It almost seems that each week this summer there has been a ribbon cutting for a new or expanded business here in Newton County. In just the past month, the county has welcomed the Hunky Dory yoga studio in Newton, the Hickory Pick’N flea market and antique shop, which had a soft opening in April and had its grand opening on Sept. 2, the Hope Mission thrift shop and café in Newton and, just this past week, the grand opening of the second location of Spoonfudge The Shoppe & Cafe on Main Street in Newton.
Also this year, we have seen the opening of the Chow Hall in Decatur and Mr. Mike’s Frozen Yogurt in the Newton Junction shopping center. This was also the year that the Biewer Sawmill officially held its grand opening, even though the facility officially started production in December.
Like many counties across the state and the nation, Newton County’s recovery from the Great Recession was slow and there have been casualties with some businesses shuttering and never returning.
However, it seems that the county and the state is continuing their growth. According to recent reports, the tax revenue for the state for July and August is up $53 million from the same period in 2016, with the state especially seeing increases in sale tax receipts, (up $5 million) and the use tax, which is an assessment on some products used by businesses, (up $6 million).
With so many new businesses in the county, this is a good sign that the county’s economy is in good shape for the future.
I also like how varied the new businesses are. Newton Countians now have more places to find spiritual enlightenment and health improvement, antiques and various items, tasty lunches, delicious yogurt and the best tasting fudge in the state.
I have personally enjoyed sandwiches from both the Chow Hall and Spoonfudge and some of the superb yogurt from Mr. Mike’s and can say they are all top quality.
It is great to see that entrepreneurs are choosing our county to sell their products and services and here’s hoping for even more new businesses in the future.
