BOSTON - Marylandian -- Today, Alignable's network of 7.8 million small business owners has chosen Char Ferguson of Just Call The I.T. Guy as Wylie's 2023 Business Person Of The Year!

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 Business People 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

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"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 Ferguson.  "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 Wylie, TX by the end of 2023."

Ferguson received a special badge that is displayed on her Alignable profile, recognizing her win. In past years, the awareness generated through similar contests has spurred expanded connections, as well as new business for many winners, including Ferguson, who has won several other honors including last year's Business Person Of The Year in Wylie, TX.

Ferguson is the Ambassador of the North Dallas, Texas Alignable Alliance.  Ambassadors are a local extension of Alignable responsible for bringing local businesses together and organizing activities to build strong community relationships. The North Dallas Alliance sponsors a virtual and an in-person meetup monthly.

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."

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

About Just Call The I.T. Guy

Ferguson and husband Jay started their business, Just Call The I.T. Guy in 2010 in Wylie, TX.  As a MSP (Managed Service Provider), their main focus is Cybersecurity deliverables that keep their clients protected and educated. "We provide services that ensure your network operations are running optimally and securely," Ferguson commented. "We service local businesses throughout the Dallas Ft. Worth area and sponsor numerous workshops and events throughout the year to enhance Cyber Awareness within your organization, business group, or community."

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.