Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for Capital Region Independent Media a panel of local business leaders and new entrepreneurs last week gathered to discuss the revitalization of Ravena's Main Street . The conversation was held at the monthly meeting of the RCS Community Business Association in the community room of Abounding Love Christian Fellowship in Faith Plaza. Several new businesses have opened in the village or are planning to in the near future, including Rail to River Brewing, a nanobrewery that opened the day after Thanksgiving. “I am glad I am right here on Main Street because it allows people, especially people driving through town — they see us and turn around and check it out,” Rail to River owner Steven Douglas said. Robert LaCosta, of the RCS Community Business Association and owner of HEARt Ear Boutique, asked the panelists how small companies can compete against much larger, national competitors. Joyce Musso, of Hi-Tech Advisers, said the personal touch goes a long way. “We give that personalized service and we are always there,” she said. Judi Gabler, of Gabler Realty, said this year was her firm's biggest year ever in the real estate market and she sees the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk area as a growing investment opportunity. “I feel like [growth] is naturally going to happen here, with this positive outlook and business owners who are pushing for this community,” she said. Joy Iafallo, chairperson of the RCS Community Business Association, said as Main Street is improved the entire area is impacted as other property owners follow suit. “There is a communal impact,” Iafallo said. Read the full story in The Ravena News-Herald.