Section

Business Spotlights

Get to know the local businesses that drive our economy and shape our community.

Attendees networking and engaging at various booths during the Bladen Community College Small Business Expo, showcasing local entrepreneurship and community support.

Bladen Community College Announces New Small Business Expo This Month

Bladen Community College is launching its first Small Business Expo this month, providing a new platform for local entrepreneurs to network, share resources, and grow. The event on April 29 will feature seminars, business spotlights, and awards.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 7· 3 min
Students and educators collaborating in a bright, modern learning center, symbolizing Beck Professional Services' impact on Henrico's education and local economy.

Beck Professional Services Henrico Boosts Education and Local Economy

Beck Professional Services in Henrico is making waves with its innovative approach to mathematics education, earning recognition in the Henrico Small Business Spotlight. This local enterprise not only empowers students but also significantly contributes to the community's economy.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 7· 4 min
An inviting streetscape in Fairfield, Texas, showcasing newly renovated business facades along North Texas Street, with people enjoying the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment, symbolizing urban revitalization and economic growth.

Fairfield Pursues Grant Funding for North Texas Street Revitalization

Fairfield is launching a new revitalization program for North Texas Street, offering significant grant funding to local business owners for property improvements.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 6· 4 min
A vibrant image of Shanty's Boutique, a local business in Newport, Washington, featuring a friendly owner and customers, symbolizing the KREM and STCU 'Love Local Spotlight' initiative.

KREM and STCU Launch 'Love Local Spotlight' Initiative for Businesses

KREM and STCU have partnered to launch "Love Local Spotlight," an initiative designed to highlight established small businesses in the community. Shanty's Boutique in Newport, Washington, was the first business featured, showcasing its 15+ years of operation.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 4· 4 min
A cozy, sunlit independent bookstore and coffee shop bustling with diverse patrons reading, working on laptops, and enjoying coffee, showcasing a vibrant community hub.

The Community Chapter: How Independent Local Bookstores and Coffee Shops Are Thriving

Independent local bookstores and coffee shops are flourishing, transforming into vibrant community hubs that offer more than just retail. They represent a fundamental shift in what consumers seek: tangible connection and authentic local experiences.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 4· 6 min
An elegant gala event at the Detroit Historical Museum, featuring diverse small business owners and community leaders celebrating the Detroit Icon Series, with historic architecture in the background.

Detroit Icon Series Spotlights Small Businesses with May 1st Gala

A new streaming series, 'Detroit Icon,' highlights the city's long-standing small businesses. A special premiere gala and panel discussion is scheduled for May 1st at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 3· 4 min
A close-up of a Crispy Cone, a unique rotisserie-cooked dough cone filled with soft-serve ice cream and various toppings, held in hand against a warm, inviting background.

Crispy Cones Brings Unique Dough-Style Ice Cream to Pasco

Crispy Cones, an Eastern European-inspired soft-serve ice cream shop, has opened in Pasco, introducing unique rotisserie-cooked dough cones. Owners Glenn and Vallari Royer brought the 'Trdelnik' concept from Prague, fostering new community connections.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 3· 3 min
A vibrant scene showcasing a successful local business, integrating sustainable practices like fresh, locally sourced ingredients and community engagement, symbolizing economic growth and environmental responsibility.

Beyond Greenwashing: How Local Enterprises Are Finding Economic Success in Sustainability

A recent $1 million grant program is spotlighting the growing economic impact of sustainable business practices for local enterprises, signaling a shift where responsibility is becoming a key driver of financial viability.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 1· 6 min
A vibrant co-working space with diverse professionals collaborating, seen through large windows overlooking a revitalized city street, symbolizing the integration of flexible work into urban life.

The Flexible Work Shift: How Co-working Spaces Are Reshaping Local Business Districts

The predictable 9-to-5 rhythm of our cities has been replaced by a more dynamic urban pulse, as co-working spaces and flexible work reshape our local business districts.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 1· 6 min
Exterior view of the Putnam Valley Market building after a fire, with visible damage on the upper floor, surrounded by community members showing support for its restoration efforts.

The Putnam Valley Market Faces Restoration After June Fire

The Putnam Valley Market, a long-standing family-owned business, is facing restoration after a fire damaged its building in June 2024. The community has rallied to support the market's recovery efforts.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 1· 3 min
Exterior view of the newly opened Fix Auto Spring Valley facility, showcasing its modern design and welcoming entrance, with a focus on quality automotive repair services.

Fix Auto Spring Valley Opens, Offers New Automotive Repair Services

Fix Auto Spring Valley has opened its doors, bringing new, certified automotive repair services to the community. This I-CAR Gold certified facility offers high-quality collision repair backed by the national Fix Auto USA network.

Marco Alvarez· Mar 31· 4 min
A vibrant interior shot of Southampton Publick House, showing patrons enjoying a celebratory atmosphere, with warm lighting highlighting the classic American casual decor.

Southampton Publick House Marks 30 Years in Local Business Spotlight

Southampton Publick House, a casual American restaurant, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary this May. This milestone highlights the establishment's long-standing presence and commitment to consistent service in the local community.

Marco Alvarez· Mar 31· 4 min
A split image: a bustling modern medical facility contrasts with a quiet, older retail store, symbolizing demographic and economic shifts in local businesses.

The Great Reshuffle: A Demographic and Economic Trends Impacting Local Businesses Analysis

A detailed demographic and economic trends impacting local businesses analysis reveals a city in flux, where record-high demand in one sector coexists with a housing squeeze in another.

Marco Alvarez· Mar 30· 7 min
A towering corporate skyscraper overshadowing a street of small businesses, symbolizing the vast disparity in economic funding and support.

Small Business Growth: The Disparity in Economic Funding

Eli Lilly's expansion in one state secured $100 million in tax credits, the largest in that state's history.

Marco Alvarez· Aug 2· 5 min
Auckland's dynamic cityscape at dusk, symbolizing a thriving startup ecosystem and economic growth powered by innovation and collaboration.

Auckland's Startup Ecosystem Boosting Economy in 2026

Auckland's Mayor will wear a different local startup's branded t-shirt every day for 100 days, starting in 2026, a highly visible commitment to local innovation.

Marco Alvarez· Jul 7· 7 min
Split image showing Calgary's tech growth with digital networks and New York City's manufacturing pivot to PPE production.

Innovative Local Startups Reshaping Our City's Economy

Calgary's tech workforce surged by over 61% between 2021 and 2024, while in New York City, a garment manufacturer pivoted to produce essential PPE, securing critical contracts.

Marco Alvarez· Jul 2· 6 min
A lively urban marketplace filled with local food vendors and customers, representing the top influential food and drink companies of 2026.

Top Influential Local Food & Drink Companies for 2026

In 2026, Green Plate Eatery, a small urban farm-to-table restaurant chain sourcing 90% of its ingredients within a 50-mile radius, reported 35% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 29· 5 min
A lively farmers market with abundant local produce and smiling community members, showcasing sustainable food systems and local engagement.

7 Local Eco-Friendly Initiatives for 2026

At Eugene's Red Barn Farmers Market, over 70% of vendors source produce within a 50-mile radius, demonstrating a powerful local shift towards sustainable food systems.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 24· 7 min
Diverse group of people celebrating customer service excellence in a city setting, representing local businesses honored in 2026.

Local Businesses Honored for Customer Service in 2026

In a competitive landscape, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont's Berlin-based call center, handling over 170,000 calls annually, was named the 2024 Call Center of the Year among 500 North American

Marco Alvarez· Apr 18· 5 min
Small business owners using AI technology and holographic displays to analyze data and plan for future growth in a modern, collaborative workspace.

Small Business Tech Adoption: Trends & Key Sectors

In Alabama, a surprising 57% of small businesses already leverage AI platforms.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 16· 5 min
Are You Really Supporting Local? Why Bliss Marketplace Is Rancho Cordova's Community Hub

Are You Really Supporting Local? Why Bliss Marketplace Is Rancho Cordova's Community Hub

Bliss Marketplace champions genuine local shopping in Rancho Cordova by offering a curated hub for Sacramento-area makers, collectors, and artists. It fosters a community-driven environment, contrasting with traditional markets by focusing on curation, collaboration, and deep vendor support.

Sponsored by Bliss Marketplace· Aug 5· 6 min
A lively street filled with independent local businesses, illustrating the concept of money recirculating within the community and boosting local economy.

Local businesses recirculate over 3 times more cash than chains

For every dollar consumers spend at a local independent business, nearly half — 48 cents — is recirculated directly into the local economy, a significant boost to community wealth and job creation.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 12· 9 min
A modern city street at rush hour, showcasing a clear, red dedicated bus lane with multiple buses moving efficiently, contrasting with congested car traffic.

The Road Ahead: Why Expanding Dedicated Bus Lanes Is a Non-Negotiable Urban Investment

Dedicated bus lanes are a non-negotiable urban investment, fostering economic growth and improving traffic flow. Discover how prioritizing high-capacity public transit creates a more equitable and vibrant city.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 6· 6 min
Diverse entrepreneurs collaborating in a sunlit modern co-working space, symbolizing the growth and innovation fostered by small business incubators and mentorship.

Why Our City's Next Big Bet Should Be on Small Business Incubators

To secure long-term economic resilience, our local government must strategically increase its investment in small business incubators and mentorship programs. This proven strategy nurtures entrepreneurial talent, creating a vibrant local economy.

Marco Alvarez· Mar 31· 7 min
Tree Pruning From Arundel Tree Service Supports Structure and Clearance in Pasadena

Tree Pruning From Arundel Tree Service Supports Structure and Clearance in Pasadena

For property owners in Pasadena, maintaining tree health is crucial for safety and aesthetics. Arundel Tree Service provides expert tree pruning that supports strong structure and ensures necessary clearance, backed by t…

Sponsored by Arundel Tree Service· Jul 31· 6 min
A London Property Owner's Guide to Picking the Right Plumbing Services, With Wimbledon Plumbers Limited

A London Property Owner's Guide to Picking the Right Plumbing Services, With Wimbledon Plumbers Limited

Choosing the right London plumber can feel daunting, but it's a critical decision for any property owner. The right team ensures your heating and plumbing systems run efficiently and safely, protecting your investment. F…

Sponsored by Wimbledon Plumbers Limited· Jul 31· 5 min
How Next Level Austin Solves The #1 Challenge in Texas Hill Country Home Design

How Next Level Austin Solves The #1 Challenge in Texas Hill Country Home Design

Next Level Austin, a multiple 'Best of Houzz' award winner, specializes in overcoming the primary challenge of Texas Hill Country home design: blending luxury visions with the region's rugged landscape. As a full-service firm, they manage complex projects from concept to completion, offering a distinct advantage over freelance designers.

Sponsored by Next Level Austin· Jul 31· 5 min
5 Premium HOA / Community Roofing Services From Slade Roofing in Idaho

5 Premium HOA / Community Roofing Services From Slade Roofing in Idaho

For Homeowner Association (HOA) board members and property managers in Idaho, selecting a roofing contractor is a high-stakes decision that impacts community budgets, resident satisfaction, and long-term property values.…

Sponsored by Slade Roofing· Jul 27· 6 min
Expert Tree Removal in Ohio: Why Choose Monaco Tree Service

Expert Tree Removal in Ohio: Why Choose Monaco Tree Service

Property owners in Ohio are facing tree problems due to severe weather and the Emerald Ash Borer, making professional removal essential. Monaco Tree Service offers expert, veteran-owned tree removal, including 24/7 emergency services in Lake and Geauga counties.

Sponsored by Monaco Tree Service· Jul 15· 6 min
5 Advanced Services That Make Lance Timmerman, DMD a Top-Rated Dentist in Tukwila

5 Advanced Services That Make Lance Timmerman, DMD a Top-Rated Dentist in Tukwila

Dr. Lance Timmerman, DMD, is a top-rated dentist in Tukwila known for advanced services and in-house implant placement, offering a streamlined, expert-led approach to complex dental care. He is a distinguished Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI).

Sponsored by Lance Timmerman, DMD· Jul 13· 8 min