Top Networking Platform Alignable Honors The Most Supportive Small Biz Leaders Across North America
NEWS RELEASE | CONTEST SPOTLIGHTS LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS | BOSTON, MA, January 14, 2025 -- Alignable’s 2025 Local Business Person of the Year Contest kicks off today – the largest online networking event to recognize small business leaders across North America.
For the sixth year in a row, Alignable.com, the leading online networking platform for small business owners, is celebrating its 9.2 million members by inviting them to spotlight local leaders who’ve gone above and beyond to support peers through both challenges and successes. Voting starts today and runs through March 7, 2025.
2024’s competition resulted in a significant surge in engagement across the platform, with a 40% increase in participation and a 30% rise in winners compared to 2023. Over 309,000 votes were cast, and 5,171 local winners were elected. Alignable officials expect even more winners in 2025.
Several past contest champions credit this annual competition with enhancing their visibility and expediting their business growth:
- Brian Gregory of The YES! TEST™ in Phoenix, AZ, No. 2 nationally and No. 1 in Arizona in 2024, said his revenue spiked more than 50%. “This contest put me on the map,” he added. “It’s incredible.”
- Dr. Thomas Hill of Naperville, IL, who ranked No. 19 nationwide, said he’s making three times what he earned this time last year, due to the contest and Alignable’s other features.
- Phyllis Arnstein of Health to Wealth in Spring Hill, FL, a Top 40 national winner, said her business is up 70% and that she met “so many great people during the contest.”
- Dr. Karen Fiorillo of Modern Nature in Collegeville, PA, reported that her net revenue increased by 55%, after placing in the Top 15 nationally and No. 1 in Pennsylvania.
Any Alignable member is eligible to vote, run, or win and can participate by clicking here. SMB owners who aren’t in Alignable’s network yet can sign up for free on alignable.com.
"Each year, this contest thrives on the positivity and encouragement our best networkers bring,” said Alignable’s CEO Eric Groves. “They strengthen relationships, spark referrals, and build a powerful wave of mutual support. It’s incredibly gratifying to see our business owners give each other the recognition they deserve on such a grand scale.”
Contact chuck@alignable.com to arrange interviews with top contest contenders.
About Alignable
Alignable.com is the largest online business networking platform for U.S. and Canadian business owners, with over 9.2 million members in 35,000+ communities. It’s where they connect locally, meet industry peers, and find catalysts to transform their business trajectory.
Comments (1-10)
Thank you for this inspiring announcement about the 2025 Local Business Person of the Year Contest. It’s incredible to see Alignable continue its mission of connecting and empowering small business owners across North America. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of Alignable’s recognition , this contest not only highlights the remarkable achievements of local leaders but also fosters a sense of community and mutual support that is truly invaluable in today’s world.
This contest is more than just a competition—it’s a testament to the power of small businesses as the heart of our communities. Thank you Chuck, for leading this initiative with such vision and passion.
I think this year, 2025, the contest will be bigger and better as more and more SMBs become aware of that, “The Power of the Vote Keeps One Afloat”. Yeah, I said it! Its my catchphrase. Say it with me, “THE POWER OF THE VOTE, KEEPS ONE AFLOAT”!
One of the most exciting, fantastic things about Alignable is the "Local Businessperson of the Year Contest." Why? We get to spotlight our fellow solopreneurs and entrepreneurs and give them kudos! The enthusiasm from this contest is infectious! I'm so thankful to Alignable because right when I needed a great tribe and community to grow our business, you were there. I've made countless connections with terrific people and found friends and huge supporters and advocates right here. and finally the "glue" … thank you Chuck Casto who makes it all happen! Good luck everyone!
Small businesses are the heart and soul of communities across the U.S. and Canada. The Local Business of the Year contest is a great way to honor these great leaders. Looking forward to reconnecting with friends and connecting with new people during this year's event!
Thank you Chuck and Alignable, wishing everyone a great contest! I am now the New President of Alamo Area Home Care Council serving the senior community! Thank you for you support!
The Local Businessperson of the Year contest is a great way to show support to those who support you and your business on Alignable! Good luck to everyone 🎉
Thank you, Chuck!
Representing my town of Collegeville, state of Pennsylvania, and all of North America has been an honor and a privilege 🙌.
Best of luck to all the 2025 nominees!
Go make a difference as we “Vote and Thrive in 2025!”
It’s great to see the positive impact other winners have had, Chuck—thanks for sharing!
I love the energy that this contest creates ... and the new connections that are made. Thank you for supporting our business growth, being in the Top 50 in 2024 increased my Connections, Recommendations, and so many Collaborations… I look forward to lots of amazing connections for 2025💜🤩🙌Let's Thrive Together 2025
Dear Fellow Leaders, I believe that we do not to need admonish our fellow Alignable members on the rules of the contest. If we understand and believe in the rules, then we all are simply better for it.
Let’s be the example of voting with authenticity. It makes a difference when we know, like, and trust our connections. I know who you are; and that’s what truly matters.