From a bagel shop in the Poconos to a music shop in central Pennsylvania, our area is welcoming new businesses, even in this economy.

We start in Lycoming County, where an unusual business opened today to support local music. Smash Music Center --at 152 West Fourth Street in Williamsport-- will buy and sell instruments, sell local musicians cd’s, and promote and create music with local artists. Smash is a non-profit corporation.

To Luzerne County. After twenty five years, Reshetar Photography has moved. The new shop is located in the Markle Building on Broad Street in Hazleton's business district. The new shop has larger studios to accommodate families up to 20 people. Reshetar also specializes in single high school senior portraits.

On to Union County. Texaco Xpress Lube and Car Wash opened last month on the 2 thousand block of West Market Street in Lewisburg. Besides offering quick oil changes, chamber of commerce officials say Xpress's auto experts can help with any car problem.

On to Monroe County. Grandpa Pete's Bagels opened on Main Street in Stroudsburg last month. The two owners named the New York-style bagel shop in honor of their grandfather who created the bagel recipe years ago.

If you know of business openings or changes you think should be mentioned in next month's business report, e-mail Jeff.