Businessman optimistic about Laurel, Montana’s future

Dean Rankin sees big things in Laurel’s future.

Rankin, who owns Ace Hardware, has been in business in Laurel since 1980. He has seen his share of good ideas that died on the vine as seemingly nothing was done to foster them.

Laurel http://www.laurelmontana.org/ is going through a growth spurt that includes new businesses being established and new residents settling in. Combine that surge with established residents and business owners who believe in the community and, Rankin said, good things are coming.

"With all the economic activity in the area, this is a great opportunity to have major, long-term improvement in Laurel," Rankin said.

By BECKY SHAY
Of The Gazette Staff

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/08/31/news/local/24-laurel.txt