THE 2026 VISION

As we come to the close of another year, it’s natural to pause and reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed next. Vision-setting isn’t just a personal exercise; it’s essential for business and for community. Looking back at 2025, our association experienced remarkable growth, expanding from approximately 50 local small businesses to 134 members. That growth tells a story of connection, relevance, and shared purpose, and our vision for 2026 is simple and intentional: keep inviting, keep building, and keep strengthening our local business community.

Over the past year, we’ve been thoughtful about expanding the value of membership in ways that truly support business owners. We broadened opportunities for members to increase brand visibility through social media promotion and Meet the Member interviews, allowing businesses to share their stories, services, and passions with a wider audience. Our Mingles created space to showcase member businesses while fostering meaningful, face-to-face connections. Meet-ups encouraged us to show patronage to local establishments, reinforcing the idea that supporting one another is not just encouraged, it’s practiced.

We created more access and transparency through initiatives like Breakfast with the Board, offering members the opportunity to meet one-on-one, ask questions, share ideas, and feel genuinely supported. Lunch and Learns allowed members to share their expertise while providing practical business education on topics that matter. These gatherings weren’t just about learning; they were about empowerment and collaboration.

Recognizing that successful businesses are built by healthy people, we intentionally incorporated wellness into our programming.

We proudly continued the tradition of our quarterly lunches, which have become a cornerstone for connection within our community. These gatherings bring together past members, current members, community organizations, and community members in a welcoming and inclusive space. Sharing a meal allows for organic conversation, meaningful networking, and the exchange of knowledge in a way that feels fun, supportive, and accessible. These lunches reinforce the belief that some of the most impactful connections are made when we slow down, sit together, and engage authentically. From wellness-focused offerings that support a healthy mind and body to mindful meals and movement-based events, we emphasized the importance of community connection, balance, and what we often forget in business, the sacred pause. Time to reflect, reset, and realign is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

We also celebrated creativity and passion within our community through book signings and special events that allowed local authors, creatives, and experts to share their work and knowledge. These moments reminded us that business is not only transactional, but also personal, expressive, and deeply connected to who we are.

One of our most impactful events, the Mega Mingle, intentionally supported several businesses that do not operate out of a traditional brick-and-mortar space.

We continue to proudly engage in our annual Festival at the Falls, a longstanding tradition of the WFBPA that has become a hallmark event for our community. This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Festival, an exciting milestone that reflects years of collaboration, commitment, and community spirit. The Festival brings more than 4,000 community members to Mesier Park and features over 70 vendors and business members, along with more than 20 diverse food vendors and food trucks. This event not only highlights the vibrancy of our local business community but also creates an inclusive, family-friendly space where connection, creativity, and local commerce thrive.

Throughout the year, we made it a priority to acknowledge both new and renewing members, recognizing that growth is sustained not only by invitation but by retention, appreciation, and shared value. Staying connected and informed has been central to this effort through our monthly newsletter, The Connection. This email publication serves as a consistent touchpoint for sharing upcoming events, community happenings, member highlights, and opportunities for engagement. The Connection reinforces transparency, collaboration, and the sense that every member, new or longstanding, is an integral part of what we are building together. By creating visibility and opportunity for these entrepreneurs, we reinforced our commitment to inclusivity and innovation within our business community.

As we step into 2026, our vision is rooted in momentum, connection, and care. We will continue to expand opportunities, deepen relationships, and support businesses not just in growth, but in sustainability and well-being.

Together, we are creating more than a network, we are building a thriving, connected community where local businesses and the people behind them can truly flourish.