Rising Tide A film by Michael Dwyer Robert Todd

How does a business survive The answer is complex, but it involves a lot of struggle, hard work, long hours, perseverance, and civically minded landlords. Rising taxes, the cost of real estate, and the influx of chains, such as the Gap, Starbucks, Victoria s Secret and half a dozen banks are not only obstacles for the small business but they are what rob the community of personal interaction between merchant and customer, in other words, the town s charm. RISING TIDE recounts a local history through the voices of multiple generations while offering a captivating view into the unique workings of each person s craft or business. The film chronicles the lives, the struggles, and the behindthecounter activities of people who are involved in trades that are increasingly marginalized by the high cost of living, the arrival of large franchises in the community, and technological advances.