About Us

Welcome to the Community Journals' tenth annual "Behind The Counter." We have to admit this is one of our favorite projects. This publication began as a way to show you successful local businesses and the people behind them. It's always fun to peek behind-the-scenes and learn who, how and why. Many businesses have revealed themselves as never before, making this a fun publication that you will enjoy perusing as much as we enjoyed putting it together. People like to buy from people, and the Upstate is rich with local entrepreneurs and leaders who bring so much to our community.

"Behind The Counter" is an important part of our "Shop Local" awareness campaign. It is more important than ever to support local businesses to ensure our community's economic growth. As a community publication, we always strive to promote the importance of local business investment. Shopping local and trading with local businesses keeps the Upstate strong. Thanks to the response from our readers, this promotion has been a huge hit and continues to be the talk of the town. Our commitment to the awareness campaign is what led to the creation of "Behind The Counter."

There is no denying that local businesses:

• Mean local jobs.
• Employ our families, friends and neighbors.
• Generate sales tax revenue that provides much-needed financial support for our public schools.
• Encourage business leaders who invest their time and money to support local charities and community causes.
• Offer variety, service and a level of personal involvement in the community that mega-stories can't match.

In addition to our incredible advertising sales team, production and art staff, we included several local photographers and writers to produce this year's book. The Journal sought some of the best examples of local businesses to participate in the advertising supplement. We hope you enjoy reading their stories and consider them and other local businesses when making your next purchase or investment.