Acknowledging Small Businesses

At Cedar Trails Senior Living, we love small businesses. And honestly, if we’re being real, most large businesses started out as a small business at some point. Even Arrow Senior Living, our management company, began as a small business called Turn-Around Solutions. The original vision was simple: step into a community for 6–12 months, get everything running smoothly, and then move on to the next. The rest of that story is for another time, but it’s a powerful reminder of how something small can grow into something incredible. So, when we say we LOVE small businesses, we truly mean it. Behind every small business is someone’s dream, someone’s risk, and someone’s hard work. That’s something we’re passionate about supporting.

Showing Up for Small Businesses

This Small Business Day, our teams hit the streets in a big way through Creative Follow-Ups and support. Each department head selected a local business to support. Collectively, as a company, we showed up for over 350 small businesses. Even saying that out loud feels incredible! What may seem like a small act can make a big impact.

Our teams didn’t just stop in. They intentionally supported each business by making a purchase or leaving a gift, writing a Google review, and sharing their experience on social media. It was a simple but meaningful way to give back to the communities that support us every day.

Supporting local businesses remains a priority because Cedar Trails Senior Living is part of a small, rural community. In this setting, relationships and reputation matter. When one business succeeds, it strengthens the entire community. Mutual support becomes essential.

Local Partnerships That Matter

This commitment shows through consistent local engagement. The team builds strong connections, promotes fellow businesses, and participates in initiatives such as Small Business Day. In a rural setting, word of mouth carries strong influence. The team takes pride in staying active, visible, and supportive within the community.

During Small Business Day, the team recognized several valued local partners who support both resident care and overall community well-being.

Freeburg Pharmacy serves as a trusted partner in managing residents’ medications. Their team provides timely and reliable support. Mick’s Auto Shop helps maintain company vehicles and ensures safe transportation for residents. Sherwood Farms, a family-owned nursery, supports the community year-round with seasonal items such as pumpkins and flowers. They often extend discounts to residents. Freeburg Printing remains a dependable partner for marketing and advertising needs.

Each of these businesses reflects reliability, strong community involvement, and a meaningful partnership with Cedar Trails Senior Living.

Building Community Connections Year-Round

The team continues to strengthen these relationships by staying actively involved throughout the year. Participation in city parades, school events, and local initiatives helps maintain visibility and connection.

Partnerships with local schools further strengthen community ties. Elementary and high school students regularly visit to sing, volunteer, and spend time with residents. These moments foster meaningful intergenerational connections.

The community also hosts seasonal vendor markets in the spring and fall. These events invite local business owners and crafters to showcase their work. They support local entrepreneurs while welcoming the broader community into Cedar Trails Senior Living in a meaningful and engaging way.

Supporting small businesses isn’t just something we do one day a year. It’s part of how we show up in the greater community every day. These businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods. Building those relationships creates a deeper sense of connection for our residents, our teams, and the people we serve.

As you read through the highlights from our community, I hope you feel the same excitement and pride we do. When we support local, we’re not just making a purchase. We’re investing in people, in dreams, and in the place we call home.