There has been a lot of activity happening in Altona's business community over the past year.

Stephanie Harris, general manager for the Altona and District Chamber of Commerce, says a couple of new businesses will start up soon and some are expanding their operations.

"There has been a lot of buzz recently surrounding the business community and district area. In the past year we've actually seen approximately 20 businesses either open up, expand or re-open in the Altona and surrounding areas."

Some of the new startups include a salon and spa which will be moving into Main Street location. The current tenant of that Main Street building will be moving to a spot at the corner of 2nd Street SE and Centre Avenue. Meanwhile, a shoe store will be opening in the Altona Mall, and a coffee house is in the works at a current downtown business.

"There is a great entrepreneurial momentum that is taking place right now. Some businesses have expressed concern regarding population growth, the school enrollment has decreased and we had a large business recently announce that they will be closing their doors, so of course there is that concern, but it's very exciting to see all of these new businesses growing within our community."

Harris suggested the positive energy being generated in the Altona and area business community is reflected in the Chamber's membership numbers.

"We've seen an increase in our membership by about 20 percent over the last year, so that's really exciting as well."