The largest online referral network for small businesses, Alignable.com is announcing the results of its annual national search for leaders who’ve gone above and beyond guiding peers and supporting entire communities as many small businesses continue to combat major economic challenges.

Today, Alignable’s network of 7.8 million small business owners has chosen Mollie Watkins of Comprehensive Consulting Solutions for Small Businesses as Fayetteville, Arkansas’ 2023 Businessperson of The Year!   Mollie Watkins has won this award for three years in a row - she has been the Fayetteville Businessperson of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2023!  

The 2023 contest is the most popular competition Alignable has hosted in five years, marking a 61% jump in participation over 2022. 

All told, 3,750 communities across the U.S. and Canada selected 3,976 winners this year (including ties). That’s an increase of 1,400+ additional Local Businesspeople Of The Year compared to 2022.

226,000+ Votes & Nearly 51,000 Testimonials

During the contest, which ran from Jan. 9, 2023, to Feb. 17, 2023, 226,000+ votes and close to 51,000 testimonials were posted praising 125,000+ local leaders for helping their peers and communities through a turbulent year with many challenges, including high inflation, rising interest rates, and fears of a recession.

In fact, 67% of small businesses are still trying to reach the revenue levels they had prior to COVID, struggling to recover after nearly three years. This situation highlights how important it is for the contest winners to continue their work helping even more businesses bounce back from pandemic-era hurdles, as well as post-COVID problems that have emerged.

Supporting Each Other Is Key​

“In our local business community, we look out for each other and refer businesses down the street or around the corner to help make everyone in town as successful as possible,” said Watkins. “And the challenges we’ve all encountered have compelled many of us to offer counsel to peers fighting to keep their businesses afloat. While I’m thrilled to receive this award, it’s really a testament to our entire community. And it reinforces my resolve to push toward a full recovery for everyone here in Fayetteville by the end of 2023.”  

Watkins received a special badge on her Alignable profile, recognizing this big win. In past years, the awareness generated through similar contests has spurred expanded connections, as well as new business for many winners. 

Driving Recognition Is Important  ​

“This has been a fun and rewarding contest to watch unfold,” said Alignable’s President & Co-Founder Venkat Krishnamurthy. “Local business owners are the heart and soul of their communities, and they deserve to get much more recognition for all they do. Friendly competition aside, this contest generated some incredible peer testimonials, showing exactly why small business owners are stronger together.”  

To arrange interviews with Mollie Watkins and/or an Alignable representative, please contact Chuck Casto at chuck@alignable.com. He also can offer JPEGs and other visuals, as well as local winner testimonials.

About Comprehensive Consulting Solutions for Small Business​

Comprehensive Consulting Solutions for Small Businesses offers business management consulting for small business owners that need business consulting and coaching solutions to increase operational efficiencies and maximize profit.

About Alignable​

Alignable.com is the largest online referral network for small businesses in the U.S. and Canada. With 7.8 million members across 35,000+ communities, Alignable is the network where small business owners come together. Whether you’re connecting with local small businesses, meeting peers in your industry, or finding a catalyst who will introduce you to their network, Alignable is where businesses connect and change their business trajectory.  

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