When Laura and Howard Tuthill cut the ribbon to symbolize the opening of their new business Wednesday, the community was right there to celebrate.

When the Iron Shoe Distillery owners needed some extra hands to bottle rum in anticipation of its soft opening Sunday, the community was there to serve.

And when the distillery throws its grand opening party Friday, we have no doubt the community will line up to give it a try.

This community participation and loyal following has come before Laura and Howard have ever shaken a cocktail for most of Niles residents. Folks are clearly excited for this business to open, eager to be a part of something big — and we’re almost there.

Sure, a distillery with gourmet comfort food is a treat for Niles — a business that has no competition in the city as far as locally made spirits are concerned.

However, I think most would agree the excitement is about more than the distillery: it’s a culmination of all the great things that have been happening (and are still in the works) for downtown Niles. We are ALMOST to the tipping point of a truly viable and prospering downtown.

It has been a blast to watch as more and more entrepreneurs have chosen Niles to plant their businesses. In the last two years alone, we have witnessed the opening of Jim’s Smokin’ Cafe at Paris Soda Co., El Amigo Pepe, Front Street Pizza, Swirlyz and Healthy Habits. Local mainstays like the Brass Eye, Pizza Transit and the Nuggett have expanded their offerings. The Grand LV hosts events almost every weekend, and our antique and hobby shops continue to draw folks from out of town.

In the coming months, we anticipate he opening of Gabrizio’s Italian Bakery, Trap House 24, Niles Brewing Co., Oh My! and The Rage.

Clearly Niles is gaining momentum.

Thanks to dedicated leaders like Niles Main Street director Lisa Croteau, Mayor Nick Shelton, City Administrator Ric Huff, the chamber of commerce, loads of business owners, and countless volunteers and elected officials, downtown Niles is becoming a destination that people are talking about again.

I hope you will join me in congratulating not only the Tuthills, but also the countless people who have gotten us to the tipping point Niles is on. I encourage you to continue being patient with the businesses still in the works, frequent those who are already open, and bring your friends.

That just might be the push that it takes to send us racing forward.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7700 or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com