The state of the economy is actually helping one area business expand.
Wooden Hammer Limited in Elk Rapids, which is known for its cabinetry, bought William's Kitchen and Bath in Traverse City, now known as the Wooden Hammer Annex. The owner of the company, Ed Hammer, says it's an opportunity to offer customers a wider range of price and product options. He says while we often hear of bad news for business these days, there are several area companies finding success, and his has discovered a chance for growth. Ed Hammer says, "given the decline in new construction, there are certainly a lot more opportunities to fix things up and especially with all of the foreclosures and the great buys in the housing market, we are doing more and more remodeling." Wooden Hammer employs about 30 people and Hammer has kept on the 4 person staff from Williams.
