By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer 

As the dates get closer to Thanksgiving, many thoughts turn toward being grateful and buying presents for those we love. 

Those in Chilton County have a lot to choose from in both regards. 

The local hospital, plans for the proposed industrial park, the beauty of Central Alabama and the freshest produce available right in town could all be placed high on the list of things to be thankful for. Employment opportunities have also increased as new medical offices and businesses have opened or expanded in the past year.  

Sometimes being thankful can feel cliché because the same things are mentioned year after year when listing gratefulness. But more often, there are things to be thankful that get overlooked. These are things that are there every day of the year, but have become so commonplace that they do not register as something for which to be thankful.  

This can be the case concerning Chilton County’s business and industry.   

There are some in Chilton County who seem convinced that the only way to have choices in shopping is by going out-of-county. I believe the stores, boutiques and gift shops in Chilton County would disagree because they have a lot of unique things to offer. While it is true that one may have to cross the county line if looking for a specific brand of a particular item, those looking for something for that person that has everything have the perfect opportunity right here with numerous small businesses carrying items you won’t find elsewhere.   

Clanton and Maplesville have stores carrying the creations of local artisans sure to please that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. So, show your Chilton County pride and shop locally for your Christmas treasures this year.