Progress Edition 2006

Economic review & forecast

Big business or progressive policies? Industry or open space? Leaders find there's so many decisions

Government tackling significant policy issues

Saturday, April 22, 2006

A former fertilizer plant at the southeastern edge of Lawrence is a 467-acre eyesore to some, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to others. But the plant, which operated for 47 years before being shut down for good five years ago, offers a clear example of the decisions facing community leaders, Douglas County taxpayers and others who will be affected by a growing list of decisions set to dominate the public agenda in the coming months. Read story.

Behind the scenes

Lawrence retail campaign expanding

Saturday, April 22, 2006

The Chamber of Commerce campaign to get Lawrence residents to shop in Lawrence will expand this spring. The "Start Here" campaign -- which used advertisements featuring community leaders and business owners exhorting readers and viewers to do their shopping at home -- started in 2004. The expanded effort will include a City Hall proclamation declaring a "Start Here" week in Lawrence, and businesses across the city will be issued decals to advertise their participation. Read story.

Retailing

Seasonal savvy

Holiday business critical for some Lawrence retailers

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Operating a retail business is no walk in the park. And if the business relies heavily on holiday sales, surviving the off-season can be like running a marathon, requiring planning, patience and endurance. Despite the usual challenges and the added competition from a growing online market, however, several successful local businesses relocated last year, expanding their operations and their profits. But their work is not yet over.Read story.

Industry & agriculture

Wild, mild winter

For farmers, there's never a dull day in the forecast

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Patrick Ross didn't mind the warmer winter weather one bit. Ross farms and ranches near northeast Lawrence, and the dry, relatively balmy winter of 2005-06 made it easier for him to do his work. "It's been a pleasant one, except for those two little cold spells we had," Ross said in early March. Read story.

Development & finance

'Staking a claim'

LMH to expand east ahead of K.C. encroachment

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Even hospitals sometimes have to draw a line in the sand. And For Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Eudora has become that line. The hospital in December announced a deal to buy 21 acres of prime development ground in the eastern Douglas County community to serve as the home for a future medical complex. LMH leaders said the purchase was crucial to critical planning efforts because it put Kansas City area hospitals on notice that LMH wouldn't allow other health care providers to creep into the Lawrence market without a fight. Read story.

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