Cherokee Tribune
By Ashley Fuller
09/05/2008
Cherokee County continued to see a healthy and growing business community in August.
Local governments issued 188 new business licenses last month, up from 166 issued in July and 164 issued in August last year.
So far this year, 1,528 new business licenses have been issued in the county, up from 1,450 issued at this time last year.
Dale Morrissey, chairwoman of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, said Thursday’s Good Morning Cherokee event had more than 250 people in attendance. The “excellent” turnout is an indication the business environment is strong in the county.
“We are opening a new business every time you turn around,” said the senior vice president of First Cherokee State Bank, adding she expects to see the growth in new businesses continue.
Misti Martin, executive director of the Development Authority of Cherokee County, said the growth in a slowing economy “speaks positively for the county.”
She said there are a number of reasons for an increase in new businesses other than the natural expansion of the county.
She said people affected by the housing slowdown could be “pulling the trigger on something they have been contemplating for a long time.” She said gas prices also could be a factor, leading people to give up a commute into Atlanta to work from home.
The county business licenses office handed out 116 new business licenses in August, down from 121 in July but up from 92 issued in August of last year. So far this year, the county office has issued 1,059 licenses, up from 950 issued at this time last year.
Woodstock’s business license office saw 41 new businesses in August, up from 24 in July but down from 56 issued in August of last year. The city has issued 254 licenses so far this year, down from 326 issued at this time last year.
Canton licensed 14 new businesses in August, down from 16 in July and up slightly from 13 in August of last year. So far this year, the city has issued 108 licenses, down from 131 issued at this time last year.
Holly Springs issued 13 new business licenses last month, up from three in July and from none in August of last year.
Kim Ashley of Tripp-N-Out Creations, a new business in Holly Springs, said she expects business growth to continue in the city.
“We moved here two years ago, and it has been growing ever since,” said Ms. Ashley, whose business crafts items included Paci Pouches, which are pockets for pacifiers that attach to the side of a crib.
The city has issued 77 new business licenses this year compared to 33 through August of last year.
Ball Ground issued four new licenses last month, up from two in July and three issued in August of last year. The city has issued 29 new licenses this year, up from eight at this time last year.
Waleska has not issued any new licenses this year, and had issued one at this time last year. Nelson has issued no business licenses so far this year or last year.