The power of small businesses

Tommy Stalnaker told me earlier this week that he doesn’t want to raise taxes for small business in Houston County. As Chairman of the Houston County of Commissioners, Stalnaker knows that small businesses make up a valuable part of this county.

After speaking to him about it, it got me thinking that small businesses are starting to become a more focused trend around the county.

The city of Perry offers a vibrant downtown area that is highlighted by several boutiques and places to eat. These small businesses were able to stay open late during the Buzzard Drop on New Year’s Eve and did well with turnout.

I was able to get to the Coffee Cup on Carroll Street with my girlfriend Tamara at a reasonable time during the event when my wait time was five minutes. Not over 30 like my editor Krystal Riner told me she and her family had waited to be served. In total, they had around 500 people visit their coffee shop during the event relaying the idea of the power of what small businesses can do.

Involving these small businesses into events like the Buzzard Drop makes living in Houston County a more enjoyable one knowing that you can have a good time at the event while enjoying a variety of places to visit.

Going forward it will be interesting to see if the city of Perry will try to incorporate these smaller businesses in the downtown area with the big functions. Mary Beth Bass, Economic Development Director, told me this week that the city has already been working hard to come up with more ideas for the Drop this year as well in addition to other city events. Bass said having the small business incorporated with the bigger events seems like a great thing to do for the community.

She will be working with Katherine Edgeman, who joined the city as their new Main Street Coordinator, to create more opportunities for residents and businesses.

The city of Perry certainly has the potential for tremendous growth for the small businesses and what they have to offer for the community. The outlook on it is very bright.

HHJ News