Editor-

Last week I was thrilled to go to the newly opened Marketplace and delighted to see the results of over a year’s worth of planning, strategizing, and collaborative efforts to benefit the Gays Mills area unveiled.

I was not just thrilled to have a beautifully designed space open before Labor Day and the busy fall season.  I was also thrilled at the selection of products that basically can handle most needs of any household or visitor in groceries and a few specialty items, and my more frugal shopping partner was thrilled to see reasonable pricing, along with the convenience and cost effectiveness of shopping locally.

I am delighted to see this project take off, but also really happy as I work with new tenants and sign leases for the Mercantile.   Additional services to benefit this community, a healthier business climate, and a sustainable tax base that supports necessary services is what all this construction is about—and I want to thank those that stood with this project despite the challenges.

This hasn’t been an easy process, but I can say, along with many others, as the excitement builds and more businesses are up and open—it has been worth it.  

-Julia Henley

                                                                                                                            Gays Mills Recovery & Development Director