MARIETTA - Jennifer Dennis knew she wanted to do something more meaningful in her life than be a UPS supervisor in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Dennis, 35, had earned a bachelor's from Buena Vista University at Storm Lake, Iowa, while working at UPS.
She'd also majored in psychology and business entrepreneurship.
But something was missing until she became a chiropractic physician and opened Back2Back Chiropractic & Wellness Center, 102 Second St. The business is one of several new stores to open shop recently in the city.
"I wanted to help people, to do something hands-on and help people heal," Dennis said. "(Chiropractic medicine) is where I found my passion."
Moving from her hometown of Ottumwa to Davenport, Iowa, Dennis attended the Palmer College of Chiropractic where she graduated in 2010.
Dennis then took her degree and her passion to Parkersburg to be with friends.
At Back2Back, Dennis specializes in techniques including flexion distraction, a treatment for low back pain, bulging discs and sciatica. A "low, gentle force technique" is used, she said.
The offices at Back2Back have been redecorated to create a soothing spa-like retreat, she said.
"I wanted the atmosphere to be calming for patients," Dennis said.
An open house will be held in October.
At another new business, the Showroom at Marietta, a Malta window and door store at 172 Front St., opened in July 2012.
"We think Marietta is a crossroads' point," said Donald Powell, sales manager. "It opens up the whole of southern Ohio and West Virginia areas."
Marietta is an historic town that offers good business prospects for the new business, he said.
"Marietta has older homes and historic buildings where wood windows are needed," said Powell. "When it's time to replace windows and doors, (many in Marietta) go back to wood items."
Malta offers quality, solid-wood windows and doors at affordable prices, Powell said.
"People can't afford to go out and spend $1,500 on a window," he said.
The same Malta window could cost $600 to $700, said Powell.
The new windows and doors installed at the armory on Front Street earlier this year were done by the Showroom at Marietta.
"I think a building like that is a national treasure," said Powell. "They tell a lot about the history of a city."
The Showroom at Marietta plans to open other in Columbus, Lancaster and St. Clairsville. The Columbus location is scheduled to open in spring 2013.
