Recent Laurel businesses boost local economy

LAUREL, Miss. - The city of Laurel is growing with new businesses opening in the downtown area.

New businesses from breweries to bakers recently opened. Laurel Main Street's Executive Director Judi Holifield said, "Eight businesses opened in the downtown are just this year."

Holifield said these businesses are boosting the city's local economy. "When you shop out of town your money leaves" said Holifield.

She added, "There is a high percentage of it that stays within your town, when you shop in town."

Recent blockbuster movies like the "Free State of Jones" has made the local area popular.

"The butcher, the baker, the home goods store, the brewery, what ever you taste is, we are getting it."