Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-state area. In addition to this update from Potosi, Wis., we will share more developments in Tuesday’s edition.

POTOSI, Wis. — Visitors to a new Potosi business can find not only a place to get some work done but also a gift for a friend and a way to mail it.

The Hub, a co-working space, and Pages and Parcels, a retail and shipping business, opened in late October at 101 N. Main St.

“It’s a very beautiful, calming, relaxing space,” said owner Melissa Emler. “(People) have been really excited to see some energy in this building.”

For the past five years, Emler has owned and operated Modern Learners, an educational consultancy that works with state departments of education across the country.

As the business grew, Emler said a physical space “larger than (her) living room” became necessary, and in September, she purchased the building at 101 N. Main St.

She initially intended to operate it as a co-working space and a headquarters for the consultancy but soon was inspired to think bigger.

“The building is big, so we had to think about sustainable revenue to keep the building going without putting too much strain on the consultancy,” she said. “We decided to add in the retail and shipping as a service to the community.”

Emler said the building spans 5,600 square feet, though about 2,000 square feet are occupied by a renter.

The remaining space includes the co-working area, The Hub, and 1,500 square feet of retail space at the front of the building for Pages and Parcels.

There, customers can purchase books, gifts and other specialty items, and the shipping center offers packing and shipping services through U.S. Postal Service and UPS, with FedEx service coming soon. According to Emler, other services also are planned, such as making copies, printing photos and notarizing documents.

Meanwhile, local employees of Modern Learners are already using the co-working space, which also offers memberships for other entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote workers.

“Other small businesses who are looking to get off the ground … can come into this place and be able to have conversations about what’s worked for other industries in Grant County,” said employee Ray Schink.

Emler said the co-working space includes private areas where members can make phone or video calls, small “huddle rooms” for group meetings and more, with various membership levels available. A conference room also is available for rent even by those who are not members of The Hub.

Pages and Parcels is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The Hub will be accessible 24/7 to members.

For more information about The Hub, visit mainstreethub.co. For Pages and Parcels, visit pagesandparcels.store or call 608-763-2552.