General Manager’s Note — November 2007

General Manager’s Note — November 2007

Written by Karin Shaver Wednesday, 07 November 2007

I was a retail store manager for several years, so I remember all that goes into preparing for holiday sales. In the retail world, the Friday after Thanksgiving is referred to as “black Friday” because for many small businesses, it is the first time in the year that the store makes it into “the black.”

Here in Williamson County, we have many small businesses that probably face the challenge of months of effort waiting for the profitable pay-off of the holidays.

This month we are providing a shopping guide that lists the locally owned retail businesses in the area. Our story about Taylor’s “shop local campaign” gives surprising statistics on what an impact local shopping makes. Not only does it help the business and the local economy, but ultimately, you as a taxpayer.

Recently I was visiting with Hutto’s community development director, Matthew Lewis, and he shared the plans that were developed in a collaborative brainstorming and planning session. The event, called a charrette, allowed input from city officials, local citizens, developers and consultants. Part of their accomplishment is an innovative plan to combine history with modernization in downtown Hutto. This month’s Community Corridor has more information about this exciting project.

Hutto may be the fastest growing city in the state, but it is in need of some shopping venues. The projects planned for Hutto will bring much needed resources to Hutto, and I am certainly looking forward to doing some shopping there.

Community Impact has always had a heart for local business. I hope our Closer Look pages and retail guide help you learn more about the local business community. Please continue to let us know how we are doing.

Karin Shaver

kshaver@impactnews.com

0 Comments