Lubbock business news includes best jerky, sheet metal, AI flyers - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Lubbock business news includes best jerky, sheet metal, AI flyers

Hello A-J readers!

This week's business news saw the return of our review team, the opening of an apprentice training center, and a possibly hot take on the use of AI flyers. Let's dive in.

On Friday, the SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49 celebrated the grand opening of its apprentice training center at 11419 County Road 2220. The 9,000 sq. ft. facility allows apprentices to train in the sheet metal trade closer to home and meet the need for local contractors. Keep an eye out for the article on it in the coming days.

Next on our highlights is the review. This one was special, because it is the last one my friend and co-worker, Mateo Rosiles, got to join before he moves to the Austin area as the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY. The review team has always included him since day one, and we will definitely bug him to join again next time he is in Lubbock.

Anyway, on to the review, where we were also joined by our intern, Sofia Bueno. Together, we tried 11 jerky and snack products in one afternoon from four local businesses: Raider Red Meats, All Hale Meats, Buck's Beef Jerky and Jackson Brothers Meat Locker. Two of these four (Buck's and Jackson Brothers) swept up the awards, crowning Post as the place to go for jerky.

Now, I'm going to say something that is probably going to upset some people. If you are one of the far-too-many business owners using AI flyers, stop. Every AI flyer looks the same with clashing colors, obviously AI-ed cartoonish figures, and poorly positioned info bits. My biggest peeve lately is seeing food businesses use the AI flyer format, not even showing off their food. How can I trust someone's cooking if they can't even show their food? I don't want to see an AI version of a fried pie or cookie or nachos, etc. I want to see what you sell, what I can expect on my plate.

I get it. It's easier to make an AI flyer. It's the trend. But if I see an AI flyer for a food stand, and real food photos from a bakery, the decision is easy. I know what to expect from the bakery.

Instead of feeding the AI trend, I would like to emphasize some better options:

- Your phone camera. Point. Click. Done. Play around with the lighting a little. Take a photo in front of your stand/business/sign or so on. Show the world what you can do yourself, then post it on your social media.

- Canva. This app allows you to design your own flyer (and you can do it for free, or upgrade for a few extra dollars a month). It has formats already built in if you want a guide, or you can let loose your inner creative.

- Or, and this is so incredibly important in this time, support a local artist. We have so many great ones in Lubbock and they deserve our support.

Show the world who you are and what you love. Show us you care about what you do. Even if you aren't the world's best photographer (I know I'm definitely not), have fun with it. The fails trend just as much as the wins. Creativity is human.

Next week, we'll see the return of the monthly roundup, so that should dominate a good amount of my week. There's bound to be some cool things popping up soon, so, as always, stay tuned. As always, thank you for reading and supporting the A-J.

Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.