business development

For Women, Cooperation Is The Answer

Auburndale - Downtown Auburndale was a blighted area when Terrie Howell opened her gift shop, Treasures on the Park, 12 years ago. Today, the area is bustling with hair salons, retail shops and eateries. Interestingly,... more »

Salem’s changing retail market: higher-end stores paying higher rents

Salem — It wasn't long ago that A Touch of the Past on Washington Street was a hub of retail activity in the city. A long-standing gift store with eye-catching window displays, it was overseen... more »

Harrisonburg Gift & Thrift Plans Facility Expansion

Harrisonburg - Harrisonburg Gift & Thrift Shop is getting a chance to spread its mission of "good stewardship" a little bit further. The company plans to build a 14,700-square-foot building to house one of Gift... more »

Businesses adapting new techniques to survive downturn

Claire Williams has heard the economic horror stories as they rippled far and wide through American life. She can even see a few firsthand from the Mary-Go-Round gift shop. But try as they might, the... more »

Amherst’s Salzburg Square enjoying revitalization

Despite problems in the economy, business continues to thrive at Salzburg Square in Amherst. What was once considered a dying shopping center has added several new shops in the last 18 months. But the Austrian-themed... more »

Couple seek rezoning for wine shop in Hubbard

Hubbard — Should a wine shop be allowed on a residential road? That was the topic of a public hearing Thursday evening by the Hubbard Township Zoning Commission. Residents had the opportunity to discuss the... more »

Mothers and daughters team up for business

Autumn Hill's business plan got a jumpstart the day her mother was downsized.Not letting her mom, Yvonne Kehl, feel sorry for herself for even a minute, Hill explained her idea for starting an advertising, graphic... more »

Decorator puts skills to work

Growing up, Jami Holt watched her grandmother constantly decorating. She would use silk flowers or the real thing, grown in her greenhouse. She was known for stringing Christmas lights around the house, no matter the... more »