Advocating for local businesses doesn’t just mean looking out for your own firm’s bottom line; it’s about realizing that a rising economic tide lifts all boats. Mike Conner, executive director of continuing education firm PESI, earns the title of Best Local Business Advocate for a fourth consecutive year. And, for an impressive sixth year in a row, Royal Credit Union President and CEO Brandon Riechers slides into the silver-medal spot. Joining them to form an Eau Claire-based business-boosting trio is Scott Hoffmann, CEO of networking firm WIN Technology. –Tom Giffey