Financial Report

Foreclosure rates continue to climb

The foreclosure rate in the Shoals rose in August but not nearly at the same pace as the state or national average, according to First American CoreLogic.

The company monitors home prices, foreclosure and delinquency activity, real estate volumes and mortgage loan activity.

The August foreclosure rate in the Shoals was 0.74 percent, which is 0.4 percent higher than the foreclosure rate in August 2008.

The state foreclosure rate for August was 1.23 percent, almost double from the year before. Nationwide, the foreclosure rate was 2.86 percent, which was 1.21 percent higher than the previous August.

In a separate category, the number of mortgages in the Shoals that were more than 90 days delinquent rose to 3.76 percent in August, up from 2.13 percent in August 2008.

The totals were much higher statewide (5.29 percent) and nationwide (7.1 percent).

Florence

Business forum deals with success

The Shoals Business Forum will be Monday at the Marriott Shoals Conference Center in Florence.

The session is titled "Sustaining your business: Knowing when and how to change your business to ensure its long-term success."

The Shoals Business Forum is designed to encourage business development in the Shoals by providing business leaders with ideas and knowledge to enable them to obtain a solid foundation for business growth.

Each meeting addresses a critical stage in the life cycle of a business. Speakers for the events are business leaders who have achieved significant business success and continue to lead and mentor businesses today.

Participants for Monday's session will check in at 5:45 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7 p.m.

Cost is $25 per session.

The next seminar in the series - "Selling a successful Business: Doing it right" - will be Nov. 16.

BBB annual auction helps fund services

The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama is holding an online auction to raise money to help the organization maintain and expand operations.

It marks the third year that BBB officials have held the Start With Trust Online Auction.

The auction continues through Thursday.

Auction items were provided or sponsored by BBB-accredited businesses. Items range from jewelry to autographed sports memorabilia to personal and home services.

Bids are being accepted at bbbofnorthal.cmarket.com.

RUSSELLVILLE

Best Western hotel opens on U.S. 43

Best Western Russellville Hotel and Suites has opened on U.S. 43 in Russellville.

The hotel offers 60 guest rooms and 18 suites.

Amenities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, business center and complimentary breakfast.

"The Best Western brand is known for its commitment to guest service, comfort and value," said Mark Williams, vice president, North American development for Best Western.

FLORENCE

Martin's Clothing holding shoe drive

Martin's Family Clothing is holding a shoe drive to benefit the Soles4souls shoe charity.

The local store is at 550 Cox Creek Parkway in Florence. The shoe drive run from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1.

People may drop off "gently worn" shoes or monetary donations for people in need. Soles4souls will ship the shoes to people in need.

, whether they are victims of a natural disaster or poverty.

The organization's Web site is giveshoes.org.