Small business doesn’t mean small thinking. And in 2026, strategy isn’t just about what you post-it’s about how your systems talk to each other, how your team moves faster with AI, and how your business gets seen and trusted in a landscape run by machine learning and digital trust. In this session, we’ll unpack the practical, no-fluff AI strategy that’s helping everyday business owners outpace competitors, lower workload, and finally scale without burning out or bloating the budget. This isn’t a tech talk. It’s a visibility and efficiency accelerator. What You’ll Learn: * How to design an AI strategy that supports your real goals-not just shiny trends * The 3 visibility blind spots AI is exposing in small businesses (and how to fix them) * How to use trust signals, automation, and AI tools to fuel growth with fewer bottlenecks * Why you don’t need more tools-you need smarter workflows * The AI-powered visibility system that works while you sleep Built for: • Service providers, creators, and small business owners who are tired of patching tactics together and ready for a system that scale Presenter: Maria Elena Duron helps small business owners, content creators, and service providers grow with clarity, visibility, and smart AI strategy. As a Chief AI Officer and nationally recognized Growth with Google Coach, she’s trained over 18,000 businesses to turn digital confusion into systems that get them seen, trusted, and chosen.
Take a walk through Washington Park and enjoy a story as you stroll! Beginning at the parking lot located on the Lincoln Grade School side of Washington Park, follow the sidewalk to read a story. This two-month session’s book is Love Monster by Rachel Bright.
Washington Winter Walkabout – February 1-28
Bundle up and join us for the 2nd Annual Washington Winter Walkabout, hosted by the Washington Chamber of Commerce! This month-long, town-wide scavenger hunt runs all February and invites community members to explore Washington while supporting local businesses along the way. More information www.washingtonilcoc.com/winter-walkabout2026
Animal Rescue Giving Tree at Washington District Library – Sunnyland Branch
Help the Tazewell County Animal Shelter stock their shelves and provide newly adopted animals with the essentials they need. Beginning February 1, 2026, select ornaments with items to donate, purchase the items, and bring them back to the Sunnyland Branch by March 10th.
