After declining for two straight months, business activity has picked up in Cherokee County.

Local government offices issued 152 new business licenses in September, up from 143 in August and up just barely from 151 in September last year.

So far this year, 1,571 new business licenses have been issued throughout the county, lagging behind last year's pace of 1,678 by this time.

Nathan Brandon, chairman of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber has at least three ribbon-cuttings a week scheduled for three weeks in a row, which he sees as a positive indicator.

"A number of people have remained optimistic even in a really difficult time," said Brandon, administrator of Cameron Hall in Canton. He added businesses that can succeed now should do even better once the economy begins to rebound.

The county office issued 97 new licenses last month, up from 83 in August and 93 in September last year. So far this year, the county office has issued 1,021 licenses, down from 1,152 at this time last year.

Woodstock approved 23 requests for new licenses last month, a drop from 34 in August and 33 in September last year. So far this year, the city has issued 276 new licenses, down from last year's total at this point of 287.

Canton issued 15 new licenses last month, down from 18 in August and even with the number in September last year. This year so far, the city has approved 180 requests for new licenses, an increase from 123 at this time last year.

Holly Springs approved 14 requests for new licenses last month, a jump from four in August and seven in September last year. The city has given out 69 new licenses so far this year, a drop from 84 new licenses at this time in 2008.

Audrey Stever, who opened Absolute Pilates in Holly Springs last month, said she has found success already with her new business.

"This is an excellent area," she said about the city. "Business has been really good."

Ball Ground issued two new business licenses last month, a slight fall from three in August and three in September last year. So far this year, the city has approved 23 requests for new licenses, down from 32 at this time last year.

Waleska approved its second new business license of the year last month. The city issued no new licenses last year and did not issue its first new licenses this year until August.

"We are all glad about it," Mayor Doris Jones said about the city's sudden business growth, adding she hopes it will continue.

Nelson has not issued any new business licenses so far this year, nor did it issue any in 2008.