Business

Locals tend to boast that Shelby County is an area capable of maintaining a small-town atmosphere while still being large enough to provide financial stability for its residents.

In 2014, the county enjoyed economic development and growth with the opening of the Shoppes at the Bluegrass Outlet Mall, the construction of two new school buildings, the addition and expansion of several manufacturing warehouses, and a new solid waste and recycling facility.

Vivek Sarin, who is opening a Christmas tree farm with Ron Stella next year, says that along with the practical considerations that go along with choosing a live Christmas tree, the most important thing is to make the experience a memorable one for the entire family.

“Yes, you have to think about height and width and the species, but that’s not the most important thing,” said Sarin, who has made a family tradition out of choosing a tree since his oldest child was born 17 years ago.

The Triple S Planning Commission approved an agricultural plat and a development plan for Rut N’ Strut Distillery when the commission met Tuesday evening at the Stratton Center.

The plat approval included a waiver request for a reduction in the front yard setback from 100 to 40 feet. Kerry Magan, who presented the plat and development plans to the commission explained that the waiver was for a road surrounding the proposed barrel barns and will be used sparingly.

A new health care-based company that just established its first location in Riverport in August is preparing to open a second clinic in Shelbyville in January.

Hollis Smith, president and CEO of Alternative Health Solutions, headquartered in Louisville, said the concept of employer-shared health care is sweeping the country.

“This is not a new type of business, it’s new to this area, but mostly it’s concentrated in California and the northeast,” he said.