Donathan Prater- The Opelika-Auburn News

Taking care of business, or in this case launching one — either way Auburn is an ideal location, according to an article published this week on the CNNMoney.com Web site naming the city one of the top 50 places in the U.S. to launch a small business.

The article cites factors such as a “positive town-gown relationship, muted recession ills and an active local chamber” as reasons for the ranking.

“We have a thriving, growing business community here in Auburn, and we are doing everything in our power to nurture that growth,” said Lolly Steiner, president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Fincher,  vice president of communications and marketing for the chamber, agreed.

“There is a spirit of community here in Auburn that fosters growth and helps small businesses thrive,” she said.

“The business community is cohesive and neighbors support one another. People shop locally. Residents truly love Auburn and want to see our town continue to grow and thrive.”

Other factors in the rankings included per capita income, hourly wages, workforce quality, crime rates, taxes, foreclosures and population.