Strictly Business

From Business Today:

From the "It's About Time!" file: the eyesore on Grand Island just  off the I-190 near the north bridge may finally get spruced up. The abandoned, graffiti-covered office building, once home to Hooker Chemical and then Dunlop, has been a visual symbol of inaction for almost 20 years. The current owner, James Metz, who also owns Beauty Pools, apparently plans to use $1 million in state money and more of his own money to clean the building and bring it up to modern standards. He then hopes to rent or sell it. From all the drivers who glance over and shake their heads at the sight, we say Godspeed.

The Buffalo Niagara region has always benefited from its position beside Canada to boost its exports. Almost 12% of the region's economic output is tied to exports, above the national average of 9%, according  to 2008 numbers, the latest available. As strong as that is, economists are urging businesses to expand that number by reaching to Asia and South America. We have always said the quality of Western New York work stands up anywhere in the world. Making the effort to sell in the growing areas of the globe would lead to handsome returns.

Dolly Lake? The company that manages Dolly Parton's Dollywood amusement park is now running Darien Lake. The Georgia-based Herschend Family Entertainment is overseeing the day-to-day operations of the regional theme park. Darien Lake owner CNL Lifestyle Properties hired the company to spruce things up, add a little pizazz and bring in more acts. Judging from the success of Dollywood, this could be an interesting season at Darien Lake.

Who is getting hired, promoted or honored?





How about some Dolly!