It is hard-and-fast data straight from the horse's mouth on the business climate, the struggles and challenges, and future plans from those with their fingers on the pulse.

In a national climate of drought, stiff competition from online retail suppliers as well as an economy feeling the heat from influences such as the Coronavirus threat, we are not just hanging on but planning for future expansion.

Just last week we were all devastated by the closure of the Bendigo Bank branch here in town.

The loss reflects a wider reaching climate of down-sizing and money-saving in an effort to survive.

Last year Bendigo and Adelaide Bank announced a 13.3 per cent fall in statutory net profit, attributed to higher operating expenses against falling interest and fee income.

More locally, Griffith has also been reeling from the sale of McWilliam's wines after entering into administration.

But with a number of buyers already expressing interest, it's likely the local fixture will be in new hands by the end of March early April, according to those in the know.

And yet as Jeans West and EB Games close outlets across the country, Griffith's stores proved profitable enough to withstand the cuts.

What we've learned from the business survey, is that despite an atmosphere of change and struggle, we are not giving up.

Admitting to a hard last year, 26 retail business remain committed to expansion in five years. Close to half of participating businesses say Griffith's economy isn't just surviving, it's growing.

While it may just be the power of positive thinking, this is the attitude held by OUR business.

This is thinking of the future, not giving in to the sense of doom many including community leaders, are touting.

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If the attitude coming from our businesses is positive, that gives us the backbone of potential.

If you give in to pessimism, finger-pointing and blame-gaming, you have already forfeited the match before the game's begun.

Water your own garden first (although perhaps not literally right now) and if everyone does, the whole city's economy will be green.

'Live local. Love local. Buy local'.

What if, we wonder, every single one of us lived this slogan?