It's often said that small businesses are the lifeblood of any community.

Here in Odenton, we have a number of vibrant small businesses that have added to the richness of the area, while offering some great products and services.

Since it is Small Business Saturday, we thought we'd give a quick rundown of our coverage of the small business community over the past year.

First, we need to point out the addition of Julie Upchurch as a blogger in our Local Voices section. Julie is the owner of the Little House of Flowers in Gambrills, and has written several posts highlighting other small businesses in town.

• Earlier this fall, we featured several small businesses in town and delved into the struggles they've had due to the slow economy.

• Two stores became one when the Gambrills General Store held a grand re-opening.

• We've profiled a number of events organized by small businesses in the area, including the Gambrills Fall Festival in September.

• Odenton Day was an opportunity for small businesses to meet with the community.

• A new barber shop opened near the corner of Piney Orchard Parkway and Odenton Road.

• We have a new spot for Caribbean food and other goodies.

• We profiled a small local company involved in making apps for Anroid and the iPhone.

• Perry's Restaurant celebrated its 40th anniversary.

• We dropped in on one of the most active business networking groups in the area.

For a more comprehensive list of all the business stories on Odenton Patch, follow this link.