Columbiana Continues To Thrive In A Sluggish Economy

While many communities are feeling the pinch of high gas prices and record foreclosures, Columbiana is enjoying exceptional growth.  The county seat of Shelby County has grown by fifteen percent since 2006.  According to Mayor Allan Lowe, the population growth and the fact that more people are shopping locally to offset high gas prices, has boosted the city’s bottom line.  The revenue generated by the local sales tax is up two percent from last year. 

Business owners are also doing well.  Store owner Linda Cook said business at her framing and gifts shop has held steady, but fears if the economy continues to worsen that could change.