BOSTON, MA: March 26, 2025 -- Alignable, the largest online networking platform for small businesses, announces that Stuart Aldrich of Metro Trading Association has been elected as Rochester’s 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. 

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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 Aldrich. “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.” 

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Aldrich 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. 

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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." 

?To arrange interviews with Aldrich and/or an Alignable representative,?please contact Chuck Casto at chuck@alignable.com. He also can offer JPEGs and other visuals, as well as local winner testimonials.? 

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About Metro Trading Association

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.?