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.