Local merchants are reporting that business is doing very well. “As a whole, locally, I think things seem to be turning around,” said Mike Preaseau, owner of the Cooking Gallery and board president for the Truckee Downtown Merchants Association. Vacancy rates are falling from 15% at the height of the Great Recession to 7% now. Sales tax revenue, while not yet at previous levels, is increasing. The Chamber of Commerce reports that business inquiries are also increasing. According to Alex Terrazas, assistant town manager, “OpenCounter, a web-based tool that helps identify requirements, fees and processing time” for prospective businesses in Truckee, has received 38 inquiries since its launch on March 11th.
Natasha Weissman opened her new business, Tahoe Oil & Spice, after talking to local business owners and hearing that “the stores that are here are making it.” She says business has been going “very well” since her opening on December 6th, 2013.
The Town of Truckee has approved two incentive programs to help promote new economic development. The Economic Development Fund has $2.4 million available for construction of public infrastructure, and the Economic Development Support Program has $235,000 available for special events and marketing activities. Both programs have generated an overwhelming response.
For more information, click on the Sierra Sun link to read the complete article.
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