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Richardson Christmas Tree Farm opens Nov. 28
Richardson Christmas Tree Farm opens Nov. 28Elves busy making Spring Grove farm, gift shop readyfor family memory-making adventures this winterSPRING GROVE — Standing just outside the Richardson Christmas Tree Farm gift shop, Lisa Bauman aimed her can of metallic gold spray paint at a tinfoil dish full of pine cones destined to add pop to fresh evergreen centerpieces.Meanwhile, on the ground floor of a nearby 1890-circa barn, nearly a dozen women nipped, tucked and weaved at different wreath and
Bringing Order to Growth: How Local Businesses Can Scale with Clarity and Calm
Running a business on the rise can feel like juggling while balancing on a paddleboard — thrilling but unstable. As operations expand, what once worked intuitively starts to fray: projects pile up, communication slows, and decision fatigue sets in. Bringing order isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing smarter.TL;DR To scale sustainably, business owners should: Standardize and document key processes. Automate low-value tasks. Use connected tools to maintain transparency. Review systems
Mercyhealth welcomes board certified family medicine doctor
Mercyhealth welcomes board certified family medicine doctor CRYSTAL LAKE, Illinois—Mercyhealth is pleased to welcome Janet Barkhou, MD, board certified family medicine doctor, to the staff at Mercyhealth Hospital and Physician Clinic–Crystal Lake, 875 S. Route 31. Dr. Barkhou likes when patients participate in their own care. “I always encourage my patients to have an active part in their health care, while I help provide options for management through informed discussion.” After earning her medical
McHenry Outdoor, Star 105.5 team up for toy drive
McHenry Outdoor, Star 105.5 team up for toy driveFree Outdoor admission offered to those bringingnew, unwrapped toys for KIN Secret Santa Dec. 5-6LAKEMOOR — The McHenry Outdoor Theater and Star 105.5 are joining forces to help the new Kids in Need Secret Santa program meet demand this holiday season.On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6, anyone bringing at least one new, unwrapped toy to the theater box office will receive free carload admission to see “Elf,” the 2003 holiday classic featuring Will Ferrell,
Festive Christmas Market returns to Lakemoor on Black Friday
If you goWhat: Mistletoe & MartinisWhen: Noon to 5 p.m. Black Friday, Nov. 28Where: Countryside Banquets, 28874 Route 120, LakemoorFeaturing: Hand-crafted gifts, seasonal sips, photos with Santa, Toys for Tots drop-off Festive Christmas Market returns to Lakemoor on Black FridayChain O’ Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce invites community to kick off the holiday season; support local businessesLAKEMOOR — The public is invited to take in hand-crafted art, décor and gifts of all sorts at delightfully
A Beginner’s Guide to Basic Business Terms: What Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Should Know
Starting a business means stepping into a world filled with contracts, costs, capital, and customers. But before you build your brand or pitch your first client, it's essential to speak the language of business. This guide simplifies key terms so you can focus on launching with clarity, confidence, and credibility. Key Terms Every New Business Owner Should Know Understanding these terms is crucial not just for your own planning but also for communicating with investors, partners, and service
Start Strong, Stay Seen: Branding Basics for Small Business Owners
Branding isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how they land. It shapes how people remember a name, trust a promise, and decide where to put their money. Every interaction becomes part of the memory. A phrase. A color. A moment that felt clear or confusing. What sticks isn’t always the most polished thing — it’s the most consistent, the most human, the most felt. For any small business stepping into a crowded market, brand identity becomes the signal in the noise — the reason someone pays
How SMBs Can Confidently Step into Global Markets
In a world where the click of a button can connect customers across oceans, expanding into international markets is less a luxury and more a viable growth path for small and mid-sized businesses. But breaking into unfamiliar territory isn’t as simple as translating a website or shipping products overseas. It demands foresight, agility, and cultural humility—qualities often overshadowed by the grandeur of large-scale expansion dreams. For many SMBs, the move can be transformative, but only if grounded in
FinCEN's BOI Filing Deadline: 01/01/2025 - Businesses Must File Now to Avoid Fines!
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to enhance transparency and combat illicit financial activities. As of today, November 27, 2024, Racine, Wisconsin, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—act quickly to avoid $500 per day fines! What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses qualify as
Turning Vision into Reality: How Young Entrepreneurs Can Build a Thriving Startup
In a world brimming with creativity, a single brilliant idea can be the spark that ignites a revolution. However, the journey from a lightbulb moment to a thriving startup is fraught with challenges and requires a strategic roadmap. If you’re ready to turn your visionary idea into reality, this article will guide you through the essential steps needed to build a successful startup, offering insights that can propel your concept from inception to market success.Building a Minimum Viable Product to Test
Small Business Shield: Guarding Against Economic Downturns
In a world where economic volatility is a constant, small businesses often find themselves at the forefront of vulnerability. However, it's precisely in these fluctuating economic times that opportunities for growth and stability emerge. This guide explores critical strategies designed to fortify your small business against economic downturns, ensuring not just survival but also the potential for growth and long-term success.Securing Your Business Records Using PDFs To recession-proof their
