17 Feb 2026
Courage and Hard Decisions in Retail and Commercial Development
Some of the most important decisions a community makes are also the hardest to explain in the moment. A while back, my colleagues and I started a book club and read Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. In the book, she reflects on one of my favorite quotes by Theodore Roosevelt’s “The Man In The Arena”…
21 Apr 2025
Retail Demand Is Still Strong!
If you’ve been keeping tabs on recent retail news, chances are you’ve heard several retail brands, Big Lots, Forever 21, Joann Fabrics, Party City, and others, made headlines with closures. Although these closures raise concerns, the truth is that demand for retail space is still high!
29 Oct 2024
The Rise of Restaurant Bankruptcies… What’s Next for Sit-Down Dining?
Why are so many long-standing national sit-down restaurants going into bankruptcy or closing?
As 2024 unfolds, the retail and dining landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Casual dining chains like Red Lobster and TGI Fridays are facing significant financial challenges and have recently announced bankruptcies and a series of mass closures. Other restaurants, such as Outback, Cracker Barrel, and Burger Fi, are closing underperforming stores.
16 Jul 2024
Reshaping Retail: “Entertainment, Recreation and Experiences.”
The retail industry continues to emerge! We live in a time and place where experiences matter. Without going too far down the psychological path, it’s important to remember that we are social creatures in some form. Researcher and author Brené Brown says, “Humans are social creatures who crave community and connection.” Whether it is indoor pickleball, entertainment dining, live performances, or pop-up markets, these experiences keep people coming back for more!
30 Apr 2024
Spring Retail Roundtable Discussion Recap
Our first Retail Roundtable of 2024 was a huge success!
Earlier last month, gathered in the vibrant City of Thomaston; downtown buzzed with excitement as industry experts, retailers, and economic developers converged for our Spring Retail Roundtable Discussion; thanks to Jared Huckaby and Taylor Smith for hosting our great event in Thomaston!