WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. -- The Greenbrier has won AAA's top rating for hotels for the 34th consecutive year.

The historic West Virginia resort is one of three hotels to win the travel group's Five Diamond Award each year since the rating system's inception. The others are The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz.

According to AAA's Web site, the Five Diamond Award goes to properties that provide meticulous service, exceed guest expectations and maintain standards of excellence.

Small business workshop being offered Nov. 10

HUNTINGTON -- The West Virginia Small Business Development Center and Marshall Community and Technical College are offering a startup workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Small Business Development Center, 348 15th Street, Huntington.

SBDC business development specialists Amber Wilson and Kathleen Thornton will advise participants on the aspects of starting a business. The workshop will address the major elements of planning a small business, including startup issues, legal structure, licensing, taxation, insurance and record keeping. Consulting will be offered to new and existing small business owners on developing financing proposals, including business plans and budgets.

Registration fee is $25 per person. To register, call 304-399-1040 or go online to www.sbdcwv.org.

Ashland 'shop local' effort under way

ASHLAND -- The Ashland Alliance is challenging its members to buy local and support fellow members.

Due to the tough economic times, the alliance wants its members to select two member businesses they would miss if that business were to close and spend an extra $25 a month at each location. With 600 alliance members, that would add an additional $30,000 each month into the local economy.

The alliance has also released its 2009 Business After Hours schedule. Tentative dates are as follows: Thursday, Nov. 12, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ashland Physical Therapy; Thursday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Bellefonte Center.

To celebrate the opening of the U.S. Census Bureau office in Ashland, there will be an open house/ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, Dec. 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The new office will be at 1539 Greenup Ave., fifth floor of the Ben Williamson Building.

The U.S Census Bureau is taking applications and can be contacted by calling the Recruiting Hotline at 866-861-2010.

Bon-Ton Stores closes Ohio furniture gallery

YORK, Pa. -- Retailer Bon-Ton Stores Inc. said it will close a furniture gallery in Trotwood, Ohio, affecting 10 associates who work there.

The closing of Elder-Beerman Salem Furniture Gallery is scheduled for the beginning of December and will affect 10 employees, who will be given the chance to interview for available positions elsewhere or receive severance.

The location was acquired by Bon-Ton in 2003 as part of an acquisition.

Bon-Ton said closing costs for the location "will not be material."

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