Vanessa Orr Ink.

07/28/2026

How do you run a tourism company that is also a not-for-profit and manage to donate more than $30 million to eco-charities? According to The Boat Company's owner, Hunter McIntosh, it's quite a balancing act! Learn more about this "unicorn" of companies in Alaska Business. https://digital.akbizmag.com/issue/june-2026/cruise-for-a-cause/
The Boat Company U.S. Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Alaska Travel Industry Association

While many tourism companies talk about the importance of protecting Alaska’s pristine beauty for future generations of travelers, one company is walking the talk—or perhaps more accurately, floating the boat.

07/28/2026

I love a restored theater/opera house, and Newberry, SC has a beautiful one! Check out this tale of iconic architecture and urban renewal on World Footprints! https://worldfootprints.com/cultural-heritage/renovation-of-newberry-opera-house-revitalizes-south-carolina-community/ World Footprints Lake Murray Country Discover South Carolina Newberry Opera House City of Newberry, SC Government

If walls could talk, some very famous voices would be echoing throughout the Newberry Opera House, where legendary entertainers like Tex Ritter, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Wynonna Judd, and Jefferson Airplane performed. Their signatures are still on display in the Green Room and on the elevator pa...

07/02/2026

Craft beer is a big thing in Alaska, even though the state doesn't make it easy to make a profit selling pints. But for brewers who are following their passion, it's a great way to make a living and to create a community of like-minded customers. Check out my latest to learn more in Alaska Business!

Since Alaskan Brewing Co. brought the craft beer craze to the state in 1986, the number of craft breweries has steadily grown, increasing from twenty-seven in 2015 to more than sixty in 2026.

07/01/2026

Have you ever wondered how restaurants and stores track sales, figure out inventory and know when to schedule more staff? Point of Sale systems have evolved to help business owners run their companies more efficiently, which can make a big difference on the bottom line. Alaska Business

Gone are the days when merchants tallied up a client’s purchases on paper, rang it up on a cash register, and did all their bookkeeping by hand.

03/28/2026

My latest on World Footprints made it on MSN!

In 1917, a group of women was forcibly shoved into freezing prison “punishment” cells, brutally injured by male guards, and left to survive the night without medical treatment—simply because they wanted to vote. While many people take this privilege for granted today, the battle for women to r...

12/01/2025

You still have two chances to get that perfect holiday picture and support Pressley Ridge! This holiday season, Pressley Ridge and Primanti Bros. are teaming up to give children and families across the region the opportunity to meet cool people and win cool prizes through the Press Your Luck promotion. Meet legendary Pittsburgh athletes, enjoy iconic Primanti’s sandwiches, and for only $1 per ticket, you could win autographed memorabilia, free Primanti’s food and gift cards or the chance to attend a Pittsburgh football game with Brett Keisel or a hockey game with a special guest!
All proceeds from the promotion benefit the kids and families served by Pressley Ridge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health services, foster care, specialized education and other supportive services to those in need.
“It’s especially important in this stressful time of year to offer hope, support and bring joy back,” says Pressley Ridge president and CEO Susanne Cole of this promotion, which supports the organization’s Holiday Gift program. “We really appreciate the community coming out to support Pressley Ridge; it means a lot, and we can’t do it on our own.”
Upcoming events:
Dec. 2: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Primanti Bros. McCandless (45 McIntyre Square, Pgh, PA 15237)
Trophy Celebration featuring Maxime Talbot
Dec. 9: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Primanti Bros. Mt. Lebanon (1539 Washington Rd., Mt. Lebanon, 15228)
Polka Karaoke featuring Rocky Bleier, JT Thomas and John Banaszak
To attend either event, register at www.pressleyridge.org/primantis. Your $5 fee includes a complimentary slice of pizza, a non-alcoholic beverage and a Press Your Luck ticket. You can also purchase $1 Press Your Luck tickets at participating Primanti’s locations.
Primanti Bros. Pressley Ridge Pittsburgh Steelers Markowitz Communications

12/01/2025

Bourbon pancakes for breakfast? Sign me up! Check out my latest foodie favorite on Woodshed: An Appalachian Joint.

Add a little bourbon to breakfast! We don't mean in a rocks glass. Maple syrup producers are now giving their classic product a kick by aging it in bourbon barrels.