Although no one in touch with reality is ready to claim that the economy has fully rebounded, the truth is the business climate is improving both locally and nationally.

Do you want proof? Just look around Lawrence County.

A host of diverse businesses have either opened their doors here in our county or made significant investments in expansion projects. The list is long and spans the entire county.

Ironton has seen a new boat store and downtown café open in recent weeks. The Point industrial park continues to add tenants. It wasn’t too long ago that Tractor Supply Center opened in a portion of the former Kmart building in Chesapeake.

A variety of long-time businesses have recently expanded as well.

Bob Clyse automotive dealership is nearing the final stages of a massive expansion across the street from its longtime location. The Proctorville Animal Clinic recently opened its doors on a new state-of-the-art facility. St. Mary’s Medical Center is on track to open its multimillion dollar medical campus in Ironton later this summer.

Here at The Tribune we have made a commitment to strengthening the business and the core newspaper product by investing in press and printing upgrades.

The economy may still not be what it once was, but that shouldn’t keep us from seeing what it can be.