Business

The American Christmas Tree Association says sales of both real and artificial trees have been robust this year. The preliminary report reflects Leah Anthony’s sales at her Christmas tree stand in south Shreveport. Anthony has sold 85 trees since she opened on Thanksgiving Day, up a bit from last year. She says she’ll change her stand over to fireworks sales this week. During the past nine years, Anthony worked her way into operating her own stand.

The former General Motors plant in Shreveport has officially changed hands. GM’s lease is up and the court-appointed RACER Trust will now maintain the property. The Trust took title last year as part of the GM settlement agreement. Redevelopment manager Bruce Rasher says marketing efforts will be stepped up since the plant’s 3.1-million square feet are now vacant. Rasher says he’s optimistic that he’ll find a buyer, and he’s following up on promising leads alongside state and local economic developers.