Benton County is on the move according to Economic Development Director JoAnn Lane.
“Since the first of the year, we have had several businesses open up as well as plans for many more in the coming months,” said Lane.
On Main Street, Michelle Branson has opened her new store, Main Event Wedding, Boutique and Rental. Branson has been in business awhile in Warsaw, but recently moved to the downtown area.
Another new business is Velvet Studio located in the building next door to the Benton County Enterprise. Alyssa Tinney and Mikayla Barkley are the owners.
Barkley is a tattoo artist and Tinney creates permanent make-up such as lashes , eyebrows and tattoos.
“We both were working at Studio 86 and we decided to open our own business,” said Tinney.
To make an appointment, check out Velvet Studio on Facebook or Instagram. At this point, both Tinney and Barkley are booked for two weeks.
“Right now, we are only taking appointments, and customers must be 18 years old,” said Tinney.
The Velvet Studio will celebrate their Grand Opening on April 13.
LOZ Outfitters will open on April 12 in the old Third of June building on Main Street. LOZ, owned by the Dockery family, will offer lake shirts and other items.
The Vault, owned by Stacey and Danny Morrison, is scheduled to open in October. Located in the old Osage Valley Bank, The Vault will be a special venue available to host parties and other events.
Also in Warsaw, Goetz Brothers Carpet will be behind Advantage Real Estate. They plan to sell all types of flooring materials. Goetz Brothers also has a store in Stover.
Coming soon to Warsaw is a new flower shop, The Petal Market on Main. Owners Derenda and Jim Miller are working on opening this spring at 121 West Main in downtown Warsaw. They have already hosted several events such as corsage making classes. Call to (660) 723-0213 to make an appointment.
In Lincoln, Premier Automotive, owned by Fred Braselten is located at 214 Highway 65, Premier Automotive will offer golf carts as well as servicing golf carts.
Just beyond Cole Camp Junction, The Patch will be opening this summer. The Patch, owned by Allison and Kyle Rupe, hosted a lighted Christmas display as well as an Easter egg hunt. This summer the Rupes plan to open a kitchen so customers can eat there when they stop by to buy fresh vegetables as well as pick their own strawberries. They also plan on having a subscription delivery business where they will deliver fresh vegetables to homes.
“I am so excited about all the projects in Benton County,” said Lane.
