Logansport minority business owners

LOGANSPORT, Ind. (WLFI) - More Latino business owners are beginning to fill the void left in Logansport's downtown.

The city of Logansport has recently suffered hard economic times with factory closings and recent news that hundreds of jobs will be cut from the local state hospital. Many in Logansport said that small local businesses have also suffered.

Logansport's Mayor Mike Fincher said that more Hispanic business owners are filling vacant store fronts with grocery stores, fish markets, bakeries and dress stores.

"In the last 10 years we've had an influx of Latino entrepreneurialism. I've been very impressed with their entrepreneurship and their willingness to work," said Mayor Fincher.

"With the Hispanic population that has increased here there have been numerous Hispanic businesses that have opened in vacant buildings," said Mike Graybeal, co-owner of Gray Mill furniture. The Graybeal family have been business owners for 58 years in Logansport.

Cecilio Martinez has owned the Country Bakery and Panaderia for about 10 years. He said that there are many reasons for his bakery's success.

"The bakery is successful because we work hard to serve our community well," said Martinez.

Graybeal said that he feels any type of business is good for the economy of Logansport.

"Any building that can be occupied and can make a start is better than a building sitting empty," said Graybeal.

Mayor Fincher said that Logansport welcomes all business owners. Mayor Fincher also noted that while there are no special incentives for minority business owners, there are many bilingual staffers with the city to help Hispanics navigate the system.

Martinez said that he sees a good mixture of both Hispanic and American clientele in his bakery everyday.

"All of our customers are like family. Wherever I go there are people who say 'Hi.' I feel like Logansport is my home," said Martinez.

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