By Karen Middleton
In times of economic downturn it is often the small business owner who best survives the financial storms.
“Small business throughout the country is responsible for more jobs than anyone,” said Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce President Hugh Ball. “They employ local workers and the money spent stays in the area and turns over several times. They are not like large national chains, although they have their place in a thriving economy and are important locally. But small businesses are the backbone of a local economy.”
Sunday, The News Courier will publish a special section devoted to small business, “National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day.”
According to the Web site smallbusinessnotes.com, “The belief that small businesses fare poorly in economic downturns is a common misconception. Most solidly run small businesses actually hold their own during downturns.”
One small business, Dip ’n Dog, which is owned by Randy and Patricia Campbell and has two stores — Elm Street and East Limestone Road — is surviving the slump well.
Wilma Ulrich, who manages the Elm Street store affirms the old axiom of business success — “Location, location, location.”
Conveniently located by the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department and county jail and Elm Street Industrial Park, there is a ready supply of customers looking for a quick, light meal, but she admits a nearby bridge replacement has put a dent in traffic that could bring even more customers.
“We do well, but we also have our slow days, especially since the east end of Elm Street has been closed because of the bridge,” said Ulrich. “We can tell the difference. We used to have Owens and Clements people go down Elm Street to 99, but now they have to go around.”
People staying home
Tim Harper, owner of White Dove Greenhouse Nursery & Farm on Oakdale Road and the Farm Market on U.S. 72 East, where the Pepper fruit stand was once located, said business is “great” and he doesn’t add to his worries by watching or reading too much economic news.
“I think there are a lot of spreaders of doom and gloom out there,” said Harper. “People always want to eat, and now, when people are taking fewer vacations they are staying home and working in their yards and gardens, so they’re planting a lot of shrubs and flowers.
“I think it depends a lot on what you’re doing. I hear people say they’re not as busy as they would like to be, but at least they’re still working. I know it’s bad in states such as California and Florida, but I think we fare better here in North Alabama.”
