Welcome to our new businesses

The City of Jackson has about 400 licensed merchants of retail-type businesses. These businesses are of all shapes and sizes; some have bricks and mortar, and some operate out of the owner's home. The city has issued 15 new licenses since July for new businesses.

I appreciate these owners for their commitment and investment in our city. I encourage you to spread the word to your friends and neighbors.

Wherever you live in our area, I would encourage you to shop our regional businesses this Christmas season and throughout the year. Local businesses are the lifeblood of our communities.

The following are a few of the businesses that have opened in Jackson or have formalized plans to in the future.

Ken's Ace Hardware has opened at 426 East Main Street. This full line hardware store has a great selection of hardware and many other items for you and your home. The business is owned by Ken and Monica Fluegge, whose family previously owned Pocahontas Lumber and Hardware.

Ann-Louise Bridal has opened at 121 West Main. It is owned by Kelsie Birk and named for her two grandmothers. The shop offers a beautiful selection of bridal gowns for the bride, dresses for bridesmaids and flower girls, accessories and tuxedo rentals.

Stitched and Stamped has opened at 105 East Adams Street this fall. Christie Harris' boutique offers a wide range of custom monogrammed and stamped items. She also has a wide range of gifts and accessories.

Jackson Deli & BBQ at 437 West Main Street has new owners. Well-known Jackson residents, Chug and Julie Crites, are the new proprietors. The restaurant continues to be a great breakfast and lunch stop with a unique menu. Catering is available as well.

Ground-A-Bout at 107 East Adams Street will be a gourmet coffee shop with great coffee and fresh baked goods. The new business is owned by Bob and Serena Schooley. This will be a great addition to Uptown Jackson.

Barrel 131 will be opening at 131 South High Street. This new business will offer a great selection of wine, beer and liquors with light food pairings. The business is owned by Joe and Michelle Hobbs and Ronnie and Jessica Maxwell.

In addition to these retail businesses, Montgomery Bank has announced a major investment into the City of Jackson. The bank will be renovating the 526 West Main address into an office and training facility. The location was previously Jackson Main Street Bowling Lanes. The bank will renovate the 25,000-square-foot facility including the availability of new retail space between the Montgomery Bank Conference and Training Center and the Dollar Store. The accounting and financial support departments for the bank will relocate to Jackson. The training facility will feature a 160-seat auditorium, flexible office and meeting space, and a kitchen and bar area.

I hope you will support all Jackson's new and established businesses this Christmas season and throughout the year. Busy local businesses make our town a better place to live, work and raise families.

Dwain Hahs serves as mayor of the city of Jackson. He can be reached at mayorhahs@jacksonmo.org.