BOSTON, MA: February 16, 2021 — The largest online referral network for small businesses, Alignable.com is announcing the results of its month-long North American search for local business leaders who’ve gone above and beyond to help peers during the COVID Crisis. Today, Alignable’s network is honoring Cheri Platte of Circle of Care, LLC as San Juan Capistrano’s 2021 Alignable Local Business Person of the Year!

Alignable amassed an incredible 86,000+ votes and recommendations about hometown business heroes. This is the third year Alignable has hosted this contest and the participation levels for 2021’s competition topped 2020’s by a monumental 800%.

During a time where at least two-thirds of small businesses have regularly reported suffering negative effects from COVID issues, it’s clear with this outpouring of support just how much small business owners wanted to recognize the extraordinary efforts of their peers.

A Testament To The Bond Between Small Businesses
“To see so many business owners celebrate their peers was awesome — 60 votes landed every minute at the height of the contest,” said Eric Groves, Alignable’s Co-Founder and CEO. “This frenetic level of participation is a testament to the strength of the business relationships forged and reinforced over the past year.”

Alignable’s 2021 Local Business Person Of The Year Contest ran from January 6 to February 5, 2021. Alignable invited its 6 million+ members to vote for their favorite peers. In all, 2,962 local business people emerged victorious across North America, after 61,000+ votes were tallied and 25,000+ recommendations were reviewed.

We’re Stronger Together
“San Juan Capistrano’s community means a great deal to me and, like many of my peers, I have gladly helped my fellow small business owners overcome a number of obstacles during this tough time,” said Cheri Platte. “I am beyond honored to receive this award and very grateful for the heartwarming support from my peers. We’re all stronger together.”

Cheri Platte and other 2021 Local Business People Of The Year in communities across the U.S. and Canada have received badges on their Alignable profiles, in recognition of their contributions. In past years, the awareness generated through this contest has helped drive additional connections, prospects, and new business for many winners.

Networking Surge Kicks Off 2021
“We hope the popularity of this year’s contest will lead to even greater awareness and business success for 2021’s winners,” said Alignable’s Co-Founder and President Venkat Krishnamurthy. “We’ve already heard from some members that the surge in networking, referrals, and recommendations that occurred during 2021’s contest got them off to a stronger start this year.”

To arrange interviews with Cheri Platte and/or an Alignable representative, please contact Alignable’s Head of PR Chuck Casto at chuck@alignable.com. He also can offer JPEGs and other visuals, recommendations supporting winners, and additional information.

About Circle of Care
Circle of Care, a 20-year-old family-owned small business servicing Southern California is a provider of excellent and high-quality home care solutions for families who care for their loved ones. Their mission is to educate the public on the benefits of home care and home health, assist families in developing individual care plans, and help them plan for the advanced stages of aging, emphasizing on what matters most in terms of quality of life for the loved one. Circle of Care has hundreds of professional skilled and compassionate team members. The company culture produces a word-of-mouth referral basis in the Southern California communities they serve. They are trusted by families, doctors, nurses, social workers, hospitals, nursing homes, senior communities, Long Term Care Specialists and other esteemed members of the healthcare industry.

About Alignable
Alignable.com is the largest online referral network for small businesses in the U.S. and Canada. With 6 million+ members across 35,000+ local communities, Alignable is the network where small business owners drive leads and prospects, generate referrals, land new business, build trusted relationships, and share great advice.