Last year was a time when many businesses felt the brunt of the disheveling economy, leaving many to close their doors. But in June of 2008, Revonne Lester took a chance on a dream and decided to forge ahead with opening her boutique.

Today, Revonne’s Boutique is still standing at 583 N. Central Ave. in Hapeville, and Mrs. Lester has no plans of shutting down any time soon. Perhaps this new determined attitude of business owners is a way to help steer the economy back upright, and organizations like the local chamber of commerce are sure to take notice.

Kevin Moss, Airport Area Chamber of Commerce president, believes the chamber’s mission lies in bringing business opportunities not only to its members, but to the area it serves more quickly than typical business protocol.

“People could likely make the business contacts they need eventually through calling and making an appointment and then setting a date and time they can see who they need to,” he said.

In south Fulton County, the Airport Area Chamber and the South Fulton Chamber are here to assist local small and big businesses in making contacts with each other as well as the community. Part of the mission of either is to make sure business owners gain some sort of relationship with other business owners.

Mrs. Lester said she has talked with neighboring business owners in her Hapeville neighborhood and they have all discussed what is happening in the economy.

“Pretty much we just try to keep each other positive in the down times and just believe that it will all come back around,” she said.

In addition to helping owners gain contacts, the AACOC also holds events and seminars where members and visitors can interact directly in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

“I am proud to say we work with all the cities in the airport area,” said Moss.

He added that many businesses looking to relocate or expand contact the chamber first about the best opportunities in the area they serve.

For many potential business owners location is everything, and one thing that attracted Mrs. Lester to Hapeville was the rejuvenation happening in the city.

“Everybody is looking forward to the future of Hapeville,” she said.

“And I think that’s pretty much why people are hanging around and it’s a really quaint place to be. It’s attractive and it really has a lot of potential.”