Business leaders optimistic about increase sales

Sales increased for local Petersburg businesses by more than $14 million in 2013 compared to 2012.

Business across town such as Viking Travel, Diamante Gift Shoppe and Hammer & Wikan all experienced increased sales.

Lee Corrao, manager of the Hammer & Wikan hardware store, said 2013 sales increased by four percent over the previous year.

“A significant amount of that is attributed to the fishing season,” Corrao said. “All of the fish processing plants were operating and there were more boats.”

Southeast Alaska saw the highest harvest value for salmon in the state.

Corrao said average sales wer...