It’s obvious from the numbers that Berlin is doing all the right things.  Since 2008, 62 new businesses have opened with a turnover of only 27, a low number considering the challenging economic conditions the past five years.

Even better news is that included in the 27 were owners who retired or those who businesses are still in operation but relocated outside of the downtown business district. Certainly there were also some that did not succeed due to underfunding or an idea that just didn’t work in the marketplace, but overall Berlin continues to shine as an example of how to thrive as a business hub.

Much of this has been due to the work of an excellent economic development office along with a business friendly mayor and council, in addition to the business owners themselves, who cooperatively work together to bolster the town’s image and support each other’s efforts.

The popularity of the ever-increasing list of events along with enhanced marketing efforts and the spread of the notion to shop local have also brought the quaint little town to the attention of thousands of area residents and visitors alike.  Today it is not unusual to see a steady stream of people strolling throughout town enjoying the wide variety of shopping and dining options offered by town merchants.

While being the host of two major movie productions helped put Berlin on the map years ago, it is the combined efforts of the town’s administration, merchants and residents that has made Berlin an admirable example of how to do things right.