Business leaders are still working their way through the Great Recession but some in Manistee County say they've found tried and true principles are helping them succeed.

Dozens of businesses took part in the Manistee County Business Expo on Wednesday, getting together after a year that was anything but easy.

The spirit of optimism lingering in the crowd had mostly to do with communal sense that help was coming from within.

"We have a responsibility to our own quality of life to buy locally whenever we can," says Melissa Reed, president of the Manistee County chamber of commerce.

Reed says the local economy maintained some consistency because local banks have credit available and are willing to lend.

9&10's Michael Kasiborski and photojournalist Stephanie Adkins have more on the business community that's finding everything old is new again.