Companies employ hundreds in Macon County

In 1985, two men opened a custom furniture shop on Depot Street under the name Brown’s Woodworking. From there, it evolved into a manufacturing facility in the early 1990s, producing large quantities of picture frame mouldings and component parts for Aristocraft Cabinetry and Baker Furniture. In 1998, the business name was changed to Liberty Wood Products and was relocated to a new 35,000 square foot facility in the Iotla Valley area. The new facility has allowed for more growth as the business continued to increase sales.

On the construction side, Liberty offers quality products including moulding profiles, flooring, interior doors, rustic siding, custom millwork, custom residential and commercial cabinetry, built-ins, closets, countertops, and one-of-kind specialty items with services including design work, material take-offs, door schedules, and more.

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For many people, cutting back on their grocery budgets can be an overwhelming experience. They know they're spending too much, but don't know where to begin to cut. Often, they fear that they will deprive themselves and their children if they become frugal. The good news is that there are ways to have your cake, eat it and save money at the same time. The whole secret is to start slowly. There are countless ways you can cut, but if you need to, target just one thing at a time - you will still be saving money if you do only one thing.

If you are a frugal beginner, try these simple suggestions for saving on your food bill:

Cooking frugally is like changing your diet. You need to learn gradually how to save money and cook frugally. Don't expect that you will get your food bill down to $300 for four people in the first month if you are spending $600 a month right now.

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with 2011 Master Builder Award

R. L. Wright Construction, located in Sylva, N.C., was the recipient of Star’s prestigious Master Builder Award for the Drake Enterprises CMD Phase 1 Building in Franklin, N.C. The building was designed by Mahaley Odell Thompson, Architect. Providence Builders (a division of Drake Enterprises, Ltd.) was the general contractor for this project.

The building was selected Best of the Multi-Story Category and Best of Atlanta District. These awards recognize Star Builders for excellence in design and construction. Projects are submitted by builders and judged by a qualified panel of judges.

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.’”