Last fall, when the economic downturn became a daily news topic, it didn’t take long to get a little sick of all of the doom-and-gloom reports. On one hand, it is what it is. The economy stinks. But on the other hand, come on already!
That’s why we decided to take matters into our own hands, and shine a different light on the economic downturn with the April/May MyBusiness cover story, “A Helping Hand: How small business is stepping up to end the recession.”

We (or rather, Hammock’s own Megan Pacella) found small business owners determined to play a role in supporting their customers and communities through hard times. The faces in the photos corresponding with this story (including the one on the cover) are all smiles. As they should be, because in addition to encouraging customers to continue doing business with them (thanks to recession-related discounts), these small business owners can also feel better knowing that they’re doing all they can to support others who can no longer support themselves. It’s an uplifting story on a very negative topic, and I encourage you to read it.
While you’re at it, check out the rest of the issue, which includes plenty of tips on how to cultivate better relationships with customers and employees, as well as a look at this year’s $787 billion stimulus bill and what effect, if any, it will have on small business owners.