Business activity in Cherokee County slowed slightly in 2009, but local leaders are optimistic about seeing numbers rise this year.

Local government offices issued 135 new business licenses last month, an increase from 109 in November, but down from 138 issued in December of 2008.

There were 1,991 new licenses approved throughout the county last year, a little off the pace from the previous year. In 2008, 2,026 new licenses were granted.

"Maybe people were wanting to get a jump start on the new year," Karen Lance, a member of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, said about the growth from November to December.

A real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, Mrs. Lance said she is upbeat about Cherokee's business opportunities in the new year.

"Everybody keeps saying 2010 will be the year," she said. "It will be a slow process, but we are hoping that 2010 will be the year that we get back and get businesses opening again."

Nathan Brandon, chairman of the chamber of commerce, said other indicators are showing signs that the economy is slowly recovering.

"There is a general sense of optimism, even though we know it is not going to be quick," said the director of Cameron Hall assisted living center.

The county business license office issued 102 new licenses last month, up from 55 in November and 94 in December 2008.

The county office granted 1,282 licenses last year, down from 1,383 in 2008.

Holly Springs issued seven new licenses in December, down from 10 in November and 11 in December of 2008. The city approved 110 licenses last year, up from 104 in 2008.

Marsha Teems, owner of A Sweet Creation, a new florist shop in Holly Springs, said she thinks the community is ready to see a lot of growth. Her store, which offers floral design, specialty cakes and other special event services, is near the new Home Depot on Highway 5 and the nearly complete Northside Hospital-Cherokee building at Sixes Road and Highway 5.

"Hopefully, a whole lot more businesses will move in to that area," she said.

Woodstock granted 17 new business licenses last month, a decrease from 31 in November and 24 in December 2008. The city issued 353 licenses last year, a jump from 336 in 2008.

Canton issued nine new business licenses last month, a climb down from 13 in November but equal to the number issued in December 2008. There were 218 new licenses approved in the city last year, an increase from 164 in 2008.

Ball Ground did receive any new business license requests in December. It also issued none in November or December 2008. The city granted 26 new business licenses last year, down from 39 in 2008.

Waleska and Nelson both had no new business license requests in December. Waleska issued two new licenses in 2009, an increase from none in 2008. Nelson did not approve any new business licenses in the county last year or in 2008.