Business & Commerce

More than 2,400 individuals and organizations have established businesses in Royal Oak. A cross section of the business community reveals a diversity of enterprises. Some extend services such as accounting, architecture, banking, dining, fitness, recreation, funeral planning, health care, insurance, photography, real estate, law and repairs. Other establishments offer retail goods such as apparel, art, automobiles, books, computers and software, furniture, gasoline, gifts, groceries, hardware, household items, music, pharmaceuticals, sports equipment and tools. Manufacturing and industry are also well represented. Recently, Royal Oak has become the local center of the e-business community. Many computer-related businesses find Royal Oak’s location, population and culture a prime fit for their creative, high-tech companies.

A unique feature contributing to the solidity of the Royal Oak business community is that many businesses are owner-occupied.

The largest employers in Royal Oak according to the number of employees, are William Beaumont Hospital, Metaldyne, Consumers Energy and DTE.
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Downtown Development Authority

Established in 1976, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is dedicated to promoting the economic growth of downtown Royal Oak through multiple revitalization efforts. Partnering with the Downtown Royal Oak Association and other organizations, the DDA has been instrumental in successfully completing several redevelopment projects. Some of the DDA’s accomplishments include the Renovation Incentive Program offering financial assistance for downtown renovations; improvements to the library, streetscape, and parking lots; renovations to the Baldwin Theatre and Washington Square Building; and the Woodward Avenue/I-696, National City bank building, Main Street Square and Main Street Center projects. View the website for more information.
DDA

Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1936 and over 600 members strong today, the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce strives to maintain Royal Oak’s attractive and economically sound business community.
The Chamber is organized, supported and directed by members representing all segments of the business community including retail, restaurant, industrial, professional services, service clubs, non-profit and individuals. It is dedicated to bringing business persons, civic groups, local government and citizens together to advance the economic, professional, cultural and civic welfare of the community.

In addition to a variety of member events and services geared to increasing business opportunities for its members, the Chamber also sponsors some of Royal Oak’s most popular annual events including, "Royal Oak in Bloom", "Clay, Glass and Metal Show" and the bi-annual "Royal Oak Road Rally".

Visit the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Website for more information.
The logo of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce.

Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3)

Royal Oak is a member of the Woodward Avenue Action Association, an eight-member community development group working to enhance Woodward Avenue’s financial, functional and historical significance. Royal Oak, the largest member of the organization, recognizes Woodward Avenue’s importance as one of the most highly sought-after business locations in Southeast Michigan. Visit the website for more information.
Woodward Avenue