I also try to shop locally and really really try to shop small businesses only  I am thankful each and every day for the opportunities and luck that came my way to be where I am  And I also am the type of “retired”  person that thrives on work.  

I could show you plenty of mismanaged towns in booming areas (look up Bell, California as an example) and also show you thriving towns in depressed areas. 

@Michael Swan it may not be "pretty" but I know a guy from Council Bluffs, IA who THRIVES in F's D's C's... yes he works 60 hours a week.

There are plenty of ways to learn, grow and thrive in life without going to college to do it.

I want nothing more than to make this a thriving business where we have 20+ employees.

As long as they are low, then all of the mechanisms that drive our economy can do so with a lot less overhead, so they thrive. 

Focus on family and it thrives.

In those nearly four decades, despite all the gloom and doom predictions, the state has figured out a way to survive and thrive despite the challenges.

For some it is not the best thing to do, for others, that have that certain fire inside,  those select few that thrive on challenge... good luck stopping them with their self projected fear and insecurities!

First and foremost, I'd lose the momentum of thriving to success.