Associate Editor
Most have probably heard of, eaten at or driven by the landmark Tacos Locos restaurant trailer on Guthrie Avenue at one time or another.
But just as a feature on Tacos Locos was in the works earlier in the year for the Cleveland Daily Banner, it closed after about a year of business.
One, the story might have surprised many because it would have revealed that the food was “absolutely stupendous,” according to many who ate there. Its regular visitors are those most disappointed in its closing.
And two, in spite of the tiny restaurant’s modest housing — a portable trailer — the most recent health and safety code inspections gave it a 96 percent rating.
This was just one business story that never made it to print in 2010. But many more did. And here is a list of just a few of them, in no particular order, plus a couple of updates on some.
Some of the strictly business stories were about Flex Trax Advanced Traction Systems Inc. developing a revolutionary new traction system, called Sno-Claws, that not only can easily be put onto tires but also work better than previous systems in snow, sand and mud. But since the business article came out, CEO, inventor and founder Tony Bright has acquired a new traction company that will produce a second product called SnoBootz, which is another newly designed traction device made specifically for safer driving over ice.
Hughes and Associates Insurance Agency just recently was featured in the Cleveland Banner’s business pages and has already reported a positive response from new clients who have seen the article and called them solely because of what they read in it, said Wendy Hughes, co-owner.
Robert Bradney, general manager for Bender Realty, reported, “The economic outlook was even brighter” than when the business feature on the real estate firm was published. Much of this positive future outlook is due to companies such as WACKER, Olin, Whirlpool, Amazon.com and VW.
“An economic explosion is coming. A major change,” Bradney said. “And we’ve (already) lit the fuse.”
The Cleveland Boat Center reports they have several new South Bay pontoons in stock and a new MasterCraft with a power tower in stock as well, according to Stacy Greenwood, general manager.
“That’s a big deal in the boat world,” she said. But more important than even the new boat stock is that Cleveland Boat Center is now also carrying Volvo parts and servicing marine engines.
Jim Hendren, owner of Lamps and Things, said he had quite a few customers come in since the article on his shop was in the paper.
“Everything is cruising along,” he said. He’s also added a few new pieces to his collection at the store.
Cleveland Tire Center has added a diesel mechanic to their list of employees.
“Not many places have one,” said Tim Ownby, manager of Cleveland Tire Center.
Charles Keith West, Esquire, said that business has increased quite a bit.
“I’ve spent more time doing estate work than before,” he said.
A high-end buffet was opened at the Chestnut Hill Estate, an opulent bed and breakfast-like venue, earlier this year. Since, it has been reported that this high-end buffet was listed as being one of the top 10 brunches in Tennessee.
When some folks read the business article on John Scott, the owner and operator of Refrigerator Service, he was told they were touched. In fact, some said they even cried. Scott was told they reacted this way because the readers were pleased to read a positive and uplifting story.
Santek Environmental expanded its trash pickup services into the county earlier this year and, at last check, this newest business venture is doing well.
Many other local businesses also were featured in this year’s Cleveland Banner business pages, including The Chef, Uptown Hound, The Bowling Factory, MurMaid, Shop N $ave, EXTREME DETAILS, Fun and Frugal, Lamps and Things, Lace Emporium, Arcade Bounce and Regions Bank, to name just a few.
But business-oriented stories come in all shapes and sizes and are on a variety of subjects.
Bradley Central High School’s agriculture program has a 43-year tradition of raising and then selling poinsettias for the Christmas holidays to the community. This year was their biggest crop and their best year ever.
Charles Fletcher, a well-known and beloved local author of his memories of his life and times in Western North Carolina, won an award for his third book, published a fourth book, and is writing his fifth book.
People Helping People held several fundraisers this year to try to keep its community service organization in business. The purpose of People Helping People is to be able to give away free clothing and other household items to folks in need. After struggling from time to time, the organization is still trying to help people in need.
Miscellaneous stories on the VW plant just south of Cleveland ran the gamut, updating readers on the latest activity or achievement by the giant automaker, such as increasing the number of onsite suppliers and employees, hiring their 1,000th employee, explaining what it is like for every new employee going to Volkswagen Academy, showing the inner workings and environmentally “green” systems of the inner workings of the plant, and the future unveiling of its top secret New Mid-sized Sedan — NMS for short — that will be produced at this local plant.
Arch Chemical was proud to achieve a long-standing safety record.
Coca Cola Enterprises established a model and award-winning recycling program that reached almost 100 percent in 2010, as well as having helped extend its recycling efforts into the community and the schools.
And the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce was busy this year, to say the least. One of its programs, BuyIt Bradley, encourages local business owners and local shoppers to buy special BuyIt Bradley cards, like gift cards, so that the community can shop in the Cleveland-Bradley County area and support the community.
Another one of the biggest business entities in the area, along with the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, generated a myriad of stories. This is the Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State Community College which appeared on many of the pages of this year’s Cleveland Daily Banner.
Some of the topics included: Strategic planning crucial for successful business; the Rising Star Luncheon and this year’s 2010 Rising Star Small Business Owner of the Year Award winner Jennifer Jack, owner and founder of Good Fortune, the name of her company that produces handmade, natural soap and beauty products; why now is is a good time to start a new business and that business loans are still available now and how to get them, plus many more.
New business-related stories, plus possibly more updates, are planned for 2011.
