Manhattan’s little economy experiencing a little boom

After years of working for other people’s salons, Shauna Longie decided in November to go into business for herself.

But she didn’t open her new salon Clips n Cowlicks in the comfort of Bozeman or Belgrade’s booming economies.

She chose Manhattan.

"I was born and raised here and I just figured it needed another salon," said Longie, taking a break from doing hair in her Main Street shop. "I just knew that there were new subdivisions going in and there are a lot of people moving to town."

Her salon is one of several new businesses in downtown Manhattan, a phenomenon that business people say illustrates that Manhattan’s economy is escaping a downward spiral.

"I think it’s on a turnaround," said Karen Lauersdorf, executive assistant for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. "We’ve had a 21 percent increase in new (chamber) members over the last year."

By ERIN NICHOLES Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2005/02/06/news/manhattan.txt