Shop Local News

October 5 2015

Prominent Local Business Leaders, Influencers To Speak At 2015 South Bay Business Mavericks Event

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

Panelists include Debbie Goldberg (Fresh Brothers), Fred Bruning (The Waterfront Redondo, CenterCal), Rich Marcello (Strand Brewing Co), Phil Sblendorio (Farmers & Merchants Bank), Dan Morad (INVIGORADE Endurance Drink)

Redondo Beach, California (October 5, 2015) —– ShopLocal.us announced its lineup of panelists for the 2015 South Bay Business Mavericks. The annual event is a celebratory gala bringing together prominent local business leaders and influencers to celebrate and honor small businesses of the South Bay.

Hosted by ShopLocal.us, the Mavericks Gala features an intriguing and thoughtful Q&A; panel discussion with business leaders, sharing powerful lessons that inspired them to launch and take risks to help them thrive in business. The panel discussion is followed by ShopLocal’s 3rd Annual Small Indie Business Grant Awards Ceremony where three local small businesses will be revealed as winners and presented with their grant awards.

Confirmed panelists include: • Debbie Goldberg, Co-founder & Chief Marketing Officer, Fresh Brothers • Fred Bruning, CEO, CenterCal Properties, LLC (The Waterfront Redondo) • Rich Marcello, Co-founder, Strand Brewing Co • Phil Sblendorio, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Farmers & Merchants Bank • Dan Morad, President & CEO, INVIGORADE Endurance Drink

The Mavericks event was started last year by ShopLocal.us founder, Heidi Butzine. “I started the Mavericks because I wanted to give back to local businesses through our grant program, and build stronger connections within our South Bay business community. We have so much to learn from each other,” said ShopLocal.us Founder Heidi Butzine. “It’s an honor to have this dynamic group of local business leaders join us for this year’s event. Giving our community this opportunity to come together and learn from their experiences is extremely valuable and inspiring for everyone.”

According to Butzine, the Mavericks theme represents what it takes to be in business: courage, creativity, discipline, sound business acumen – and the big ideas it often takes to be a business maverick. “Where conventional wisdom says, something can’t be done, a maverick sees opportunity.”

The evening will include networking opportunities and culminate with an awards ceremony awarding three locally-based small businesses in the South Bay with grant funds aimed at helping them grow or maintain their business. ShopLocal.us encourages all local business professionals and community leaders to register now to secure their spot at the South Bay Business Mavericks Gala. Media are welcome to attend by registering directly with the media contact listed above. For more information visit www.southbaybusinessmavericks.com.

For more information visit www.southbaybusinessmavericks.com or contact Heidi Butzine at heidi@shoplocal.us.

About ShopLocal.us

ShopLocal.us is dedicated to building the economy by boosting the visibility and profitability of small independent businesses through advocacy and grassroots publicity. ShopLocal.us helps connect people and local independent businesses in the marketplace. Over the past two years, ShopLocal.us has given $8,000 total in grant awards and prizes to local businesses in the South Bay community. Winners received this money to help fund important business needs and support the sustainability and growth of their small business. Learn more at http://shoplocal.us/grant/ and www.southbaybusinessmavericks.com

September 1 2015

Shoplocal.Us Announces Panel of Local Business Leaders and Influencers to Speak at October Event

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

Confirmed panelists include Fred Bruning (The Waterfront Redondo Beach/CenterCal Properties), Debbie Goldberg (Fresh Brothers), and more to revealed!

Redondo Beach, California (September 1, 2015) —– ShopLocal.us announced its current lineup of panelists featuring some of the South Bay’s most prominent local business leaders and influencers to speak at the 2015 South Bay Business Mavericks, a celebratory gala in honor of local and independent businesses in the South Bay.

The South Bay Business Mavericks is a unique event bringing together over 100 of the South Bay’s local movers and shakers – business owners, professionals, and community leaders – to celebrate, learn, inspire, connect and honor small businesses. The event is an opportunity to show support and give back to the small local independent businesses that help keep the South Bay communities healthy, wealthy and vibrant.

Confirmed panelists to date include Debbie Goldberg, Co-founder & Chief Marketing Officer of Fresh Brothers and Fred Bruning, CEO of CenterCal Properties, LLC (The Waterfront Redondo Beach). Additional panelists will be announced later this month and will include representatives from locally-based businesses in banking, craft brewing, and a fast growing start-up.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of local business professionals to share their stories of courage, creativity, and risk-taking that goes along with running a business and growing a brand,” said ShopLocal.us Founder Heidi Butzine. “We continue to use the mavericks theme because we believe it represents what it means to be in business today. Where conventional wisdom says, ‘can’t be done,’ the maverick sees opportunity.”

The South Bay Business Mavericks panelists will share powerful lessons that inspired them to launch and take risks to help them thrive in business. Through an intriguing and thoughtful Q&A; discussion, panelists will help inspire the business community through shared stories of perseverance, and the challenges and risks related to being successful in business.

The evening will include networking opportunities and culminate with ShopLocal’s 3rd Annual Small Indie Business Grant Awards ceremony where three locally-based small businesses in the South Bay will be awarded grant funds aimed at helping them grow or maintain their business. ShopLocal.us encourages all local business professionals and community leaders to register now to secure their spot at the South Bay Business Mavericks Gala. Media are welcome to attend by registering directly with the media contact listed above.

For more information visit www.southbaybusinessmavericks.com or contact Heidi Butzine at heidi@shoplocal.us. About ShopLocal.us

ShopLocal.us is dedicated to building the economy by boosting the visibility and profitability of small independent businesses through advocacy and grassroots publicity. ShopLocal.us helps connect people and local independent businesses in the marketplace. Over the past two years, ShopLocal.us has given $8,000 total in grant awards and prizes to local businesses in the South Bay community. Winners receive this money to help fund important business needs and support the sustainability and growth of their small business. Learn more at http://shoplocal.us/grant/ and www.southbaybusinessmavericks.com

July 20 2015

SHOPLOCAL.US NOW ACCEPTING 2015 SUBMISSIONS FROM LOCAL SOUTH BAY BUSINESSES FOR SMALL INDIE BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

In its Third Year of Providing Support for Small Independent Businesses in the South Bay

Redondo Beach, California (July 20, 2015) —– ShopLocal.us announced the submission period is now open for its small business grant awards program. In its third year, the program is aimed at helping independently-owned businesses in the South Bay of Los Angeles grow or maintain their business. Small local businesses that wish to apply must enter online and highlight, in a 2-minute or less video, one thing that a grant award would be used for to contribute most to their success as a small business.

Grant amounts range from $500 to $2,000 in cash along with other business promotional prizes and will be awarded to the top three qualifying businesses. Finalists will be featured online throughout the month of October and the three selected winners will be announced at ShopLocal’s South Bay Business Mavericks Grant Awards and Gala on October 21, 2015.

“The grant program is still very much needed by our local businesses,” said Heidi Butzine. “Taking the leap to start up and then build a brand is not easy and every bit of support helps a small business.” Last year’s event sold out and grant submissions from local businesses doubled from the year before. Said Butzine, “We couldn’t have done it without the support from the community, our incredible speakers and generous sponsors. We look forward to doing it again!”

“We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of local business professionals to share their stories of courage, creativity, and risk-taking that goes along with running a business and growing a brand,” said ShopLocal.us Founder Heidi Butzine. “We chose the mavericks theme because we believe it represents what it means to be in business today. Where conventional wisdom says, ‘can’t be done,’ the maverick sees opportunity.”

ShopLocal.us has given $8,000 in grant awards and prizes to local businesses in the South Bay community over the past two years. Winners received this money to help fund important business needs and support the sustainability and growth of their business.

The ShopLocal.us Small Indie Business Grant program is open only to small independently-owned retail or service businesses that are based and headquartered in the South Bay of Los Angeles. There is no cost to apply. The deadline to complete the application is September 30, 2015. For more information, visit: shoplocalus.bcvbzx4s-liquidwebsites.com/grant

About ShopLocal.us

ShopLocal.us is dedicated to building the economy by boosting the visibility and profitability of small independent businesses through advocacy and grassroots publicity. ShopLocal.us raises consumer awareness about local businesses and their impact on building healthy, wealthy & vibrant communities and provides small business marketing strategies. Learn more at: http://shoplocal.us/grant/ and http://www.southbaybusinessmavericks.com. For more information contact Heidi directly at 310-308-0796 or heidi@shoplocal.us.

September 22 2014

Shoplocal.Us Announces Panel of Local Business Leaders and Influencers to Speak at October Event

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

Confirmed panelists include Russ Lesser (Body Glove), Michael Zislis (Shade Hotel, Rock’n Fish, Rock & Brews, The Strand House), Kirk Rossberg (Torrance Bakery), Heidi Maerker (Herald Publications), and Sam Kartounian (Tic Time)

Redondo Beach, California (September 22, 2014) —– ShopLocal.us announced its lineup of panelists featuring some of the South Bay’s most prominent local business leaders and influencers to speak at the South Bay Business Mavericks, a celebratory gala in honor of local and independent businesses in the South Bay.

The South Bay Business Mavericks Gala is an unprecedented gathering of the South Bay business community featuring a unique evening of celebration, inspiration and fun in honor of local businesses. The event is an opportunity to show support and give back to the small local independent businesses that help keep the South Bay communities healthy, wealthy and vibrant.

Confirmed panelists include:

- Russ Lesser, President, Body Glove
- Michael Zislis, Owner, Shade Hotel, Rock’n Fish, Rock & Brews, The Strand House
- Kirk Rossberg, Founder, Torrance Bakery
- Heidi Maerker, CEO/President, Herald Publications
- Sam Kartounian, Owner, Tic Time and Redondo Beach Watch Company

www.southbaybusinessmavericks.com

heidi@shoplocal.us

About ShopLocal.us

http://shoplocal.us/grant/

www.southbaybusinessmavericks.com

August 12 2014

SOUTH BAY BUSINESS WINS GRANT AWARD AND BOOSTS REVENUE

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

Local business owner, Khryste Langlais, shares her story about winning last year’s ShopLocal.us Small Business Grant and how it helped attract customers

Redondo Beach, California (August 12, 2014) —– Just one year ago, Khryste Langlais, owner of BabyCakes Baking Company in Torrance decided that she would submit her application for the ShopLocal.us Small Indie Business Grant offered to small local businesses based in the South Bay. Among the 30 businesses that applied, Langlais was the big winner, earning $1,000 to invest in her business. This award could have been used to purchase new equipment for her bakery to house more cakes, but Langlais decided to use the money more strategically to reach more customers…and her strategy paid off.

“The grant money gave us access to technology we couldn’t have afforded before…we’ve been able to attract new customers and it’s making a difference to our bottom line,” said Langlais. BabyCakes now has an online app, Wi-Fi for store customers, and a stronger social media presence.

BabyCakes also received the distinction of being one of the businesses in Torrance to become Certified Locally Owned; a business certification provided by ShopLocal.us.

“Being a member of ShopLocal.us has helped to solidify us into the community, and continues to keep us interactive and connected to other business owners,” said Langlais. “It helps us keep our name out there.”

This year, ShopLocal.us is committed to doubling this year’s grant award amounts, giving away over $3,500 in total grant awards and other valuable prizes to support local businesses in the South Bay community.

Winners will be announced at this year’s South Bay Business Mavericks Gala & Grant Awards to be held on October 29th, 2014 at the Toyota USA Automobile Museum in Torrance, California. Over 100 attendees are expected to attend the gala event, including local entrepreneurs, community leaders and small business owners.

When asked, ‘why offer the grant awards,’ ShopLocal.us Founder Heidi Butzine said, “The Grant Awards program is our way of giving back to the South Bay. We know it takes a lot to run your own business. It’s the courage, persistence and passion that drives the small business owners to get out there every day and serve our community. We’re proud to host the Small Indie Business Grant program to honor the tremendous contribution small businesses make to the national and local economy.”

BabyCakes Baking Company was started by Khryste Langlais in 2007. Following its scratch-made small batch baking methods, BabyCakes offers fresh quality cupcake specialties and other baked goods that appeal to adults, kids and those with special dietary requirements. BabyCakes Baking Company is located at 24205 Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance.

With a belief in giving back, BabyCakes focuses on creating meaningful partnerships with local schools, the Volunteer Center, Torrance Chamber of Commerce, Adia Health Care Services, and other organizations, in an effort to make a lasting and positive impact on the surrounding community. Involvement in community activities and local collaborative efforts is part of the criteria considered for ShopLocal’s grant awards program.

Those considering applying for the Small Indie Business Grant Awards must be an independently-owned retail or service business, based in the South Bay (Los Angeles), with fewer than 10 employees, and like Khryste Langlais of BabyCakes Baking Company, actively involved in the community.

About ShopLocal.us

ShopLocal.us is dedicated to building the economy by boosting the visibility and profitability of small independent businesses through advocacy and grassroots publicity. ShopLocal.us helps connect people and local independent businesses in the marketplace. Businesses displaying the Certified Locally Owned designation have been recognized for their positive impact on the local economy, job creation, quality of life and diversity of choice. Buyers can feel confident that businesses bearing this designation operate in ways that support healthy, wealthy and vibrant communities.

Learn more at http://shoplocal.us/grant/ and http://www.southbaybusinessmavericks.com.

To schedule an interview with Founder Heidi Butzine, please contact her directly at 310-308-0796 or Heidi@ShopLocal.us.

August 6 2014

Shoplocal.us Announces 2nd Annual Small Indie Business Grant Program for Local South Bay Businesses

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

This Year’s Program Will Highlight Small Independent Business Owners Through Video Entries

Aug. 6, 2014 – REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — ShopLocal.us is kicking off its 2nd annual grant awards program aimed at helping small business owners in the South Bay of Los Angeles grow or maintain their business. Over the next two months, during their Small Indie Business Grant program, ShopLocal will be accepting submissions from small independent business owners in the South Bay who wish to highlight, in a 2-minute or less video, one thing that a grant award would be used for to contribute most to their success as a small business.

Grant amounts of $2,000, $1,000 or $500 in cash along with valuable prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifying businesses. Finalists will be featured online throughout the month of October and the three selected winners will be announced at ShopLocal’s South Bay Business Mavericks Grant Awards and Gala on October 29, 2014.

Last year, ShopLocal.us gave over $3,000 in grant awards and prizes to local businesses in the South Bay community. Winners received this money to help fund important business needs and support the sustainability and growth of their business.

“We know it takes a lot to run your own business. It’s the courage, persistence and passion that drives the small business owners to get out there every day and serve our community,” said Heidi Butzine, ShopLocal.us Founder. “We’re proud to host the Small Indie Business Grant program to honor the tremendous contribution small businesses make to the national and local economy and give back by investing in our local South Bay businesses.”

The ShopLocal.us Small Indie Business Grant program is open only to small independently-owned retail or service businesses that were founded and are headquartered in the South Bay of Los Angeles. The deadline to submit a video is September 30, 2014. Videos may be submitted to: http://shoplocal.us/grant.

About ShopLocal.us

ShopLocal.us provides a platform for raising consumer awareness, certifying locally owned businesses and promoting local business through advocacy and outreach. Not only does ShopLocal.us provide resources to support local community initiatives and small business development, the ShopLocal.us website and mobile app make it easier for consumers to find Certified Locally Owned and independent businesses across the U.S. Learn more at http://shoplocal.us and http://www.certifiedlocallyowned.com/.

For more information contact ShopLocal.us.

June 5 2014

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony To Celebrate The Remedy Pharm As A Certified Locally Owned Business on June 11, 2014

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

Eco-friendly compounding pharmacy in the South Bay earns ShopLocal.us business certification

June 5, 2014 – Torrance, CA — ShopLocal.us will recognize The Remedy Pharm as a Certified Locally Owned business with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The Remedy Pharm is an eco-friendly compounding pharmacy serving the South Bay community and is one of a growing number of locally-based independent businesses to become certified by ShopLocal.us.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Remedy Pharm, which is located at 23811 Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance. In attendance will be Lauren Spiglanin, the Remedy Pharm’s Store Manager, and Heidi Butzine, Founder of ShopLocal.us, as well as fans, friends and community members.

The Remedy Pharm and other Certified Locally Owned businesses are recognized for the positive impact that small independent local businesses have on the local economy, job creation, quality of life and diversity of choice. The business certification makes it easier for consumers to shop local by identifying and certifying locally-based independent companies and professionals.

Organized by ShopLocal.us, the Certified Locally Owned™ program is part of a movement to help build healthy, wealthy and vibrant communities by raising awareness of the importance of supporting local businesses.

About ShopLocal.us

For more information contact ShopLocal.us.

March 27 2014

Shop Local Connect Event in Torrance, CA – March 27, 2014

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

Join us for this exclusive event for Certified Locally Owned and Independent Local Businesses.

You’ll have a chance to meet and mingle with other Certified Locally Owned and Independent Local Business Owners in the South Bay, and you’ll learn about all the new business building strategies we’re implementing at Shop Local. Seating is very limited. Register today! Refreshments will be served.Get Tickets!.

October 27 2013

Harmony Works Wins 2013 Small Indie Business Grant Award

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

LONG-TIME LOCAL REDONDO BEACH BUSINESS RECENTLY CELEBRATED AT RIBBON CUTTING AND AWARD CEREMONY

Redondo Beach, California (October 27, 2013) —- Friends, guests and loyal customers recently gathered at the new Harmony Works location in Riviera Village to celebrate the 2013 Small Indie Business Grant Award and Certified Locally Owned ribbon cutting ceremony.

The long-time local Redondo Beach business received a $500 grant award from ShopLocal.us to be applied toward growing and maintaining its business. Started nearly 20 years ago by owners, Royce and Michael Morales, Harmony Works features one-of-a-kind gift items and accessories made by new and local artists and crafts people. Harmony Works was also one of the first businesses in Redondo Beach to earn the Certified Locally Owned designation earlier this year.

ShopLocal.us founder, Heidi Butzine, presented the grant award: “Both Royce and Michael have been active leaders within the community, boosting support for the arts, local businesses, commerce and economic development here in Redondo Beach. Their commitment to environmental consciousness and supporting independent artisans and first-time vendors is seen in the items that they showcase here at Harmony Works. Thanks to their dedication and perseverance, we continue to have this one-of-a-kind treasure in the South Bay community and hope to enjoy it for at least another twenty years.”

Inspired by the impact that independent businesses have on the local economy and their local communities, the Small Indie Business Grant program was formed by ShopLocal.us to recognize and help small business owners in the South Bay of Los Angeles grow or maintain their business.

About ShopLocal.us

October 14 2013

Babycakes Baking Company Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Heidi Butzine Shop Local Events, Shop Local News 0

LOCAL TORRANCE BUSINESS CELEBRATES GRANT AWARD AND INDEPENDENT BUSINESS CERTIFICATION

Redondo Beach, California (October 14, 2013) —- Local guests and South Bay business owners recently gathered to celebrate and show their support for BabyCakes Baking Company at its 2013 Small Indie Business Grant Award ceremony and Certified Locally Owned ribbon cutting.

In addition to receiving $1,000 in grant money to be applied toward growing and maintaining the business, BabyCakes is one of the first local independently-owned businesses in Torrance to become Certified Locally Owned, a business certification provided by ShopLocal.us.

Founder of ShopLocal.us, Heidi Butzine had a few key words to say when presenting BabyCakes owner Khryste Langlais and her team with the grant award, “Like many small business owners, Khryste has overcome some incredible challenges to build up her business. Khryste has grown this local business from scratch and by hand, just like the cupcakes and specialties that she and her team make every day here at BabyCakes,”said Butzine. “Khryste and her team have really made BabyCakes a success and we hope this grant money can help this local business thrive.”

BabyCakes Baking Company has been in business for seven years and was started by Khryste Langlais. After discovering her talent in baking and having experience working for a small family-owned business for several years, Langlais built her baking company from the ground up and within three years opened up the bakery located on Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance.

“My amazing and dedicated staff has been there with me over the years. I strongly believe that our customers benefit from our bond and our commitment to the business and the quality of our product,” said Langlais. “We’re honored to receive the grant funds to help expand our business and continue to serve the South Bay community.”

An avid supporter of the South Bay, BabyCakes has donated to many local organizations and sponsored numerous school and community events throughout the South Bay, including Sunday By the Sea, benefiting Providence TrinityCare Hospice, and Jefferson Elementary School in Redondo Beach where the fifth and sixth grade students apply art, math and writing skills to creating and constructing gingerbread houses each December. “BabyCakes makes 100 pounds of royal icing each year for the students. It’s a big and rather sticky project, but totally worth it for all of the handwritten thank you notes we receive from the students and teachers,” said Langlais.

Following its scratch-made small batch baking methods, BabyCakes offers fresh quality cupcake specialties and other baked goods that appeal to adults, kids and those with special dietary requirements. BabyCakes Baking Company is located at 24205 Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance.

About ShopLocal.us