Opera House wins $2K grant

MOUNTAIN LAKE — Big Bend Wind and Apex Clean Energy have awarded a $2,000 grant to the Fairmont Opera House.

Opera House executive director Blake Potthoff said the money will be used for current and upcoming programming, including a free children’s holiday event, and holiday programming for youth and families.

With the grant, Big Bend Wind closes its third round of quarterly grant donations for 2019. Apex Clean Energy awards grants through its Community Grant Program on a quarterly basis. The funds support organizations and projects related to community development, the environment, education, and health and recreation in Martin County.

Those interested in applying for future rounds of funding may visit www.bigbendwind.com/grant.

Apex Clean Energy develops, build and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America.

Hagedorn-Evans bill advances

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House Small Business Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve the bipartisan “Unlocking Opportunities for Small Businesses Act of 2019.”

The bill was introduced by Rep. Jim Hagedorn, R-Minn., and Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Pa.. It aims to remove barriers to entry for small businesses looking to compete for federal prime contracts by requiring contract officers to consider relevant past performance and subcontractor experience of the companies.

The legislation now advances to a vote by the full House of Representatives. That vote is expected by early next year.

Target bursts into holiday season

NEW YORK (AP) — Target is bursting into the critical holiday season with strong third-quarter earnings as the company pushes faster delivery and invests heavily in stores and on new fashion brands.

The retailer raised its expectations for the year and shares rose more than 12% Wednesday, striking an all-time high.

It was one of the largest one-day stock swings in the company’s history.

Among the big highlights? Target’s quarterly sales of clothing rose 10% year over year, helped by its intense focus on creating new store brands and making its clothing displays more visually appealing with mannequins. The recent fashion lineup includes a men’s clothing brand called Goodfellow & Co. and a lingerie brand called Auden.