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To view this email as a web page, click here This week powered by Indeed "Ridiculous." That’s what Scott Blew thought when he tried to enjoy lunch outside and still couldn’t avoid the "second hand" screens of phones, laptops, and televisions all around him. He decided to do something about it. He took those special industrial screen protectors that block people from seeing laptops and turned them into sunglasses. Voila! No more screens--and now he's an entrepreneur. Chattanooga, Tennessee is emerging as a significant player on the national startup scene. Discover the story behind the city's technology resurgence and meet some of the people who are making it happen. 1. Rising interest rates: As the economy strengthens, the Federal Reserve continues to hike rates. Here are some things small business owners should be thinking about as interest rates rise. 2. For when you decide to hang up the cape: Planning for retirement isn’t easy. Here’s why small business owners and entrepreneurs should be feeling better about their retirement options. 3. Spend foolishly? Check out this business that dedicates 5% of its profits to intentionally foolish spending. They swear by it. Good strategy? Let us know what you think. 4. New NAFTA: After 13 months of talks, and a whole lot of ups and downs, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada have reached an agreement on a successor to the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Here’s our reaction to the announcement of the trade deal and what it means to business owners. 5. Losing our edge, Part I: Until very recently, the United States was far and away the dominant player for entrepreneurship, home to more 95 percent of global startup and venture capital-backed activity. But across the world, innovators and entrepreneurs are catching up. Here’s some interesting perspective on how we might be able to continue to lead (hint: invest in education, smart immigration and trade). 6. Losing our edge, Part II: Over the weekend, former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan and Adrian Woolridge, a political editor at The Economist, published an essay prescribing ways to “fix the great American growth machine.” They argue: “America’s problems, in short, are problems of poor policy-making rather than of senescent technology or a lack of entrepreneurial drive.” It’s worth a read. 7. Second chances: In 2007, Wheeling, Illinois faced a labor shortage and an aging workforce--and city leaders decided to do something about it. Check out how the community, businesses, universities, and local nonprofits are banding together to recreate Wheeling’s workforce, preparing it for the future. 3 Q’s with Ajahmure Clovis, owner of Her Nails Rock in Silver Spring, MD Q: What gets you up in the morning? A: My kids. I have four. They literally wake me up! But seriously they do. It’s my job to show them they can do anything even if they make mistakes along the way. Q: What words of advice do you have for the small business community? A: Don’t talk yourself out of being great! It’s ok to be afraid, but you have to take the leap to fall into your greatness. Q: What song gets you pumped up? A: Anything Jay-Z. I normally come up with new ideas and create my best work while listening to his music. So Fresh, So Clean by Outcast is a classic. Bodak Yellow by Cardi B! Oh, and B.O.B by OutKast! I play that when I have a 3 a.m. call time. You can find Her Nails Rock here, or on Facebook and Instagram. Or connect with her on LinkedIn. P.S. We'd love to feature your small business too! Hit us up at MainStreetMonday@uschamber.com 1. Protect your health: October is mental health month. Often, the prevailing perception of an entrepreneur or small business owner is one of a strong single-minded approach to their business and personal lives, but entrepreneurs struggle too. Here are some steps business owners can take to make sure their mental health remains a priority. 2. It’s not always puppies and rainbows: Are you naturally pessimistic? Is your personality less than ebullient? There is still hope. There are ways naturally pessimistic people can use the character trait to their advantage. 3. Personal board of directors? If it’s good enough for a business, why not for the small business owner or entrepreneur? Here’s why you just might need one. 4. Technology dos and don’ts: It’s not enough to have the latest technology at your business. You need to know how to use it. Here are eight ways small businesses should, be utilizing technology to protect the company, spur growth, and build a better business. 5. Twenty minutes or less: That’s how long it could take you to strengthen your business if you follow these steps. 6. What’s your cyber risk? The U.S. Chamber and FICO last week released the first Assessment of Business Cybersecurity (ABC), a new measure of the cybersecurity risk of the entire business community and risk across key sectors. You can check out the full report and get your own company’s score at the new ABC site. The Senate concluded a slate of judicial nomination approvals last week and had now joined the House on recess through the midterm elections. Meanwhile, President Trump is heading down to Florida and Georgia today to visit areas hit by Hurricane Michael (you can donate to the relief efforts here and learn more here). Back here in Washington, we’re hosting an event tomorrow, "The Business of Health," where we’ll examine the dynamics of health care and the people, ideas, and innovations that are tackling some of our nation’s most pressing healthcare challenges, including the opioid crisis. Check out the summit here. Meanwhile, we are just weeks away from pivotal midterm elections, and it has never been more important to make your voice heard. You can register to vote and find your polling place here, and you can remind your employees to vote by using the materials found in our employer toolkit here. Every vote in every race counts. One more thing: If you want to have more of a voice in what's happening each week in Washington we think you'd like our Main Street Leaders program, designed exclusively for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders across the country. Small business owners now have a distinct opportunity to convey to lawmakers the impact that decisions in Washington make at home. Check us out! What did we miss? Don't be shy. Let us know at MainStreetMonday@uschamber.com Learn about America's 3 “Great” periods since the financial crisis a decade ago, why they matter, and what U.S. Chamber chief economist J.D. Foster says they mean for the road ahead. A special thanks to our sponsor this week, Indeed. Looking to expand your company? Searching for your team’s next rockstar employee? Indeed is the most visited job site in the world, and the Indeed team is committed to helping you find the best talent for your growing small business. Click here to get started with Indeed. Have your own hot tips, stories or thoughts to share? Reaching out is super easy! We're at MainStreetMonday@uschamber.com. We can't wait to hear from you. This e-mail was sent by: U.S. Chamber of Commerce 1615 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20062 This email was sent to: ddolberry@rockymountchamber.org Unsubscribe or Manage your Above the Fold Subscriptions "U.S. CHAMBER" and "U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE" are registered trademarks of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America.
To view this email as a web page, click here
This week powered by Indeed
"Ridiculous."
That’s what Scott Blew thought when he tried to enjoy lunch outside and still couldn’t avoid the "second hand" screens of phones, laptops, and televisions all around him. He decided to do something about it. He took those special industrial screen protectors that block people from seeing laptops and turned them into sunglasses. Voila! No more screens--and now he's an entrepreneur.
Chattanooga, Tennessee is emerging as a significant player on the national startup scene. Discover the story behind the city's technology resurgence and meet some of the people who are making it happen.
1. Rising interest rates: As the economy strengthens, the Federal Reserve continues to hike rates. Here are some things small business owners should be thinking about as interest rates rise.
2. For when you decide to hang up the cape: Planning for retirement isn’t easy. Here’s why small business owners and entrepreneurs should be feeling better about their retirement options.
3. Spend foolishly? Check out this business that dedicates 5% of its profits to intentionally foolish spending. They swear by it. Good strategy? Let us know what you think.
4. New NAFTA: After 13 months of talks, and a whole lot of ups and downs, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada have reached an agreement on a successor to the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Here’s our reaction to the announcement of the trade deal and what it means to business owners.
5. Losing our edge, Part I: Until very recently, the United States was far and away the dominant player for entrepreneurship, home to more 95 percent of global startup and venture capital-backed activity. But across the world, innovators and entrepreneurs are catching up. Here’s some interesting perspective on how we might be able to continue to lead (hint: invest in education, smart immigration and trade).
6. Losing our edge, Part II: Over the weekend, former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan and Adrian Woolridge, a political editor at The Economist, published an essay prescribing ways to “fix the great American growth machine.” They argue: “America’s problems, in short, are problems of poor policy-making rather than of senescent technology or a lack of entrepreneurial drive.” It’s worth a read.
7. Second chances: In 2007, Wheeling, Illinois faced a labor shortage and an aging workforce--and city leaders decided to do something about it. Check out how the community, businesses, universities, and local nonprofits are banding together to recreate Wheeling’s workforce, preparing it for the future.
3 Q’s with Ajahmure Clovis, owner of Her Nails Rock in Silver Spring, MD
Q: What gets you up in the morning?
A: My kids. I have four. They literally wake me up! But seriously they do. It’s my job to show them they can do anything even if they make mistakes along the way.
Q: What words of advice do you have for the small business community?
A: Don’t talk yourself out of being great! It’s ok to be afraid, but you have to take the leap to fall into your greatness.
Q: What song gets you pumped up?
A: Anything Jay-Z. I normally come up with new ideas and create my best work while listening to his music. So Fresh, So Clean by Outcast is a classic. Bodak Yellow by Cardi B! Oh, and B.O.B by OutKast! I play that when I have a 3 a.m. call time.
You can find Her Nails Rock here, or on Facebook and Instagram. Or connect with her on LinkedIn.
P.S. We'd love to feature your small business too! Hit us up at MainStreetMonday@uschamber.com
1. Protect your health: October is mental health month. Often, the prevailing perception of an entrepreneur or small business owner is one of a strong single-minded approach to their business and personal lives, but entrepreneurs struggle too. Here are some steps business owners can take to make sure their mental health remains a priority.
2. It’s not always puppies and rainbows: Are you naturally pessimistic? Is your personality less than ebullient? There is still hope. There are ways naturally pessimistic people can use the character trait to their advantage.
3. Personal board of directors? If it’s good enough for a business, why not for the small business owner or entrepreneur? Here’s why you just might need one.
4. Technology dos and don’ts: It’s not enough to have the latest technology at your business. You need to know how to use it. Here are eight ways small businesses should, be utilizing technology to protect the company, spur growth, and build a better business.
5. Twenty minutes or less: That’s how long it could take you to strengthen your business if you follow these steps.
6. What’s your cyber risk? The U.S. Chamber and FICO last week released the first Assessment of Business Cybersecurity (ABC), a new measure of the cybersecurity risk of the entire business community and risk across key sectors. You can check out the full report and get your own company’s score at the new ABC site.
The Senate concluded a slate of judicial nomination approvals last week and had now joined the House on recess through the midterm elections. Meanwhile, President Trump is heading down to Florida and Georgia today to visit areas hit by Hurricane Michael (you can donate to the relief efforts here and learn more here).
Back here in Washington, we’re hosting an event tomorrow, "The Business of Health," where we’ll examine the dynamics of health care and the people, ideas, and innovations that are tackling some of our nation’s most pressing healthcare challenges, including the opioid crisis. Check out the summit here.
Meanwhile, we are just weeks away from pivotal midterm elections, and it has never been more important to make your voice heard. You can register to vote and find your polling place here, and you can remind your employees to vote by using the materials found in our employer toolkit here. Every vote in every race counts.
One more thing: If you want to have more of a voice in what's happening each week in Washington we think you'd like our Main Street Leaders program, designed exclusively for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders across the country. Small business owners now have a distinct opportunity to convey to lawmakers the impact that decisions in Washington make at home. Check us out!
What did we miss? Don't be shy. Let us know at MainStreetMonday@uschamber.com
Learn about America's 3 “Great” periods since the financial crisis a decade ago, why they matter, and what U.S. Chamber chief economist J.D. Foster says they mean for the road ahead.
A special thanks to our sponsor this week, Indeed. Looking to expand your company? Searching for your team’s next rockstar employee? Indeed is the most visited job site in the world, and the Indeed team is committed to helping you find the best talent for your growing small business. Click here to get started with Indeed.
Have your own hot tips, stories or thoughts to share? Reaching out is super easy! We're at MainStreetMonday@uschamber.com. We can't wait to hear from you.
This e-mail was sent by: U.S. Chamber of Commerce 1615 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20062 This email was sent to: ddolberry@rockymountchamber.org Unsubscribe or Manage your Above the Fold Subscriptions
"U.S. CHAMBER" and "U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE" are registered trademarks of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America.