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News
Monday, October 06, 20252025 Comcast Business Small Business Cybersecurity Guide
Cyber threats are growing in both volume and complexity, and small businesses like yours now face an even greater risk. Comcast Business is here to help. Get our Small Business Cybersecurity Guide to learn more about how you can help protect your business.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025Illinois Valley Food Pantry Officially Reopens at New Location
It’s official. The Illinois Valley Food Pantry is open for business again after briefly being closed while it moved into a new building at 4133 Progress Blvd. in Peru. The first food distribution from the Pantry’s new home will be from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the new building was held Tuesday morning, Sept. 30. Members of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce were joined at the ceremony by Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski, members of the local banking
Monday, September 29, 2025SRCCF grant awarded to IVCC Director of Jazz Studies by NCI ARTworks
Press Release - For immediate releaseContact Julia Messina, Executive Director, outreach@nciartworks.com or 815-866-5167PERU, IL (Monday, September 29, 2025) – NCI ARTworks Executive Director, Julia Messina, presents a grant from Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to Brandon Czbuchowski and Laurie Smudzinski for coordinating the masterclasses and concerts of famed trumpet master Dr. Stephen Hawk at IVCC.IVCC Director of Jazz Studies, Brandon Czubachowski, and Jazz Wind Ensemble member, Laurie
Friday, September 26, 2025Minimize Mistakes, Maximize Growth: A Real-World Guide for Founders
When a small business reaches a crossroads—whether it’s expanding into a new market, launching a service, or partnering with another company—it's tempting to move quickly. But with growth comes risk, and without safeguards, that momentum can turn into expensive setbacks. Fortunately, there are proven ways to pursue bold moves without betting the farm. This guide offers actionable steps for small business owners to reduce risk, increase clarity, and confidently pursue growth—all without sacrificing
Wednesday, September 24, 2025Star Union Spirits has been awarded Best In Class
Star Union Spirits has been awarded Best in Class for its 75-25 Reserve Light Whiskey at the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition September 20, 2025, For Immediate Release: The Heartland Whiskey Competition has awarded Best in Class to Star Union Spirits for its 75-25 Reserve Light Whiskey. The 2025 competition is the fifth biennial Heartland Whiskey Competition. The Heartland Whiskey Competition was established to highlight the numerous and diverse applications of corn and to support an industry
Monday, June 30, 2025Frame by Frame: How Visual Storytelling Pushes Small Brands to Great Heights
The brands people remember tend to have more than just a good product or clever tagline. They show up with stories that feel like they could belong to anyone. That’s where visual storytelling steps in, not as decoration but as the connective tissue between business and audience. For small businesses looking to stand out in a world of endless scrolling, visual storytelling isn’t just effective—it’s essential. Creating Memory Through Emotion Images that evoke emotion plant roots in memory in a way text
Friday, May 02, 2025Guarding the Door: How Small Businesses Can Build Cybersecurity Resilience
The threat landscape for small businesses has evolved faster than most could have predicted. Once viewed as too small to attract serious digital attacks, smaller enterprises have now become prime targets for cybercriminals seeking easier wins. Ransomware, phishing, and data breaches no longer discriminate by company size. With limited resources and competing priorities, many small businesses find themselves dangerously exposed. However, building strong cybersecurity practices doesn't have to be an
Monday, January 06, 2025Game-Changing Methods to Amplify Your Restaurant’s Success
Scaling a restaurant business demands a strategic blend of innovation and efficiency. In today’s competitive market, leveraging modern technologies and smart practices is essential to not only survive but thrive. By focusing on digital transformation, visual branding, and operational efficiency, restaurants can position themselves for sustained growth. These strategies not only enhance customer experiences but also streamline operations, making it easier to adapt to changing market demands.The Power of
Tuesday, December 10, 2024What Businesses in Peru, IL Need to Know About the CTA, BOI and FinCEN
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Monday, November 18, 2024Setting Up Your Home Business the Right Way With Key Legal Insights
Starting a home-based business offers the allure of flexibility and independence, but it also demands a thorough understanding of legal requirements. Entrepreneurs must navigate a landscape of regulations, from selecting the appropriate business structure to ensuring compliance with local zoning laws. Each decision carries implications for liability and operational freedom, making it crucial to approach these steps with diligence.Choosing the Right Business Structure One of the first decisions you’ll
Monday, November 04, 2024Tips for Smarter Data Processing with the Power of AI
Data pulses through modern commerce like a heartbeat, growing faster and wilder every day. Mastering this rush means turning raw, unwieldy information into clarity and insight—a feat only achievable with the right tools. AI and machine learning are more than just gadgets in this process; they are powerful forces that can shape how you handle data and fuel innovation. These tools dive into data's depths, helping businesses not only keep up with the pace but carve out new paths forward, making smarter
Thursday, October 17, 2024Acrobat Power Moves: Adobe Tools Help Women Entrepreneurs Crush It
This Women’s Small Business Month, it’s time to spotlight the resources that help women entrepreneurs soar. Adobe Acrobat simplifies key business processes, from document management to team collaboration, freeing up time for what matters most—scaling their companies. Whether refining workflows or speeding up decision-making, these features give women business owners a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. Acrobat AI Assistant: With Acrobat AI Assistant, you can see for yourself
Friday, July 26, 2024Strategic Response: Actions to Take When Your Business Hits a Rough Patch
Encountering challenging periods in business can be overwhelming, yet they also offer a chance for significant transformation. It's crucial to approach these times with a strategic mindset and readiness to adapt. Embracing change and implementing thoughtful strategies can turn adversity into an opportunity for growth. This article explores essential steps to help your business navigate through tough times and emerge more resilient.Focus on Core Business Functions and Offerings for Optimal Growth For
Friday, May 31, 2024Boost Your Business Efficiency: The Ultimate Guide to Outsourcing Tech Functions
For small business owners, the challenges of wearing multiple hats are often compounded by the need to manage a variety of tech-related tasks. These activities require a specific skill set and can consume a significant portion of your valuable time and resources. Outsourcing these functions to professionals not only saves time but can also greatly enhance the quality and effectiveness of each task. In this article, we explore various tech-related tasks that are prime candidates for outsourcing.Utilize AI
Monday, April 29, 2024Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant: All You Have to Do Is Ask Acrobat’s Generative AI Document & PDF Tool
Adobe Acrobat has long been an invaluable tool for business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees all over the world thanks to its wide array of PDF generation and editing tools. Now, Acrobat AI Assistant offers new benefits for businesses of all sizes. Acrobat AI Assistant’s revolutionary software can transform your business with its incredible features: Enhanced Document Understanding: The AI Assistant utilizes machine learning algorithms to understand the content and structure of PDF documents
Friday, April 12, 2024Charting a Course to Triumph: A Guide for Emerging Entrepreneurs
The venture into entrepreneurship is a thrilling yet formidable journey brimming with uncertainties. Armed with the right mindset and strategic approaches, emerging business owners can deftly maneuver through these challenges. This guide offers actionable insights to aid in navigating the complexities of launching and managing a new venture.Establishing Achievable Goals Grasping the essence of the entrepreneurial path is critical. It's imperative to set attainable objectives to sidestep potential issues.
Wednesday, April 03, 2024From Battlefield to Boardroom: Resources for Veterans Starting Businesses
As a veteran transitioning back into civilian life, you may be considering the exciting prospect of starting your own business. There are numerous resources available to guide and support you in this journey. Keep reading to learn more.Write Stellar Business Proposals For veterans embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship, creating compelling business proposals is paramount to success. Winning proposals not only secure funding but also lay the groundwork for expanding projects and fostering business
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