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For many years, it has been a tradition of The Carroll News to publish a Progress edition the last week in March. The yearly special section is a way for our publication to celebrate the local businesses, organizations and people that continue to push Carroll County forward into the future.

We continue that annual rite this year with Progress Outlook 2008, which can be found inside this edition. With this year’s progress section, we have tried to take a sweeping look at the county, focusing on businesses and people in Laurel Fork, Cana, Fancy Gap, Hillsville, and Galax.

Starting with the County Seat of Hillsville, we have highlighted everything from new businesses blazing their own path such as Duncan Suzuki Pre-Owned to companies that have continued to provide valuable services to the area for many years such as Dawn Auction Company, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

In a feature of the Town of Hillsville, we explore how much the locality has changed over the past decade, in addition to taking a look at its future with the construction of the U.S. 58 Bypass. We also take a look at how the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce promotes the area, while celebrating local attorneys Gregory G. Goad and Joe McGrady, both of whom recently celebrated major milestones.

Across the county, we explore the improvements and great strides made by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department. Laurel Fork mainstays Tri-Area Health Clinic and Nester’s General Store are featured, as well as Hill’s Shoes in Cana. In Fancy Gap, we feature Treasure Potts, which has quickly become a popular business since opening in the past couple of years.

Of course, these are just a few of the many businesses and people that continue to push Carroll County forward and make it a great place to live. We hope you will enjoy our section and join us in celebrating another year of progress in Carroll County and Hillsville.

You can find this year's Progress Edition of The Carroll News in newsstands throughout the area.