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National “Small Business Revolution” documentary project features Two Rivers Treads

By Staff | Sep 18, 2015

In this tiny town on the banks of the Potomac River, opportunities to explore healthy lifestyles used to be rare, and expert opinions on the best way to improve one’s well-being even rarer. That was until Dr. Mark Cucuzzella came to town with a passion for running.

While treating local patients with obesity, Cucuzzella realized that there were very few practical fitness options he could recommend to overweight patients in rural West Virginia. But Cucuzzella, a running aficionado, saw an opportunity to provide an essential service to his patients, friends and neighbors: a shoe store that specialized in running shoes. Two Rivers Treads was born, and the community impact since has been extraordinary.

Now, Two Rivers Treadsis getting national attention from Deluxe Corporation’s Small Business Revolution documentary project. The Small Business Revolution, which also features “Shark Tank” star Robert Herjavec, is a yearlong campaign that celebrates the vibrancy, variety and community impact of small businesses across the country. Its latest story is a photo essay profiling Two Rivers Treads, one of 100 profiles of inspiring small businesses that will debut throughout 2015 at SmallBusinessRevolution.org.

Dr. Cucuzzella aims to educate every customer on the basics of human anatomy and the mechanics of the foot in order to create a more mindful customer base in the area. In addition to owning the store and providing direction to runners in the area, he also still works in the local hospital and organizes area foot races. His commitment to the health of his community, combined with a bright entrepreneurial spirit, attracted the attention of the Small Business Revolution.

Deluxe developed the Small Business Revolution to focus on the importance of personal touch and local involvement in an era when business is becoming increasingly impersonal. The campaign is capturing the stories of small businesses and their customers, families and friends – all of whom are a crucial part of what makes our communities whole.

“The hands-on customer service, the entrepreneurial spirit and the deep community involvement people find in the small businesses they frequent make all the difference,” said Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer for Deluxe Corp. “Telling these moving, inspirational stories and putting a spotlight on these owners is our way of celebrating the best parts of American business.”

The Small Business Revolution will unfold throughout 2015, as a part of Deluxe’s 100th anniversary celebration. Since 1915, Deluxe has helped small businesses and financial institutions grow and thrive by providing a range of business services, from websites and logos to social media and email marketing to checks and other financial services.

The Small Business Revolution will also award $25,000 to one small business later this year. Anyone can nominate their favorite small business at SmallBusinessRevolution.org, and Shark Tank’s Herjavec will help Deluxe choose the winner who best exemplifies the Small Business Revolution spirit. The person who nominates the winning business can see how it feels to be a “shark” by personally delivering the $25,000 prize.

In September, a longer-form documentary about the Small Business Revolution – featuring many of the profiled businesses, as well as Herjavec and other small-business experts – will be released, as well.

To find out more about Deluxe, visit www.deluxe.com/sbrc/small-business-revolution.