Gulfshore Business takes a stab at answering both questions in its April issue. We’ve debated, compiled and culled to come up with our list of 50 individuals who make things happen and get things done. Some have money to leverage their influence. Others carry weight through their professional positions or the strength of their personalities, and they exercise those personal resources along with their talents and intelligence to make a difference in their business and community.

Of course, a list like this is subjective. It isn’t a roster of the most important, popular or recognizable figures—or the nicest. It is simply a list of the most powerful people in Southwest Florida at this point in time. See if you agree.

Marketing Matters
When cash flow slows to a trickle, marketing is often one of the first expenses to be cut, even though promoting your business becomes essential in a poor economy.

We spoke with the owners of a home-interior business, a framing shop, a karate school and a writing and publishing business who needed some help getting the word out about their enterprises. Then we presented overviews of their situations to professional marketers and asked for a few suggestions.

Read about the small businesses, their challenges and the solid, affordable starting strategies that the marketing pros propose.

Tapping a New Network
At 300 square feet, the windowless building behind TruWave Networks’ headquarters is smaller than many living rooms. Yet "the hut" is a powerhouse of technological promise for the
new voice networking and Internet provider.

The Bonita Springs-based company, launched by a group of executives well established in the telecommunications industry, is just beginning to battle giant Embarq for business customers in Southwest Florida. And unlike other local competitors, TruWave has its own fiber optic infrastructure.

Learn more about the company and what it means for Southwest Florida businesses.

For more Gulfshore Business news, call (800) 220-4853 to subscribe or visit www.gulfshorebusiness.com.