Small Businesses Stung by U.S. Woe$

The financial crisis is hitting every aspect of the Bay State economy -- from retail stores to mutual funds to auto dealers. "Every business here has been affected," said Lisa Modecker, president of the Roslindale Board of Trade. "Business is slow, from travel to bakeries to markets to restaurants. People are being more cautious with their money." Judie Leon, owner of Travel by Judie, a Roslindale Square travel agency, said her business declined 25 percent last month. "September was a terrible month," she said. Modecker said she sees longer lines at Roslindale's food pantry. The attorney added that several small-business clients have come to her recently to reorganize. People continue to dine out, said Maralin Manning, executive director of the Quincy Business Association, but she sees more diners using cash instead of credit... [read full story]