5 new businesses harken the Joe Walter era in Watkinsville

Watkinsville welcomed new Mayor Joe Walter at the start of their city council meeting with little fanfare Wedensday evening with five approved business licenses a signal that the economy continues to improve in Oconee County.

I am a big time supporter of Joe and was proud to have voted for him last time around he was contested. He ran unopposed for Mayor and was up to all the tasks in this first meeting, with a few pointers from Council member Brian Brodrick on various protocols.

Pete Chamberlain commenced the cavalcade of new money makers describing his wife Genie's innovative Wed Ed, Inc. which is basically going to teach brides how to get married. This business should thrive in Watkinsville with Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast wedding factory essentially across Main Street in the Dan Elder building at 10 N. Main Street.

Robert Davis was approved for Davis Landscape & Design's home office at 58 Harden Hill Road with the codicil of no construction equipment being stored at his home.

Joann Stewart brought her husband with her to talk about her business moved from Madison called Attic Treasures.  This was a very popular antique store on the square in Morgan County, but they moved to be closer to their Simonton Bridge home and Day Lily business as well. Council member Samantha Purcell likened their store to a museum and welcome the charming couple to Watkinsville. They had a very distinctive wooden bobby watching their customers in Madison before an accident made him less than presentable. I am sure their eclectic collection of Indian and Civil War artifacts will be a welcome addition to Oconee County.  They currently have photos of Eagle Tavern being refurbished in their windows, and Mayor Walter commented that he had never seen that before witnessing it in their storefront at 19 N. Main Street.

If fasteners are what you need, then Fastenal Company of Wynona, Minnesota is what you will need at 1071 Business Boulevard. Michael Smith spoke briefly about his store before being approved.

Dr. Rhonda P. Veit will be making sick horses better at her New South Equine Medicine at the old location of Dory's at 1210 Greensboro Highway.

I had to leave and go coach basketball at this point so forgive me for missing the Mayor's remarks. Should I receive an email from clerk Julie Sanders describing what he said I will pass it along.

Few regular folks turned out along with new council members Henry Norman and Toby Smith on this cold night in January.