILDING A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY FUTURE Center Line’s leadership prides itself on being proactive and welcoming to investors.“We’ve worked hard to be a business-friendly community,” says Champine.“That effort, encouraged by Mayor Binson 185 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 CENTER LINE, MI
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