Millions of small businesses around the nation struggle when they are competing with big corporations. Many end up throwing in the towel because they can’t find a way to give themselves an edge in order to survive. One small business, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation, has found a recipe for thriving among an industry of big dogs.

“Looking at the pet food industry as a whole, most people would shy away from even attempting to enter it,” explains Will Post, founder and CEO, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation. “But as the big corporations go one way, I tend to go the other, and that’s precisely what has helped me to thrive in this market. It’s all about finding your own way, despite what the big corporations are doing alongside of you.”

Carmello’s of Old Historic Manassas, Va. is celebrating its 29th anniversary on Feb. 5th. In gratitude to their customers, they’re offering 29 percent off food items from Mon., Feb. 1 through Sat., Feb. 6, featuring their new winter menu. Menu prices vary.  For more information and reservations, go to www.carmellos.com.

“We invite all our customers to come and join us for our anniversary celebration…we’re grateful for their continued patronage,” said Alice Pires, owner of Carmello’s and Monza of Historic Manassas, Va.

Two decades ago, a small group of Loudoun County senior citizens saw the need for a dedicated multi-purpose senior center to benefit the entire Loudoun community to encourage healthy aging of the county’s older population. The Friends of The Senior Center at Cascades (FSCC) was formed and they began by educating the County Board of Supervisors of their vision. Focusing on fundraising efforts and countless volunteer hours, the FSCC was able to give seniors a place to remain active and feel connected.

Now, with the retirement of the FSCC’s president Olga Ricciardi, the Board’s wish is that their remaining funds be donated to help military veterans and their families. The all-volunteer board voted unanimously to donate $150,000 to Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness, where the money will be used to help the country’s combat veterans heal and recover from the aftermath of war.