Old & New friends

Family and Locally Owned Businesses

Their stories are those of American dreams realized.

Many of those you will meet in these pages had an idea, struggled through the startup - learning as they grew and developed some of the most successful businesses in the region.

These are family stories - grandfathers who passed along a tradition of customer service and quality to their sons and daughters, who hope one day to pass along that same dedication to their sons and daughters.

They have been a part of your families for generations, too. It is amazing how many of them have watched you grow up - and shared in your family milestones.

Others you will meet today are new entrepreneurs, trying to start dreams of their own - ready and eager to set up a tradition that begins today and lasts another couple of generations.

They are all committed to their community. You see their names on Little League teams, charitable endeavors and on the boards of many organizations across the county. They are the first to give back - grateful for the support that their customers have given them and committed to making their community a better place.

They are your friends and neighbors.

This section celebrates their achievements and takes note of the incredible mark they leave and have left on this community.

And as you read their stories, remember that they are the backbone of the Wayne County economy, employing thousands of people and keeping money at home.

So, as you make your holidays lists or plan your next major purchase, keep them in mind. By supporting Wayne County's hometown businesses, you are keeping this economy healthy and strong and helping make dreams come true - one cash register ring at a time.

— Becky Nye, News-Argus advertising director