As a sign of business activity locally, two businesses recently held Great Bend Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting events.

Since its soft opening in 2008, MyTown business Renue Salon & Spa has seen tremendous growth. "We started by offering basic beauty services, including hair and nail services," said Renue Salon & Spa cosmetologist Allene Owen. "We quickly added massage therapy, retail products, and extended our pedicure and manicure offerings. Our newest expansion will now allow us to add two more services."

The upstairs portion of the upscale salon and spa will now allow their professional staff to offer sunbed tanning and an infrared sauna. Owen explained during their afterhours celebration, "Sunbed tanning is thought of as dangerous because of the ultraviolet exposure. However, sunbed users can greatly reduce their risks by simply exfoliating ahead of each use," she said. "Getting rid of the dead surface skin cells will help you get a deeper tan, which will help you visit the sunbed less often."

She also explained how the infrared sauna has health benefits as well. "The infrared sauna can be used by nearly anyone, but it is most recommended for people with sore muscles and joints," Owen said. "A great way to take advantage of its relaxing qualities is to spend a few minutes in the sauna ahead of a massage. The sauna will help relax you, so that the massage can be as beneficial as possible."

Renue Salon & Spa is one of the eight MyTown businesses located in downtown Great Bend. "The MyTown project has seen continuous growth and improvement since its launch in 2008," said general manager Tina Mingenback. "We are very pleased with our progress, and hope that community members will come check out all of the professional services offered at Renue."

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Renue Salon & Spa at 620-792-2086.

Tara Russell moved to the Great Bend community a few short months ago, and already she’s got big plans for making her mark. Russell founded All About You Event Planning at the end of 2006 in the Topeka area. However, after getting engaged to a Holyrood resident, she decided to move her business here. "During 2010, I’ve planned fifteen weddings as well as other events," Russell said. "Weddings are any event planner’s bread and butter, but I have experience with retirement and engagement parties, fundraisers, corporate events, and much more."

One advantage of using an event planner, Russell explains, is that you can save time and money across the board. "I work with other vendors related to event coordination, such as florists, musicians, photographers, and caterers, to get my clients additional discounts on the other services I coordinate," she explains. "That way, the discounts they receive help cover their costs of hiring me, and they get rid of a lot of unnecessary stress."

In addition to event planning, All About You also offers rentals. "I have a large selection of arches, chair and table coverings, decorations, and more that save my clients time," Russell said. "Another way I help them save time is by offering design and printing services for invitations, programs, etc."

To help residents of the Great Bend area get acclimated to her services, Russell has coordinated the first annual All About You Bridal Expo from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Highland Hotel and Convention Center in Great Bend. For more information about the event or about Russell’s event planning or rental services, visit her web site at www.allaboutyouevent.com or stop in at 2009 16th Street in Great Bend (inside Vines & Designs).