Happy Thanksgiving... and, oh yeah, ATS

First off and most important: Happy Thanksgiving! We hope there is delicious food and the company of loved ones for all of you on Thanksgiving. May your travels be safe, your shopping trips fruitful, your football teams winners, and your weekend long.

Since tomorrow is T-Day and our office is on furlough this Friday, you won't be hearing from us until Monday. I know that's a little sad, but somehow we'll all just have to endure the separation :o)

Also, in case you wanted a little something before the weekend: Around the State is here! For those of you who want to do a little Black Friday or Small Business Saturday or maybe even Cyber Monday shopping, here are some new/growing choices...

• The Back Porch & Company opened in Redmond. It offers furniture, antiques, home décor, and items for the garden. The Redmond Spokesman, 11/10/2010

• Ultimate Electronics Inc. opened at Washington Square in Tigard. It employs 70 to 80 people. Portland Business Journal, 11/19/2010

• Walmart in Newport is expanding by 14,000 square feet and expects to add about 85 jobs to their current workforce of 160. News-Times, 11/10/2010

• Lids, a store that offers licensed and branded items from college and major professional sports teams, opened at Lancaster Mall in Salem. Statesman Journal, 11/17/2010

For more of the latest business announcements -- including some new places to eat, in case you get hungry while you're shopping -- check out this week's full issue.

Older issues also available.