Editor’s Letter

In general, dictionaries peg the word recreation as meaning a ‘resource affording relaxation and enjoyment’. Relaxation and enjoyment. Hmmm, two words not generally associated with the business world

I have always enjoyed learning. It’s probably one of the things that led me into journalism in the first place. The opportunity to cover and learn about something different every day.

After years of being on the outside and anticipating who would be Connect Business Magazine’s Business Person of the Year each January, I was excited to be on the other side this year!

As I speak with and interview business leaders in our community, one thing is apparent: the winds of change are a blowin’. One industry in the midst of tremendous transition is health care. And that is an industry that affects every business, every person, every life.

I have always been amazed at the mettle of my friends and acquaintances who take the plunge into starting or buying a business. Cutting ties with a steady paycheck, benefits, regular hours…a boss, has always been a scary proposition for me. Yet, I understand why they do it.

There’s a well-known saying: “No guts, no glory.” It’s true in a lot of areas of life, and that includes business. Rarely will a business see incredible success if the owners play it safe.

When it comes to business, remaining the same is usually not the best business model. Shrewd business owners and entrepreneurs realize that for a business to thrive, it needs to keep growing and improving. That expansion can happen in many ways, whether it’s adding a location, a product line or a new employee.

The nominations were collected, the votes were tallied and the suspense is over: We’ve got the names of our 2016 Business Person of the Year winners…