From The Main Street Journal: Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (ZCoB) has been a local food pioneer since it first opened its doors as a small delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Michigan, over four decades ago. ZCoB currently employs 750 Michiganders, with annual sales of $78 million. The network has a dozen distinct locally owned companies unified under the common brand identity of the “ZingTrain.” ZCoB’s story illustrates how local businesses can scale and become highly profitable without sacrificing their local roots. The company is breaking new ground again by establishing a Perpetual Purpose Trust (PPT) to benefit its employees.
There is no question that people often overlook the positive impacts of independent, locally owned (Indie Local) businesses. The local community that an Indie Local serves may understand these impacts, but those located further away may need to be made aware of these success stories. In future posts, with your help, we will feature a few of the top Indie Locals in the nation.
You can nominate your favorite Indie Local by emailing us today.