Elderly Instruments Receives Special Tribute from State of Michigan

To Elderly Instruments AMERICA’S TOP SMALL BUSINESS FOR 2023

LET IT BE KNOWN, That it is with genuine pleasure and deep gratitude that we congratulate Elderly Instruments being named America’s Top Small Business for 2023 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This exemplary Lansing music store was chosen as #1 from a field of 15,000+ applicants from every state in the nation for its ability to embrace change, adapt to new challenges and constantly innovate while remaining true to the company’s legacy.

Over the course of their 50+ year history in Michigan, Elderly Instruments has stood as a haven for music lovers, where people could feel are home, strum a chord, and discover a passion for music. In 1972, Elderly Instruments opened its doors in East Lansing with just a handful of used instruments. Before they knew it, the store was expanding into a hub for new, used, and vintage instruments, and by 1975, they had a 100+ page mail-order catalog. With a modest beginning, but a grand vision in mind, the store expanded into a renovated lodge hall in Lansing in 1983 and adapted to offer their customers a website in the early 1990s.

Through all of these changes, Elderly Instruments never lost its core spirit. The store’s passion for assisting musicians at every stage–sharing history and the cultural heritage behind the instruments they are selling–has remained a constant even amid a recent transition to the second generation of ownership. It has remained a pillar of the Greater Lansing community, providing not just instruments, but also support, expertise and a sense of belonging. Elderly Instruments has continued to grow and support the community with Stan Werbin as the original founder, Lillian Werbin as CEO, and a dedicated team of nearly 40 employees, many of whom have been there for decades.

Not only is Elderly Instruments a treasure trove of instruments, accessories, and quirky surprises, but they support the community by sponsoring and participating in numerous community music festivals, camps, and concerts that add to the vibrancy of Old Town Lansing and increase tourism to our state’s capital. It is truly incumbent upon all of us to work together to make our communities better, which is why we are thankful for companies like Elderly Instruments that go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their community.

Elderly Instruments was announced as America’s Top Small Business for 2023 at an awards dinner and gala on October 19 at the U.S. Chamber’s historic headquarters building in Washington, D.C. Elderly Instruments second-generation CEO Lillian Werbin was presented with the grand prize check for $25,000. Elderly Instruments is a testament to the success of Michigan’s small businesses, showcasing the dedication, eagerness and community involvement of the small business community in our state.


IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, this document is signed and dedicated to Elderly Instruments upon being named America’s Top Small Business for 2023 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We wish them success in all future endeavors.

Signed by,


- Garlin Gilchrist II, Lieutenant Governor

-Gretchen Whitmer, Governor

 


 

 

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