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Economy takes its toll on businesses PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Brian McCauley   
Wednesday, 17 June 2009 07:00
Economic woes, financial difficulties and other factors have prompted several recent changes for Paola businesses.

With the community still reeling after the announcement that several former TeamBank employees would be losing their positions due to the transition to Great Southern Bank, other businesses are closing their doors for good — some within a year of opening them.

The large going out of business sign in front of Hometown Mattress is hard to miss by drivers cruising down Baptiste Drive. Less than a year after opening its doors, the business is planning on closing them by the end of the month. Manager John Hughes said financial struggles of a mattress store in Topeka has affected the Paola location.

Trendsetters hair salon located just off Park Square on Pearl Street also is planning to close its storefront it opened last July, but owner Samantha DeGrande said she currently is planning to reopen in another location in town that will be more affordable.
A foreclosure notice recently shut the doors of Mr. Goodcents in Paola, and another big business, J&J Metal Products, also recently was named in the foreclosure listings. President Tim Kelley said the company is working through some banking issues, and there are plans to merge with a larger company. He does not anticipate any changes for customers.

The changes are disheartening for Paola Chamber of Commerce Director Carol Everhart, who said she is willing to offer help from the chamber office. If businesses let her know they are struggling, Everhart said the chamber office can help the business seek grant funding or get management advice. For the most part, though, Everhart said she is unaware there are struggles until a business announces it is closing.

As a taxi cab driver and laundromat owner, Paola Mayor Artie Stuteville knows what it is like to operate a business, and it’s hard for her to see local small businesses closing down.

“I hate to see any business struggle,” Stuteville said. “They (business owners) put a lot of themselves into their business.”
Still, Stuteville is determined to maintain a positive attitude, and she’s convinced things will turn around.

“Things are going to change, and you will look different as a community, but I’m sure it will work out,” Stuteville said. “I hope they (business owners) don’t become discouraged.”
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