MOUNTAIN ISLAND, N.C. - Marc Anderson doesn't want his gym, tucked behind the Walmart off the Brookshire, to be Charlotte's "best kept secret.” He wants to let the world know about his business - or at least the 32,000 cars that drive the freeway every day. He says, "We still get nine out of ten people who do not know we're back here!"

But Mitchell himself feels that allowing a professional sign is a "no brainer" and sends a clear message of support to Charlotte's small business owners. He says, "I think we need to be very creative in what we can do in this new "norm" of doing business.”

Anderson installed temporary business signs near his gym in April, with Walmart's permission. He says the city balked at these, too, and even talked about levying fines, but Anderson's so desperate for exposure, he says it's worth the risk. "Most of the people who sign up is because they saw the sign,” says Anderson.

If the DOT does allow the gym to post a permanent sign, Mitchell predicts the earliest it'll be up is around the holidays. Anderson says that would be perfect; just in time for the New Year's resolution rush. 

Councilman Mitchell says even if the DOT doesn't allow the gym to post it's sign, he'll continue to fight for the small business and try to find another way to get it done.