Aug. 4--Nearly two months ago, Ultimate Powersports on N.C. 226 South closed its doors, leaving an empty building and people out of work. The business was a full-service dealer in Yamaha and Suzuki motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles and Suzuki watercraft.

Ultimate Powersports was in business at that location for two years and nine months. The building has now been sold to a new owner. Workers were busy one recent day taking down the signs for the former dealership.

Jonathan Hardman, co-owner of the business, said Ultimate Powersports was a victim of the hard economic times. The dealership at one time had as many as 11 employees. By the time it closed its doors, there were six people working there.

"Business was way off of what it should be," he said, adding the dealership had only a few bikes in stock when it closed.

Hardman and his partner, Johnny Ellis, also operate J.E.'s Honda Motorcycles in Hickory. Hardman said they have no plans to reopen a dealership in Marion, even if the economy improves.

"We've struggled in that area from day one," he said.

In addition, both Yamaha and Suzuki have no plans to open up new dealerships anywhere, he said.

The closing of Ultimate Powersports is another sign of how local businesses are affected by the economic recession. The ones that can stay open have to adjust to the uncertain conditions.

"Everybody is having to adjust their businesses," said Freddie Killough, director of the Marion Business Association. "There have been a couple of businesses that have closed and there are some that are doing well, but every business is refocusing their business priorities and building on the stronger aspects of their business."

Recently, Open Hands Natural Healing Center and Comic Adventures, both located on Main Street in Marion, closed their doors. However, some niche businesses in Marion are doing very well. Others are hoping that the country can get out of the recession.

"Some of our small businesses realize that this is a time they are going to have to ride out," said Killough.

The city of Marion had grant money that may help some of them through the recession. The city dedicated $50,000 for giving grants to local small businesses. The grants were made possible through the N.C. Rural Center's Small Towns Economic Prosperity (NC STEP) program.

"The purpose of the program is to create jobs, business expansion, and foster the spirit of entrepreneurship in the city of Marion," read a statement from the MBA. "The grant is to assist small business owners and other individuals or entities who own or are starting small businesses. The options of this grant are intended to encourage growth of locally owned and operated businesses, provide additional employment and income in the community."

The cycle for these one-time grants lasted from May 1 through June 30. This is the only time the grants will be awarded, said Killough.

The grants had a maximum of $4,000.