The term “anchor” is typically applied to universities and hospitals, but municipal governments, community foundations, corporations, sports teams, and arts and cultural organizations can also behave as local economic anchors. Anchor organizations play significant roles in their local economies due to purchasing power, real estate, employment, and a long-term interest ... Read More

Becker Muzeau didn’t know much about the South Side when he moved to Chicago from Miami in 2001. Read More

In an economy hostile to small business, how are the most successful small firms surviving? Read More

Inner City 100 (IC100) award winner Tony Ehrbar turned a bold career shift into a thriving business by applying innovative thinking to the tent industry. After acquiring American Tent in 2014, he reimagined traditional approaches, growing the company from three employees to 40 and expanding into a 110,000-square-foot facility. His commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions—such as rethinking tent anchoring methods and incorporating revolutionary sustainable materials into his products—has fueled rapid growth, setting new industry standards. Tony believes innovation is key to sustainability, business success, and community impact. His forward-thinking strategies have helped American Tent scale significantly, earning national recognition as an IC100 award winner. Read More

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