Dr. Sarah Kate Fisher Welcomed as New Co-Owner of Alabama Hearing Associates
"When I started looking for a more collaborative practice closer to home, I met with Dr. Jan Liles and Dr. Susan Sheehy while I was visiting family," Dr. Sarah Kate Fisher recalled. "We instantly clicked." That chance meeting in 2019 turned out to be anything but coincidental. Alabama Hearing Associates, the premier North Alabama audiology practice, is proud to announce that Dr. Fisher has joined the team as a partner and co-owner after years of dedicated service to the practice. Founded 25 years ago,
Cash Flow Strategies Every Shoals Small Business Should Know
Running a small business in Florence-Muscle Shoals means navigating a regional economy that spans music tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail — each with its own seasonal rhythms and payment cycles. Cash flow — the net movement of money into and out of your business — is what holds operations together through all of it. Cash flow problems kill 82% of small businesses, even those generating real sales. The good news: most of these problems are manageable with the right habits in place.Invoice the
Small Business Success in the Shoals: What It Actually Takes to Last
Small businesses account for 43.5% of U.S. GDP and employ nearly 60 million Americans — yet the majority don't survive ten years. The businesses that do aren't just hardworking; they're deliberate about the right things at the right time. For entrepreneurs in Florence-Muscle Shoals, a regional economy built on healthcare, manufacturing, and a cultural legacy that draws visitors from around the world, "the right things" are specific. Here's what the evidence points to.Getting Past Year One Isn't the
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Fuel Alabama selects 11 host communities for 2026 summer programming
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2026 Fuel Alabama selects 11 host communities for 2026 summer programming BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Fuel Alabama (FuelAL), a statewide talent attraction and retention initiative of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, has selected 11 host communities to lead its 2026 summer programming. The program connects college students and interns with Alabama’s industries, culture and communities through immersive experiences
Supporting ADA and Language Access: A Practical Path for Chambers of Commerce
Local businesses across Alabama—especially those supported by the Shoals Chamber of Commerce—are facing a rapid shift in expectations around digital accessibility, language access, and inclusive communication. As customer bases become more diverse and ADA standards evolve, small and mid-sized organizations must ensure their information can be understood by everyone who walks through the door—or lands on their website. Before we explore practical steps, here’s a quick snapshot: Growing accessibility
This Is How Small Business Owners Can Collaborate for Successful Partnerships
Starting or growing a small business often means joining forces with others. Whether pooling resources, entering new markets, or sharing expertise, strong partnerships can help small business owners achieve more together than they could alone. But collaboration only works when trust, clarity, and mutual value are at the center. Building the Foundation for Collaboration Effective collaboration begins with alignment. Small business owners need to clarify shared goals, decision-making processes, and
Keeping the Buzz Alive: Digital Strategies for Trade Show Wins
Trade shows once lived and died by the energy on the floor. The hum of conversation, the rustle of brochures, the unmistakable buzz of opportunity hanging in the air. But today, their power extends far beyond the convention center walls, thanks to a digital world that never goes dark. To squeeze the most from event investments, smart brands are leaning hard into digital tools before, during, and especially after the show. Start Long Before the Nametags Print The moment a trade show is booked, the real
How Small Businesses Can Get a Handle on Document Chaos
Managing documents in a small business often feels like juggling receipts in a wind tunnel. Paper piles up, digital folders multiply like rabbits, and before long, key contracts or invoices go missing in the mess. What starts as an honest attempt to stay organized can unravel quickly without a deliberate strategy. But the good news? It doesn’t take an enterprise-level system to bring some order to the chaos—just consistent habits, smart tools, and a bit of foresight. Rethink “Organized” from the Ground
Making Online and Offline Marketing Work Together for Small Business
If you’re running a small business, you’re used to doing a lot with a little. Your resources are limited, your time is scarce, and your energy is stretched thin. So when it comes to marketing, you can’t afford to waste effort on strategies that don’t connect. And yet, many small business owners still treat digital and physical marketing like two separate planets, orbiting the same sun but never crossing paths. The truth is, your best chance at growing sustainably is learning how to make these two worlds