My wife and I bought this antiques mall 3 1/2 years ago. We have battled through a winter of record snow falls, flooding that had us all scrambling to stay dry, $4.00 a gallon gas prices and the fall of wall street. Just as we finished up with what has been our best year of sales, we take another hit. Our property tax bill for our business went up 86.9%. We we're paying $3,967, now we will be paying $7,413. We have posted our real estate tax bill in our business for all to see. Everyone agrees that  an increase of this magnitude can push people out of their home or business. We are a true middle class Ma & Pa business that has never asked for any help. We've always met our obligations, even if it means dipping into our retirement that has been shrinking ever smaller. One of our local TV stations, WKOW TV Channel 27 in Madison Wisconsin recently covered our story on how small businesses need a break. It' was a small milestone for us and all small business owners. It seems when I see the news talking about small business, I have to wonder what they think a small business is. It can't get much smaller than us. We watch the big bail outs and all the money that flows to those who failed to do the right things. When will our government recognize and assist the thousands of Ma & Pa business around the country. We are a huge part of what is left of the middle class. Small businesses in a small town feed off each other. They bring people and money to the community. We are proud that the business we have draws people from around the state and out of the state as well. Our 10,000 sq. ft. antiques mall holds 90 quality dealers. These people are like employees to us. They go out into surrounding communities where they buy inventory for resale. They rent space from us where they display their vintage treasures. My wife and I sell there items which in turn gives them a check each month. That money is than spent in the surrounding communities.  Our store also takes in sales tax which we send to the state every month. We are considered by many as one of the best in the state. The Columbia County Visitors Bureau presented us with the 2009 Outstanding Business Award. Not bad for a Ma & Pa that took this on without any business experience. Our plan for success was very simple. Work hard, be honest, and good things will happen. We are very proud of how our business is doing in these difficult times. It's exciting when we think of where we might be when the economy recovers. Business as usual is a thing of the past. We try to improve at least one thing every day. Always moving forward. When things get tough, many like to point fingers. We prefer to look in the mirror. "Blame No One....Expect Nothing....Do Something" It's our hope that some will read this and better understand what a small business really is. Little people with big dreams. We're Barb & Matt Kitson and you'll find us at The Pardeeville Wisconsin Antiques Mall. "Come see us....you won't be disappointed!"