Guest commentary: Trust becoming more important in content-rich world
By Gillian Christie We are living in one of the most connected periods in history, yet many businesses are struggling more than ever to create meaningful connections with their audiences. Consumers are exposed to thousands of marketing messages every day across social media, advertising, email campaigns, news feeds, podcasts, and video platforms. Technology has made Read More →
Guest commentary: The Central Coast’s current commercial real estate market
By Mike Lopus Buyers across the Central Coast in 2026 are more cautious and selective, but they are still active. Capital remains deep, deals are getting done across all three counties, and well-located assets continue to attract competitive interest. What has changed is the underwriting discipline behind the bids. Higher borrowing costs, escalating insurance and Read More →
Guest commentary: A smarter approach to retirement plans
By Ana Ake For many business owners, offering a 401(k) or 403(b) plan is part of the benefits package — a necessary tool to attract and retain talent. What often gets overlooked is that sponsoring a retirement plan comes with significant fiduciary and regulatory responsibility. In today’s environment, that responsibility carries real risk. But it Read More →
Guest commentary: The AI jobs debate is missing the point
By Vlad Vaiman The conversation about artificial intelligence and employment has hardened into two opposing camps. Optimists promise a productivity renaissance — a future where AI handles the drudgework and humans are freed to do their best thinking. Pessimists warn of mass displacement, of entire professions rendered obsolete, of an economy that simply stops needing Read More →
Guest commentary: How small businesses build stronger, more scalable operations in a digital-first economy
By Jodi Duva National Small Business Week is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and impact of small businesses in our Santa Barbara community. It’s also a moment to pause and reflect on the realities these businesses face as they grow in an increasingly digital-first economy Today’s small businesses — 36.2 million strong by U.S. Read More →
Guest commentary: Working while grieving
By Gerhard Apfelthaler I have recently lost a son in a car accident, and — naturally — I was quickly faced with a few harsh realities. While this is not the place to share personal pain, I have started to deal with questions about being a grieving father while also having responsibilities as a leader Read More →
Guest commentary: Why most family businesses aren’t prepared for transition
By Bryan Esarco Nearly six million small to midsize businesses will be ready for transfer by 2035, according to Forbes. Being prepared is the first part of the sale process; are you and your family ready? Here, I share what can create roadblocks to the transition and provide an action plan to mitigate them. WHAT DOES Read More →
