True business advocates aren’t just concerned with their own firms’ wellbeing. Instead, they realize that in today’s interconnected world, local businesses rise and fall together. For the fifth consecutive year, Mike Conner, executive director of nonprofit continuing education firm PESI, earned the top spot in this category. Right behind is Brandon Riechers, CEO of Royal Credit Union, a key component of the Valley’s financial health. A newcomer to this list — but not to the business community — is No. 3 Erin Klaus, co-owner of downtown biz Tangled Up in Hue as well as communications and promotions coordinator for Downtown Eau Claire Inc. —Tom Giffey