At varying intervals, The Dispatch has featured a weekly business column, noting the comings and goings of businesses in the Golden Triangle. Since 2013, it has been a continuous feature, having proven itself to be one of our most popular offerings with readers and business owners regularly providing information on the business community through our tipline email address.

While the business column has continued unabated for more than a decade now, the staff members responsible for collecting that info and writing the column have come and gone, beginning with William Browning (Browning on Business) to Mary Politz (Mary Means Business) to Grant McLaughlin (Goings on With Grant). With McLaughlin’s departure from The Dispatch, the business column will return to the capable hands of Mary Politz, who will resume her Mary Means Business column each Thursday. Mary wrote the column from 2018 until 2022 so her familiarity with the community and previous experience writing the business column should make for a seamless transition as we enter the new year. We welcome Mary back to her familiar role as our business columnist.

What we have learned from the past 10 years is that readers enjoy learning about new businesses and expansions, relocations and other items about our existing businesses. For business owners, it’s an excellent opportunity to get the word out to the public.

We believe the business column is more than just a popular feature. Small, locally-owned retail businesses, shops, restaurants and services are the lifeblood of our communities. They provide jobs for our residents and tax revenue for local governments. The Golden Triangle has a rich array of businesses of all sizes, catering to all sorts of needs and interests.

We are pleased that our business column has been a way for businesses to connect with customers over the years. A huge help to us is when business owners and readers let us know about possible things to mention. Do you know of a business opening or closing? Maybe you’ve seen activity at a location and want to know what’s going on. Either way, please continue emailing tips to us at [email protected].

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.