Section

Business Spotlights

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

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.

Beyond the Great Resignation: How Population Shifts, Labor Scarcity, and Skills Gaps Are Reshaping Business

The "Great Reshuffle" signifies a permanent reordering of the economic landscape, driven by population shifts, labor scarcity due to demographic changes, and growing skills gaps. Businesses must adapt to these interconnected forces impacting hiring, wages, and technology investment.

Marco Alvarez· Mar 30· 5 min
Editorial illustration for A Small Business Guide to Maximizing Local Chamber and Association Membership

A Small Business Guide to Maximizing Local Chamber and Association Membership

Small businesses can achieve strategic growth by understanding the core benefits of local chambers and associations, evaluating potential memberships, and actively participating in their offerings.

Marco Alvarez· Oct 2· 4 min
Diverse community members and local business owners interacting positively on a vibrant street, symbolizing trust and authentic recommendations.

Nextdoor's 'Local Faves' revolutionizes local business reputation

Nextdoor, a platform often associated with neighborhood chatter, is directly challenging Yelp's review model by launching 'Local Faves,' a feature designed to combat bot-generated reviews with verifie

Marco Alvarez· Sep 12· 4 min
Mexican local business owners successfully leveraging digital platforms and e-commerce to achieve significant growth and market dominance.

Local Businesses Find E-commerce Success on Digital Platforms

In Mexico, local businesses are so dominant in e-commerce that they accounted for 90% of all transactions on platforms like Tiendanube in 2026, according to Mexico Business News .

Marco Alvarez· Sep 10· 4 min
Diverse entrepreneurs showcasing unique products and interacting with customers in a vibrant, bustling urban market with city skyscrapers in the background.

Local Markets Fuel Urban Entrepreneurship Growth Despite Economic Headwinds

In Seattle's Pike Place Market, a single artisan cheese vendor reported a 300% increase in online orders after establishing a physical presence, according to the Seattle Business Journal .

Marco Alvarez· Sep 8· 4 min
Beyond DIY: How Madison Coatings Company Permanently Solves Concrete Issues in Central Mississippi

Beyond DIY: How Madison Coatings Company Permanently Solves Concrete Issues in Central Mississippi

Many Mississippi homeowners face recurring issues with DIY garage floor coatings, leading to peeling and staining within a few seasons. Madison Coatings Company offers a permanent solution in Central Mississippi, utilizing industrial-grade polyaspartic systems and professional preparation to ensure lasting durability.

Sponsored by Madison Coatings Company· Aug 25· 5 min
BSW Construction: Your Guide to Bathroom Remodeling in Granbury, TX

BSW Construction: Your Guide to Bathroom Remodeling in Granbury, TX

BSW Construction offers affordable bathroom remodeling in Granbury, TX, specializing in transforming outdated or inefficient bathrooms into more practical and appealing spaces. With over 26 years of experience, they handle all aspects of renovation, including plumbing, electrical, and tiling, through a collaborative planning process.

Sponsored by BSW Construction· Aug 25· 5 min
Why Bellevue Drivers Keep Coming Back to Got Fender Bender: 5 Reasons

Why Bellevue Drivers Keep Coming Back to Got Fender Bender: 5 Reasons

Finding a reliable auto body shop in Bellevue can feel daunting, especially for minor dings and dents where a full insurance claim seems excessive. For many local drivers, Got Fender Bender has become the go-to solution …

Sponsored by Got Fender Bender· Aug 24· 7 min
Why California Families Choose Robert P. Bergman for Estate Planning

Why California Families Choose Robert P. Bergman for Estate Planning

Robert P. Bergman offers personalized estate planning services for California families, providing expert guidance on trusts, wills, and probate. His approach emphasizes understanding unique family dynamics and long-term goals to create effective plans tailored to individual needs.

Sponsored by Robert P. Bergman· Aug 11· 5 min
Why Law Enforcement Chooses Delmarva K9: The K9 Training Authority in Pittsville, MD

Why Law Enforcement Chooses Delmarva K9: The K9 Training Authority in Pittsville, MD

Delmarva K9 in Pittsville, MD, is the premier choice for law enforcement K9 training, consistently setting the benchmark for elite K9 performance. Led by a licensed police dog master trainer, they offer an unparalleled lifetime working guarantee and source top-tier European working lines, ensuring absolute reliability for critical incidents.

Sponsored by Delmarva K9· Aug 10· 7 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
Former Muller Insurance employees standing outside a closed branch, symbolizing the negative community impact of the company's digital shift.

Muller Insurance's digital shift negatively impacts local community

After 75 years as a community fixture, Muller Insurance announced the closure of its main local branch, laying off 50 employees despite reporting record profits last quarter.

Marco Alvarez· Jul 1· 2 min
Community members working on a public infrastructure project in Siouxland, with a Premier Pools installation visible, symbolizing economic growth and community development.

Premier Pools Siouxland boosts local economy with business spotlight

Premier Pools Siouxland recently announced a $500,000 investment into local infrastructure projects, a sum that far exceeds typical business contributions and marks the largest single private donation

Marco Alvarez· Jun 28· 2 min
Diverse Hawaiian local businesses, including tech startups and manufacturing facilities, flourishing with community support and investment.

Hawaii Invests in Local Businesses for Economic Growth

In FY26 alone, the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) awarded over $865,000 to 26 companies through its Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP), according to Maui Now .

Marco Alvarez· Jun 21· 2 min
Diverse professionals observing a thriving Kenosha cityscape, symbolizing opportunity and growth facilitated by the KABA grant.

Kenosha Area Business Alliance receives $240,000 grant for talent recruitment

The Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) offers a $5,000 bonus to workers in high-demand fields relocating to Kenosha County, an aggressive move to attract talent, according to The Business...

Marco Alvarez· Jun 21· 2 min
Young, diverse entrepreneurs smiling behind their food stalls at a lively farmers' market, showcasing fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Young entrepreneurs launch food businesses at farmers' markets

At the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market on June 13, recent high school graduates Ella Chang and Hailey Lim launched their matcha pop-up, Niko Matcha.

Marco Alvarez· Jun 21· 2 min
Elegant formalwear displayed in a boutique setting, with women enjoying margaritas during a 'Moms & Margs' trunk show event.

Eighth Avenue Villager Showcases Unique Formalwear and New Retail Partnerships

On Saturday, June 27, Eighth Avenue Villager will host a "Moms & Margs" trunk show, transforming the typically staid search for mother-of-the-bride gowns into a lively social event complete with cockt

Marco Alvarez· Jun 20· 2 min
A caring travel companion assists an elderly person at an airport, highlighting the human touch enabled by communication technology.

Travelers Care Wins Inaugural Ooma Small Business Spotlight Award

Travelers Care, a company providing travel companions for individuals facing complex situations, just won the inaugural Ooma Small Business Spotlight Award.

Marco Alvarez· Jun 16· 2 min
Cubs pitcher Ben Brown in action on the mound, throwing a pitch during a night baseball game under stadium lights.

Ben Brown's Strikeouts Lead Cubs to Dominant Victory

In a decisive 6-1 victory, Cubs pitcher Ben Brown struck out Iván Herrera in the first inning, setting an early tone for the team's dominant performance against the St.

Marco Alvarez· May 31· 2 min
A Burlington store exterior at dusk, with a lone employee walking away, highlighting the contrast between company profits and worker wages.

Burlington Stores reports strong 2026 financials, low wages

Last year, the median part-time associate at Burlington Stores earned just $10,827, according to Business Insider .

Marco Alvarez· May 27· 2 min
A 'For Lease' sign hangs in the window of a closed San Jose restaurant, with a homeless shelter visible in the background.

San Jose Restaurant Moves Due to Shelter Conversion Parking Loss

Los Garcias Restaurant, a North San Jose staple, saw its sales plummet by 50% last summer after the city began converting a nearby inn into a homeless shelter, ultimately forcing the restaurant to rel

Marco Alvarez· May 10· 2 min