Silver linings: The Business Observer turns 25 — and plans for the paper of the future

In looking back in history at what were some of the more notable events of 1997 — the year the Business Observer debuted, back when it was called the Gulf Coast Business Review — three seemingly disparate events and happenings standout: That year marked the debut of Harry Potter, with J.K. Rowling’s "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone." It was also the first time the Dow Jones closed at over 7,000. One other happening: Woolworth’s, once an American titan of retail, which had been in business since 1879, shuttered its last store.