Mary Ann Shaner of WXED Honored As Ellwood City’s Local Business Person Of The Year By Alignable

The largest online referral network for small businesses, Alignable.com is announcing the results of its 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.

This week, Alignable’s network of 7.8 small business owners has chosen Mary Ann Shaner of 107.3 WXED as Ellwood City’s 2023 Business Person of the Year.

The 2023 contest is the most popular competition Alignable has ever 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 Business People Of The Year compared to last year.

During the contest, which ran from January 9, 2023 to February 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-ear hurdles, as well as post-COVID problems that have emerged.

Shaner received a special badge on the radio’s Alignable.com profile page.

According to its Alignable.com profile, 107.3 WXED is a non-profit all volunteer radio station serving Ellwood City area and surrounding communities. We are community oriented and focus on supporting small business. We have a community bulletin board to keep the public informed of helpful information and events. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit station functioning totally on sponsorship and donations.