Beth McCombs displays some of the specialty training gear available at Country Canine, a new shop that caters to Alaska dogs. Star Photo By DARRELL L. BREESE

A recent Anchorage Economic Development Corp. survey predicts, for the first time in two decades, that there will be little or no economic growth in Anchorage for the next three years.

Despite the shaky ground, three women are showing entrepreneurial spirit and have opened new businesses locally.

Tracey Cook launched her massage therapy center Tuesday, Beth McCombs started a pet supply store and Madelyn Tyson has tied her anchor to the cruise industry.

TLC Massotherapy owner Tracey Cook opened her new massage therapy studio Tuesday. She shares space in the Park Gate Building with Jill Smith. Star Photo By DARRELL L. BREESE

“It's what I've been doing for the last 15 years and I just love to do it,” Cook said, when asked why she was starting a new business in the current economic tumult. “It's all about helping people, and even when money is tight, muscles are as well.”

For Tyson the tightening of budgets is a major concern.

“People aren't traveling as much as they used to,” she said. “But I tell people if they are going to travel, cruising is the best value. For one price you can cover all your meals, lodging and even tours.”

Tyson also said since she is a home-based business, she doesn't have to worry about the overhead of operating a storefront.

McCombs said the economy is a concern, but her passion for her work can overcome any obstacle.

“After working for more than 20 years as an accountant, I have the opportunity to do something that I really enjoy,” she said. “That, plus people's love for their dogs, will get me through.”

McCombs opened her shop with everything for the Alaska dog July 7 and sells all that pets need to enjoy the outdoors.

“I wanted to have the stuff you couldn't find at the big pet-supply stores,” she said. “Stuff like dog gear for camping, hunting, biking, jogging and training.”

Country Canine carries some unique items, such as life jackets, sleeping bags and tents designed just for dogs.

Among the standard display of fancy collars and leashes, the store features a section dedicated to training devices such as silent whistles, leads and harnesses suitable for obedience and trial training.

“The people who live in the area love their dogs and they love to get outside and play,” she said. “We have what they'll need to take their dogs with them next time they go out.”

Country Canine is located at 12240 Old Glenn Highway, next to the New China Restaurant.

Tyson decided in June to combine her love for travel with her latest business venture. A retired schoolteacher, Tyson opened her franchise of Cruise Planners out of her Hiland Mountain home last month, offering a travel agent service that specialized in the cruise industry.

“One advantage I have is that I am part of a national network as part of Cruise Planners,” she said. “And Cruise Planners is recognized as a top producer in the industry, meaning I'm able to provide the lowest prices on cruises that can be found anywhere.”

She specializes in Alaska cruises and travel, but also offers worldwide travel and destination cruises.

“Cruising has become one of the fastest growing methods of travel,” Tyson said. “More and more people are taking cruises every year. The cruising trend has changed and cruisers are more adventurous and youthful. There's also been the emergence of multi-generational cruisers — families that take their cruise holidays together.”

Cruise Planners is an American Express travel services representative agency, and as a result, Tyson has access to special offers for American Express members.

Contact Tyson at 866-369-5040 or visit her Web page at www.cruisin4adventure.com.

Cook moved to Alaska a little more than a week ago because he fiancˇ lives here. She brought with her 15 years of experience in the massage therapy industry. Not wanting to waste time, she opened her business Tuesday and has already began seeing clients.

“I was licensed in Ohio, but Alaska doesn't require a license for massage therapy,” she said.

Tyson

Rather than opening her own office, Cook is sharing a space in the Park Gate Building with Jill Smith, owner of Life Touch.

“She's been wonderful about partnering with me,” Cook said. “It's helped me hit the ground running.”

Cook specializes in medical massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release and sports medicine.

She is offering a discount rate for a one-hour massage of $45 for the initial visit, and will offer military and student discounts.

She is located at 11723 Old Glenn Highway and can be reached at 227-9634.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, July 31, 2008.