By Julia Hensley

After a long process, the campaign portion of the Small Business Revolution has ended and the waiting has begun. While we still do not know if Searcy won first place or not, I think the last few months have had an undeniable impact on our community already.

I feel like we’ve already won, even if we don’t win the Small Business Revolution. As a student and manager of Mr. Postman Expresso in Searcy, I have seen this community come together, from locals to the Harding campus, in a few short months.

Searcy has become its own biggest fan, and there’s nothing better than having local pride. Not only did Searcy gain a sense of community through this entire process, but as a small business, Small Business Revolution is offering a free business seminar where we can gain professional insights to improving and marketing our local business, regardless the results.

Every day is like a pep rally, and seeing how happy the locals are is worth the craziness and promotion. Our local coffee shop has enjoyed supporting this revolution by advertising, offering promotions and being involved in any rallies. Every corner you turn, the town is painted in the iconic orange banners and signs, proudly displaying “#MySearcy.”

I believe that this town is ready for big changes and having open minds to making Searcy the best it can be. This process has reminded me of the saying, “Do not stop until you are proud.” I have no doubt in my mind that Searcy will continue to grow and prosper, even when this is all over. The fire will continue to burn, and we will not stop until we are proud. Great changes are happening in Searcy through our businesses, friends, family and community as a whole.