These days, Comeau devotes equal time to managing his business and helping to revive the local community, including the nearby town of Hays. During the past 10 years Comeau has spent millions of dollars buying empty commercial buildings in Hays, 14 in all. Eight of the once-empty storefronts are now renovated and house new retail tenants.
LAST UPDATE: Sep 18 2009 | 11:58 AM ET
Designer Chuck Comeau set up his high-style business in an offbeat location: A windswept Kansas plain 240 miles away from a major airport. More
When chain stores shunned tiny Powell, Wyo., the town's residents took a DIY approach and built the Powell Mercantile themselves. More
Using $2 bills and "buy local" promotions, these 6 towns have launched their own campaigns to keep local businesses alive. MoreSponsors
