Salvaged With Grace: A New Vintage Haven in Downtown Columbiana

Downtown Columbiana welcomes a charming new destination for antique and vintage enthusiasts with the opening of Salvaged With Grace, a boutique store that promises to delight collectors and design lovers alike.

The shop's newest proprietor, Lisa Gray, is no stranger to the world of vintage restoration and retail. An accomplished flipper from Mahoning County, Gray brings her keen eye for unique treasures and design to this exciting new venture.

When local business owners Steve and Irene Evans were seeking the perfect person to transform their space, Gray was among their first and most promising contacts. Her reputation for breathing new life into vintage finds made her the ideal candidate to create a distinctive shopping experience in the heart of downtown.

Salvaged With Grace promises to be more than just a store—it's a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and the timeless beauty of carefully curated vintage pieces.

1Fort, an innovative InsurTech startup, has secured a substantial $7.5 million in fresh funding, signaling a significant boost to its mission of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology for business insurance platforms. The strategic investment will enable the company to further develop and refine its cutting-edge AI capabilities, positioning 1Fort at the forefront of digital transformation in the insurance industry. By leveraging this new capital, 1Fort aims to enhance its intelligent platform, creating more sophisticated and responsive solutions that can streamline insurance processes, improve risk assessment, and deliver more personalized services to businesses across various sectors. The funding round underscores the growing investor confidence in 1Fort's technological approach and its potential to revolutionize traditional insurance methodologies through smart, AI-driven innovations. MORE...

Networking Opportunities Await: Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Business After Hours Expo Mark your calendars for an exciting evening of professional connections and community networking! The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce is set to host its much-anticipated annual Business After Hours Expo on Tuesday, April 29th. This premier event offers local business professionals a dynamic platform to expand their networks, forge new partnerships, and discover innovative opportunities within the county's vibrant business community. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with meaningful interactions, potential collaborations, and the chance to showcase their businesses in a welcoming and energetic environment. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a rising professional, this expo promises to be an invaluable experience for connecting with like-minded individuals and strengthening the local business ecosystem. Don't miss this opportunity to grow your professional network and make lasting business connections at the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours Expo. MORE...

MicroKits has become part of a bold legal challenge against the White House, joining forces with four other businesses in a groundbreaking lawsuit spearheaded by the Liberty Justice Center. This collaborative legal action represents a significant stand against federal policies that the companies believe are overreaching and potentially harmful to their operations. The lawsuit, which brings together businesses from diverse regions of the United States, signals a united front in challenging what the plaintiffs perceive as governmental overreach. By partnering with the Liberty Justice Center, MicroKits and its fellow businesses are seeking to protect their rights and challenge regulatory practices they view as problematic. While specific details of the lawsuit remain confidential, the involvement of multiple businesses suggests a coordinated effort to address broader concerns about federal policy implementation. The Liberty Justice Center, known for taking on complex legal challenges that defend individual and business freedoms, provides strategic legal support for this important case. This legal action underscores the growing tension between small businesses and federal regulatory frameworks, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about the balance between government oversight and entrepreneurial independence. MORE...

Downtown Springfield Buzzes with Economic Optimism at Annual Business District Gathering Local business leaders and community stakeholders converged Thursday morning for the Springfield Business Improvement District's annual meeting, marking a pivotal moment of reflection and strategic planning for the city's economic landscape. The event, held at the downtown conference center, brought together entrepreneurs, city officials, and economic development professionals to discuss the district's achievements, challenges, and future initiatives. Attendees heard comprehensive reports on the past year's economic developments, shared insights on emerging business trends, and collaborated on strategies to enhance downtown Springfield's commercial vitality. Key discussions centered on potential infrastructure improvements, marketing strategies for attracting new businesses, and innovative approaches to supporting local entrepreneurs. The meeting underscored the district's commitment to fostering a dynamic and resilient business environment that can adapt to changing economic conditions. With an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collective purpose, the annual meeting highlighted the Springfield Business Improvement District's ongoing efforts to drive economic growth and community prosperity. MORE...

For Owen Thornton, Bishop Brady's standout senior baseball player, this season represents more than just another year on the diamond—it's a chance to cap off his high school career with the ultimate prize: a state championship. As he steps onto the field for his final season, Thornton is laser-focused on leaving a lasting legacy. With determination etched across his face and years of hard work behind him, he's determined to lead his team to victory and create a memorable finale to his high school baseball journey. Every pitch, every swing, and every play carries the weight of his senior year ambitions. Thornton knows this is his last opportunity to bring home the coveted state title, and he's prepared to give everything he has to make that dream a reality. His teammates and coaches have rallied behind his passion, understanding that this isn't just about winning—it's about creating a defining moment that will be remembered long after the final out is called. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Thornton, watching to see if he can transform his senior year dream into a championship celebration. MORE...

Northeast Arkansas Celebrates Business Excellence: Annual Awards Highlight Regional Innovators For the fifth consecutive year, Talk Business & Politics has shone a spotlight on the most exceptional businesses in Northeast Arkansas. The prestigious Northeast Arkansas Outstanding Business of the Year Award continues to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of local companies that drive economic growth and innovation in the region. This annual recognition serves as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and remarkable success of businesses that are making significant contributions to the local economy. By highlighting these outstanding organizations, the award not only honors their achievements but also inspires other businesses to strive for excellence. The carefully selected honorees represent the best of Northeast Arkansas's business landscape, demonstrating remarkable performance, community impact, and commitment to sustainable growth. Their success stories continue to showcase the region's vibrant economic potential and entrepreneurial dynamism. MORE...

In a recent statement, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos hinted at the platform's potential expansion into video podcasts, signaling the streaming giant's ongoing commitment to diversifying its content offerings. Sarandos suggested that video podcasts could be the next innovative format to emerge on Netflix, reflecting the company's proactive approach to discovering and supporting creators across various media landscapes. The executive's comments underscore Netflix's continuous strategy of exploring new content formats and providing opportunities for emerging talent. By considering video podcasts as a potential addition to their lineup, the streaming service demonstrates its adaptability and willingness to embrace evolving digital media trends. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Netflix remains at the forefront of content innovation, consistently seeking fresh and engaging ways to connect with audiences and provide unique viewing experiences. MORE...

MDOT spokesperson Rob Morosi highlighted the challenges posed by the historic bricks, describing them as a potential long-term maintenance challenge for transportation officials. The vintage paving material, while rich in historical character, presents significant logistical and financial considerations for ongoing road upkeep and preservation efforts. MORE...

The Greater Wausau Business EXPO drew an impressive crowd of approximately 5,000 attendees on Thursday, showcasing the vibrant business community's energy and enthusiasm. The annual event, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, transformed the local convention center into a bustling hub of networking, innovation, and opportunity. Businesses from across the region gathered to connect, share insights, and highlight their latest offerings to an eager audience of professionals and entrepreneurs. MORE...