As a result of the recession, people have found themselves creating new ways to make ends meet. The consignment industry has become more and more popular as a way of partnering together to make it through hard times. Consignment shops are generally owned by one individual who provide a customer base as well as a space in which to sell their items.

Amanda Haggard opened Curvy Girl Consignments just over two months ago. “I had been in banking for 8 1/2 years and was ready for a change,” said Haggard. “Something where I could keep my daughter and spend more time with my family. I always wanted to open a plus size shop but couldn't afford the inventory. That's when I decided to open a plus size only consignment shop. It's hard to find clothing when you are a larger size and not spend a fortune. I know because I've looked. I wanted to open a shop for ‘real women like me.’”

Local entrepreneurs and the business community will gather Thursday, Aug. 23, at 5:30 p.m. for Entrepreneur Networking Night II. The event will be held at Appalachian Harvest in downtown Franklin.

“The Macon County Economic Development Commission [EDC] is pleased to partner with our economic development partners in sponsoring our second entrepreneurial event of the year,” said Tommy Jenkins, Macon County EDC director. “Our first event in April brought together over 70 enthusiastic entrepreneurs for an evening of networking and fellowship. This event will build on that momentum.”

Shop owners finding a new use for an old building

As part of the Venture Local Franklin (VLF) initiative, Macon County News is teaming up with VLF to highlight local businesses throughout Franklin. Each week, MCN selects locally owned and operated businesses in a different category. It is our goal at MCN to work with VLF to encourage residents to shop locally and utilize the resources Franklin has to offer.

Some businesses are only as unique as the buildings they occupy. The businesses located in the Whistle Stop Mall, which range from restaurants to insurance to retail shops, all have one thing in common, they are all housed in a building that once served Macon County for decades as Belden Electric Cord Products factory.

At a special meeting held last Friday, the Macon County Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) board voted in favor of keeping its ABC store at its current location in Franklin.

The vote stemmed from the fact that that the town’s $1.25 million loan application to purchase a new ABC store was denied. As a result, the town decided to stop pursuing the purchase of the property, leaving the ABC board to decide on whether the current store would remain at Macon Plaza, or be leased at another location.

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