Last month The Business Journal published a supplement to the paper called “Diversity in Business.” It features stories about local people from diverse backgrounds who have found success in the local business community. It was the first time we’ve ever done a book like that, and I’m extremely proud of the finished product.

I bring this up because we received some social media criticism about our recent event, 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes, lacking a person of color on the speakers panel. I believe any feedback we receive, especially if it’s negative, is valuable as long as it’s constructive. I shared the criticism with my publisher and fellow managers, and I’m confident it will inform our decision making moving forward.

From an editorial perspective, coming straight from The Business Journal newsroom, inclusivity is important when it comes to our news judgement. We live in one of the most diverse areas in the country, and the business community is no different. I see our job as holding up a mirror to that dynamic. It’s too easy to get stuck in our silos and ignore positive economic development happening in communities outside the “mainstream,” however you want to define it.

With that being said, the newsroom jumped at the chance to produce stories for “Diversity in Business.” We got five into the first book, and we know there are a million more to tell through all the channels we have available. We are committed to doing just that.

Here’s a digital look at “Diversity in Business.” Please check it out and contact me at editor@thebusinessjournal.com if you have suggestions for future profiles.

And thanks again to our readership for keeping us on our toes and holding us to a standard of inclusivity.