Product diversification is enabling Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont to tighten its hold on a niche market.

By Matt Griffin and Catalog Success

Kenerson, as a former commissioner of economic development for the state of Vermont, notes the importance of making sure someone else also thinks your idea is worth pursuing. He recounts the story of individuals who approached the small business development corporation he ran in Addison County, Vt., with the goal of opening a Japanese restaurant in a town with a population of 2,000. They were very dedicated to the idea of opening this niche restaurant, but the support just wasn’t there, he notes.