Alignable, the largest online networking platform for small businesses, announces that Ken Countess of KEN IS EMAIL has been elected as an Alignable 2025 Business Person of the Year!
Alignable’s 2025 Local Business Person of the Year Contest reached unparalleled participation levels, logging a whopping 333,000+ votes, 77,000+ recommendations, and 4,750 winners across the U.S. and Canada.
The largest online networking platform for business owners, Alignable.com invited its 9 million+ members to shout-out local business leaders who’ve gone above and beyond guiding peers and supporting entire communities, amid challenging economic conditions.
The 2025 contest is Alignable's most popular competition in over six years, with participation surging 20% compared to 2024.
During the 2025 contest, held from January 14 to March 7, 4,750 business owners—spanning over 4,500 communities—were recognized as winners, including ties. These leaders were honored for their dedication to supporting their peers and communities amid a year of economic challenges.
“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 Countess. “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.”
Countess received a special badge on his Alignable profile to acknowledge this achievement. In previous years, similar contests have helped winners expand their networks and generate new business opportunities.
In some cases, the most-engaged champions have doubled or tripled their revenue in the year following a contest triumph. And in 2025, even more winners are likely to reap major rewards using the company’s just-launched Alignable 360 technology, which uses AI to unlock the full potential of members' networks, turning them into even more powerful growth engines.
Driving Recognition, Relationships & Referrals
"This contest has supercharged small business relationships, fueling referrals, fresh opportunities, and a wave of mutual support," said Eric Groves, CEO & Co-Founder of Alignable. "Generating more than 77,000 recommendations and 333,000 votes, this friendly competition shows that when small business owners unite, they’re unstoppable. It’s gratifying to see how strong recognition and relationships can spark such powerful momentum."
About KEN IS EMAIL
KENisEMAIL.com (KIE) is the marketing arm of The Countess Group (TCG), a marketing and coaching company which has been providing measurable results for clients for over 20 years.
KIE is led by Certified Email Marketing Expert Ken Countess. Ken focuses his practice on teaching businesses how to triple their sales (or more!) using email marketing. He is a Constant Contact Authorized Local Expert and has been their top trainer/partner since 2018.
Learn more about KIE at www.kenISemail.com.
Find KIE on Facebook at (http://www.facebook.com/kenisemail), Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/kenisemail), Pinterest
(http://www.pinterest.com/CountessGroup), and LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-countessgroup-ccg)
About The Countess Group
The Countess Group (TCG) is a marketing and coaching company which has been providing measurable results for clients for over 20 years.
The company is led by Ken Countess, an award-winning marketer and an accredited, nationally recognized expert.
All product names and other brand names mentioned herein are service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
About Alignable
Alignable is the largest online network for small business owners across North America, fostering trusted connections, referrals, and partnerships to help businesses grow. With over 9 million members and a mission to power small business success through relationship-building, Alignable provides the tools, insights, and community support to drive real revenue growth. Visit www.alignable.com to network smarter.
Media Contact:
Ken Countess
The Countess Group
407-242-4200
kc@thecountessgroup.com
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