STRATEGIC RETAIL EXPANSION In addition to its industrial expansion, Ladysmith is fostering a vibrant retail sector. A Tractor Supply store opening in 2024 filled a long-vacant building and created a new regional draw. “This store isn’t just for Ladysmith,” Mayor Grotzinger says. “It pulls customers from a 45-minute radius, which benefits our local restaurants, shops, and gas stations.” Beyond individual businesses, Ladysmith is creating opportunities for entrepreneurship through initiatives like the downtown retail incubator.These efforts reflect a broader strategy to balance economic growth with community values. MARDI GRAS MAGIC Ladysmith’s sense of community is most evident during its annual events, which bring residents together and attract visitors from across the region. 190 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12
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