Podcasts about Commerce

This week, we are talking Home Depot's b-hole reminiscent chatbot and vibecoding JD Vance's face. Plus—the biggest mystery in American shopping: why does TJ Maxx make people need to poop? Also on tap: Apple's iPad launch cringefest and a surprising rise in Android smartphone adoption among creatives AND finance bros alike.The Rise of Butthole LogosKey takeaways:Home Depot's "Magic Apron" and Lowe's "Milo" chatbots launched within hours of each other—proving that every brand now needs an AI assistant, even if they all look the same.AI is speeding towards eliminating websites as we know them—future shopping experiences will be conversations, not catalogs.Apple's recent marketing attempts are wildly out of touch—trends about trends are dead, but nobody told Tim Cook.Are we Pavlov-ing ourselves into using the bathroom at TJMaxx? All signs point to yesVibe coding is taking over—non-coders can now generate functional apps, proving that AI isn't just summarizing things anymore—it's building them from scratch.[00:01:19] “Eenie meenie miney Milo. Home Depot's chatbot looks like a b-hole.” - Phillip[00:55:05] “AI is fundamentally changing the way we interact with software. Convenience is the ultimate aim of technology, and we're just at the beginning of this shift.” - BrianLinks:In-show mention: Purchase The Lore JournalIn-show mention: Home Depot Chatbot and Press ReleaseIn-show mention: TJMaxx Reddit ThreadIn-show mention: Register for Shoptalk AfterpartyCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!This episode of Future Commerce is brought to you by Future Commerce Plus and our sponsors Omnisend and MotionApp and Keen Decision Systems.

In this moment of media fragmentation and the rise of niche communities, are there still ways to reach mass audiences? This week, Ben and Max bring on legendary marketing executive, Frank Cooper, who's always been at the center of big cultural shifts from his time at Def Jam in the 90s, AOL in the 2000s, and BuzzFeed in the 2010s. Throughout his career, he's also been seen as the culture translator for big corporations, as the CMO at PepsiCo and the CMO of Visa. They talk about Frank's unique career, who and what he thinks still moves people in mass — like Post Malone at the Louvre — and what he makes of this particular moment in the culture. He also shares stories from his time working in hip hop, what he's learned from LL Cool J, and how Snoop Dogg became the world's most marketable star. Also: if you have feedback for the show and want to participate in a casual focus group, please email Ben at ben.smith@semafor.com. Sign up for Semafor Media's Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media  For more from Think with Google, check out ThinkwithGoogle.com. Find us on X: @semaforben, @maxwelltani If you have a tip or a comment, please email us mixedsignals@semafor.com

We sit down with the guys from the Ballistically Speaking Podcast – the BS Podcast - to talk about what it's like to be a gun owner and shooter in the Great White North, eh, and hunting coyotes and elk and defending the home place. The 6.5 and its variants. The 44 Mag and the lever action. Why the 22 Gauge is such a versatile caliber up north. Favorite cartridges, long range shooting, pistol training and optics. We try to cover as much as we can in 90 minutes. To get your daily dose of BS, visit https://bspodcast.ca/Watch Frontier Unlimited and outdoor TV whenever you want, wherever you are. Click on https://huntchannel.lightcast.com/If you want to support free speech and good hunting content in the Internet Age, look for our coffee and books and wildlife forage blends at https://www.garylewisoutdoors.com/Shop/For more info on forage blends, click on http://baileyseed.com/products/frontier-unlimited-wildlife-mixes/We appreciate our sponsors: Nosler, Camp Chef, Warne Scope Mounts, Carson, Pro-Cure Bait Scents, Sullivan Glove Company, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, Madras Ford, Bailey Seed and Smartz.Watch select episodes of Frontier Unlimited on our network of affiliates around the U.S. and on Hunt Channel TV or click https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gary+lewis+outdoors+frontier+unlimited

Bonjour et bienvenue dans la revue de presse hebdo et audio du secteur retail / e-commerce en France proposée par Les Digital Doers en partenariat avec le One to One Retail E-commerce de Monaco.

Trent is a crowd favorite at the Creator Classic this week (00:00:30). Dave talks about Barstool's policy on office romances after Nicky Smokes drama (00:04:00). Revisiting the Dante/Storm Chasers situation (00:12:00). Dave hung out with the Maryland Foodie Boyz this week (00:13:00). Rico did an interview for a cancelled show, Healthy Debate (00:15:00). Dave is headed to Vegas with Mr. Ice (00:18:00). Dave was offered a spot to work under the Secretary of Commerce (00:20:00). Naming the Captains and drafting for the Chicago Mini Golf tournament next month (00:22:20). Carrabis said the Golden Years of Barstool are over (00:29:30). Lebron went after Stephen A. Smith for talking about Bronny James (00:33:00). Going over the worst named shows in Barstool history (00:35:00). Kirk gives a small update on The Case (00:36:45). Dave wants to hire a P.I. to see what Mut does all day (00:37:45).You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/unnamedshow

Commerce Secretary Lutnick Says Trump Wants To Eliminate Taxes For Americans Making Under $150,000 A Year

Brian W. King joined ADS in September 2020 and serves as Executive Vice President, Product Management and Marketing. Mr. King came to the Company with over 25 years of product management and marketing experience in both consumer and commercial businesses. From 2013 to September 2020, Mr. King worked at Owens Corning, a Toledo, Ohio-based company that develops and produces insulation, roofing and fiberglass composites and related materials, serving as Vice President, Strategic Marketing from 2016 to 2020 and Director of Strategic Marketing from 2015 to 2016. Prior to Mr. King's role at Owens Corning, he held leadership positions at The Stanley Works, Elmer's Products Inc., and Avery Dennison Corporation. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University. He has received certifications in Marketing Management and Executive Education from York University and the University of North Carolina respectively. Brian Joins Sustainable Nation to Discuss: ADS' plastic recycling operations and achievements Strategic efforts at ADS to reduce GHG emissions and their recognition as one of America's climate leaders by USA Today Partnerships that advance recycling and sustainability initiatives Advice and recommendations for sustainability professionals Brian's Final Five Questions Responses: What is one piece of advice you would give other sustainability professionals that might help them in their careers?  I think we tend to underestimate what change we can make over a decade, and so I think we need to look at change over a longer period. We overestimate what you can do in a year. We're always very aggressive about what you can do in a year, and then we underestimate what you can do over a decade. But if you look back, you find that we've made great change over decades. So I think we need to adjust how we look at how change. The change we make and the impact that we have needs to be longer term.  What are you most excited about right now in the world of sustainability?  I get really excited when people say plastics recycling doesn't work, because it does. Even though there's no silver bullet in solving the plastics problem. Because plastics in the environment is a problem, and we need to work together to solve that. I get pretty excited because a lot of people tell us that plastics recycling doesn't work, and ADS is an example that, yes, it does. We can actually effectively create circular economies for plastics and we can help to solve the plastic problem. That excites me because that is a big deal.  What is one book you'd recommend sustainability leaders read?  My favorite is Cradle to Cradle. It's remaking the way that we make things. As someone who's done product management for a lot of their career, sustainability is key to product management. We need to think about end of life. When you design a product, it shouldn't just be around the economic value or the features and benefits or the value proposition that the product's delivering. You need to think about what happens at the end of life. Cradle to Cradle is a great way to open your eyes to that.  What are some of your favorite resources or tools that really help you in your work?  We talked about one of them, being partners with groups like the Recycling Partnership. There's passionate individuals, people who are doing things across the country that you can hear from. The Ohio State Sustainability Institute being another one I talked about. Talking to those like minded companies, talking to those like minded people, people finding those like minded organizations out there that are aligned with what it is that you want to do from a sustainability perspective. Sustainability professionals listen to this. We have to make sure we make those connections because some of the best resources are talking to people about what they've learned, what failed, what worked. That gets me really excited.  Where can our listeners go to learn more about you and the work being done at ADS?  If anyone wants to email me here at ADS, it's brian.king@adspipe.com. I'm on LinkedIn, Brian W. King. LinkedIn is the way to find me. If you want to go to our website, adspipe.com/sustainability we have an interactive version of our 2024 sustainability report that allows you to dig into some of the good work that we're doing.

Things that are cool as hell: Ernest Borgnine crankin' it, Wings Hauser doing a big, fat, Texan accent, Roy Starkey (the Chamber of Commerce's Man of the Year, 1985), The Admiral, and of course an attack helicopter with all sort of buttons that say things like "sidewinder" and "chaff"Well guess what folks? This podcast episode features all of those things and all at once! That's because the BTBs are FINALLY covering the 80s espionage show Airwolf! But while all those things are cool in and of themselves, there's one thing you can add to make everything EVEN BETTER. Have you figured out what it is yet? No it's not a monkey shooting a bazooka (but close guess) it's a SECOND attack helicoper fighting the first attack helicopter!If you need more reasons to listen to this episode then you're a lost cause. So strap in, push the button which causes your helicopter to start the podcast, and get ready to be blown away

In episode 191, Coffey talks with Dr. Matt Zakreski about leveraging neurodivergent employees' unique strengths. They discuss the prevalence of neurodivergence in the workplace; the various types of neurodivergence beyond autism; the concept of masking and its impact on employees; how to avoid tokenism through universal design; strategies for clear communication with neurodivergent employees; the importance of creating appropriate incentives and accommodations; preparing neurotypical employees to work effectively with neurodivergent colleagues.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, PsyD is a professional speaker and clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) people. He has spoken nearly a thousand times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent people in all walks of life, from schools to college to the workplace. Dr. Matt specializes in taking knowledge of the brain, human behavior, and clinical psychology and making that accessible and practical for people to improve their lives. When it comes to working with organizations, Dr. Matt is an expert at helping everyone to grow in a meaningful, authentic way based on skills that stick with you well after he's left the stage. Everyone deserves to have a better life; the more we know about ourselves and our brains, the better we can meet those goals. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective, LLC and the author of the Neurodiversity Playbook: How Neurodivergent People Can Crack the Code of Living in a Neurotypical World.Dr. Matt Zakreski can be reached at http://www.drmattzakreski.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-zakreski-0a32358/https://www.facebook.com/drmattzakreskihttps://www.instagram.com/drmattzakreskiPurchase his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Neurodiversity-Playbook-Neurodivergent-People-Neurotypical/dp/195336036XBook Dr. Matt for speaking, coaching, or consulting services here:https://www.drmattzakreski.com/blank-3 Dr. Matt's new podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nerding-out-on-neurodiversity/id1771917660 About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Implement universal design principles that support all employees while avoiding tokenism of neurodivergent workersDevelop clear communication practices that make implicit workplace expectations explicitCreate appropriate accommodations and incentives that align with neurodivergent employees' needs and preferences

Send us a textAre you looking to expand your professional network and grow your business? Joining your local chamber of commerce might be the perfect solution. In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Sheila from the Troy Chamber of Commerce to explore the value of chamber membership and how to make the most of networking events.The Power of Chamber MembershipWhy businesses should consider joining their local chamberThe range of benefits chambers offer, from marketing opportunities to community connectionsHow chamber staff can help you build valuable relationshipsMaximizing Networking EventsTips for introverts and extroverts to navigate chamber events successfullyThe importance of follow-up and continuing conversations beyond initial meetingsHow to approach networking with authenticity and build genuine connectionsThe Resurgence of In-Person EventsWhy attendance at chamber events is higher than ever post-pandemicThe renewed energy and excitement around face-to-face networkingBalancing in-person and virtual opportunities for member engagementMarketing Lessons from Chamber ExperienceSheila also shares her biggest marketing lesson learned: less is more. She emphasizes the importance of clear, concise messaging and avoiding "logo soup" in event promotions and marketing materials.Whether you're a seasoned chamber member or considering joining for the first time, this episode offers valuable insights on leveraging chamber resources to build relationships, grow your business, and become an active part of your local business community.Ready to take your networking and marketing efforts to the next level? Listen now to learn how chambers of commerce can be a powerful tool in your business growth strategy.Connect with Sheila Denstaedt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilatroychamber/ Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

Mind Your Business is back and loaded with information this week.We start with a recap of North Carolina Governor Josh Stein's State of the State address, along with updates on Helene recovery activities working through local and State government channels.Speaking of local government, Watauga County has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Aerostar to expedite debris removal from waterways and private property. Watauga County Emergency Management Director, Will Holt, Darlene Abbot, Project Manager for Aerostar, joined WATA's Mark in the Morning for a detailed discussion around the program, including details on how commercial and residential property owners can access this free service.We end the show with a visit with an old friend. Dr. Scott Elliott is locally known as the longtime Superintendent of Watauga County Schools and former Director of Development for Blue Ridge Conservancy. He now serves as Deputy Director of Engagement for GROW NC, working throughout the western region on hurricane recovery efforts. We'll hear about the mission of this new organization, what Governor Stein's priorities are for the work of this office, and how local residents can interact with the agency.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Visit GROW NC online at www.wncrecovery.nc.gov.  Support the show

We're all on a path to somewhere, and then something comes along that brings clarity into our life, and often takes us in an unexpected direction. We ask, “did we manifest that” or did it “just happen?” Lyn St. James believe it's likely a combination of things, but she believes things don't just happen. The more difficult the challenge, the more difficult the climb, and the more important we need to pay attention to the things that influence our choices. It's often upon reflection where we can see and learn how those influences impacted our lives. And depending on what decade we're living in, and what decade of our life we're reflecting on those choices, it can help shape our lives and the lives of those around us. An important piece of advice - pay attention to your influences and how they impact your decisions. And always think about the bigger picture, because everything we invite to enter our sphere of awareness impacts what we do, and what we do has an impact on others. This presentation is a recap of how my five decades in the motorsports industry has taken me down the path of racing around the world and provided me with incredible opportunities to be someone I would never have dreamed I could be. An incredible journey! Lyn St. James, Co-Founder/President of Women in Motorsports North America, is a legendary race car driver, author, mentor, and motivational speaker. Named one of the "Top 100 Female Athletes of the 20th Century" by Sports Illustrated, Lyn has set 21 national and international speed records and was a seven-time competitor in the world's largest sporting event - the Indianapolis 500 - earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1992. She has competed all over the world, including twice at the 24 Hours of LeMans (1989, 91) with victories at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, Watkins Glen, Road America, and Nurburgring. Most recently Lyn was announced as an inductee into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, and has been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Sebring Hall of Fame, the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, was the 2022 Amelia Island Concours Honoree, is the recipient of the prestigious “Spirit of Ford” award, the "Guiding Woman in Sports Award", the "Office Depot Visionary Sportswoman of the Year" and was named on Automotive News list of the Top 100 Women in the Automotive Industry. She is in demand as a speaker on women's issues, gender equality, and diversity. She serves on the board of ACCUS (Automobile Competition Committee of the United States) and on their Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. She has authored two books: Lyn St. James, An Incredible Journey and Oh By the Way, and is a former President of the Women's Sports Foundation. Lyn is passionate about mentoring drivers in the sport of auto racing as well as women in the automotive and motorsports fields. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Lyn St. James: A Legendary Career 03:51 Early Inspirations and Challenges 05:42 Finding Passion in Racing 09:09 Breaking Barriers in Motorsports 13:52 The Importance of Teamwork and Persistence 18:52 Creating Partnerships and Achieving Success 25:53 Reflecting on History and Legacy 27:35 Reflecting on Women in Motorsports 29:24 The Evolution of Female Representation 32:20 The Birth of Women in Motorsports North America 35:35 Challenges and Triumphs in Racing 40:07 The Future of Women in Racing 43:04 Social Media and Safety Concerns 44:51 Memorable Cars and Racing Experiences 50:51 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/ Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

Questions to Ministers TAKUTAI TARSH KEMP to the Minister for Economic Growth: Will she ensure that her proposal to scrap the living wage requirement in Government contracts for cleaning, catering, and security guard services will not result in pay cuts for these workers? PAULO GARCIA to the Minister of Revenue: What recent announcements has he made on the foreign investment fund rules? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? TEANAU TUIONO to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: What steps, if any, has he taken to guard against regulatory capture of the Ministry for Primary Industries by New Zealand's commercial fishing sector? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Does she agree with Brooke van Velden's statement, "I think a lot of people in New Zealand do live on minimum wage and we have to allow people to make ends meet"; if so, how many Government contractors are currently paid the minimum wage? KATIE NIMON to the Associate Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made on refreshing New Zealand's eating disorders strategy? STEVE ABEL to the Minister of Agriculture: Does he agree that trade access to overseas markets is a key component of protecting the export performance of New Zealand's agricultural sector? DAVID MacLEOD to the Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing: What is the Government doing to support small businesses and manufacturers? TANGI UTIKERE to the Minister for Rail: Has the Government received any alternative proposals for the procurement of new Cook Strait ferries from the private sector; if so, how many? JENNY MARCROFT to the Associate Minister of Health: What recent announcements has she made regarding upgrades to New Zealand's air ambulance fleet? MILES ANDERSON to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing: What work has the Government done to support the hunting and fishing community? ARENA WILLIAMS to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: How will the Government back up its promise to ensure fair prices for Kiwi consumers?

Today on The ROCC Pod, we sit down with Kyle Vandeventer from the Royal Oak Sandlot League to talk about baseball, softball, and community engagement. Kyle shares how the league, which has been a staple in Royal Oak since 1959, continues to provide affordable, high-quality youth sports opportunities for kids aged 4 to 18. With roughly 1,000 athletes participating annually, the league is powered entirely by volunteers dedicated to fostering a love for the game.Kyle's journey into the league began when his then-four-year-old son wanted to play baseball. He initially signed up as an assistant coach, but after voicing concerns about areas that needed improvement, he was invited to step up and make changes himself. Four years later, he plays multiple roles, from coaching to managing registration, marketing, and social media.A major focus for the league is keeping costs low while maintaining a high-quality experience. Registration fees start at just $60 for tee-ball and cap at $160 for older players. Sponsorships and fundraising efforts help keep expenses manageable, ensuring that all kids, regardless of financial background, have a chance to play. Businesses can sponsor teams, with their logos featured on jerseys that kids wear around town, offering great local exposure.Beyond affordability, the league emphasizes three core principles: fun, safety, and learning. Starting kids as young as four allows them to develop fundamental skills and a love for the game early. The league also partners with the Royal Oak Leprechauns, giving players access to special events and games.Kyle also shares his background in the beer industry, where he spent 15 years before transitioning to financial planning. He reflects on how fatherhood has taught him patience and laughs about his self-proclaimed Olympic-level laundry skills.For those looking to get involved as sponsors, coaches, or volunteers, all information is available at royaloaksandlot.com. Registration for summer baseball is open until April 1, with late sign-ups accepted afterward. Practices start in late March or early April, with games running through July.We wrap up with a fun discussion about balancing work, family, and volunteer commitments, and, of course, some hopeful thoughts about the upcoming Detroit Tigers season. Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/Connect with our hosts:Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

China's Ministry of Commerce and other relevant authorities held talks with Walmart Inc on Tuesday to discuss the US retailer's recent request for price reductions from Chinese suppliers.中国商务部及其他相关部门于周二与沃尔玛公司举行了会谈，讨论这家美国零售商最近要求中国供应商降价的事宜。Walmart has recently asked some Chinese suppliers for price cuts of up to 10 percent per round of additional tariffs the US government imposes on Chinese goods. In response to this move, the Beijing-based China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles said in a statement that it will take proactive measures to safeguard the interests of its member companies.沃尔玛最近要求一些中国供应商，针对美国政府每一轮对中国商品加征的关税，将价格下调高达 10%。针对这一举措，位于北京的中国纺织品进出口商会在一份声明中表示，它将采取积极措施来维护其会员企业的利益。She Xiaoli, a professor of international trade law at the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, said Walmart's request for price reductions from Chinese suppliers may violate commercial contracts, potentially disrupting the normal market transaction order. This could pose a risk of supply chain disruption, harming both Chinese and US businesses as well as US consumers, said shee.中国政法大学国际贸易法教授史晓丽表示，沃尔玛要求中国供应商降价的行为可能违反商业合同，有可能扰乱正常的市场交易秩序。史晓丽称，这可能会带来供应链中断的风险，损害中美两国企业以及美国消费者的利益。tariff [ˈtærɪf] n. 关税chamber of commerce [ˈtʃeɪmbə(r) ɒv ˈkɒmɜːs] 商会safeguard [ˈseɪfɡɑːd] v. 保护；维护；n. 保障措施disruption [dɪsˈrʌpʃn] n. 扰乱；中断

Ready to embrace the cowboy lifestyle and experience the beauty of the great outdoors? In this episode, we're exploring 8 incredible dude ranches that should be on your bucket list! Whether you're looking for a luxury retreat, a family-friendly getaway, or an adventurous escape, these ranches offer stunning landscapes, thrilling activities, and authentic Western charm.

Megan Sullivan & Josh Diamond, from The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, join Kurt & Kelly to talk about some important issues in this years Legislative Session.

As markets react sharply to President Trump's 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, Altimeter Capital CEO Brad Gerstner weighs in on the escalating market turmoil and the broader implications of Trump's trade policies. Amid these developments, CNBC's Eunice Youn reports from Beijing on talks between China's Ministry of Commerce and Walmart, which is seeking price reductions from Chinese suppliers to mitigate tariff impacts. Plus, CNBC's Eamon Javers delivers insights on Trump FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson's recent remarks to CEOs, emphasizing that while he won't allow mergers to falter unnecessarily, automatic approvals for significant mergers aren't guaranteed. Eamon Javers - 09:14Eunice Yoon - 16:13Brad Gerstner - 22:51 Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvEamon Javers, @EamonJaversBrad Gerstner, @altcapBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In this episode, the CPG Guys are joined by Chelsey Alexander, Vice President, Emerging Digital Platforms at Bayer Consumer Health. The episode was recorded in Atlanta GA at the Commerce Brand Media Summit in March 2025.Follow Chelsey Alexander on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsey-alexander-a3269757/Follow Bayer on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bayer/Follow Bayer online at: https://www.bayer.com/en/personal-health/better-health-for-allChelsey answers these questions:Tell us about you the person. Take us through your career growth from starting in the drug channel at P&G to a brand GM and leading emerging channels leadership today? How has your brick and mortar and marketing experiences served you well to be in the role you are in today developing a brand and retail channels?Social commerce and marketplaces have made great in roads last couple years. Given this is a large part of your role, can you talk about some of the things you've learned or important things for brands to keep in mind?When it comes to the digital shelf,how are you managing content and the rise of AI and personalization?In which parts of the customer journey do you believe brands need to be best in class to rise above the competition? Tell us about your team and how you motivate them everyday? What is your approach to people leadership?Who has been your mentor and advisor and what is the importance of this? What advise would you give other startups in this place? What trends are you following these days? AI, tech, other trends? Why are these important? Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/?utm_source=cpg+guys&utm_medium=multi-channel_campaign&utm_campaign=mktgstrat_Retail+Media+Strategy+-+CPG+GuysCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Unlock the secrets of B2B commerce with Shane Smyth, CTO of Saltbox, as he charts his voyage from his early days at Magnet360 to creating his Salesforce Mojo YouTube channel. Discover the resilience needed to conquer Salesforce's challenges, the power of community support, and Shane's dedication to deciphering the platform's complexities for all. Venture into the technical depths of B2B Commerce, where understanding customer needs and segmenting audiences is paramount. Learn how Salesforce Lightning integration revolutionizes setup and enriches the Customer 360 experience and why expertise in core technologies like Apex and Lightning Web Components is crucial for developers. Finally, tune in for an inside look at how Saltbox is innovating the hiring and training landscape in the specialized realm of Salesforce B2B commerce. From cross-training Salesforce professionals to fostering talent with our educational initiatives in Mexico, we're turning fresh faces into seasoned experts. Show Highlights: Differences between B2B, B2C, and D2C commerce and insights into the Salesforce product landscape. Saltbox's approach to hiring and training in the specialized field of Salesforce B2B commerce. The process and experience of creating and balancing content for the Salesforce community through the Salesforce Mojo podcast. The significance of community engagement and support for professional growth within the Salesforce ecosystem. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanesmyth8/ Github: https://github.com/commerce-codeitforward/ Salesforce Mojo Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtRpZp9v7Mz54_vDYdnFckLzLojlAoth7 Salesforce Ben articles: https://www.salesforceben.com/author/shane-smyth/  *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

ERP systems are the backbone of modern business operations—but how do you choose the right one? Many companies struggle with disconnected processes, siloed teams, and outdated systems, making ERP selection both a high-stakes investment and a complex decision. Inspired by ERP Selection: A Playbook for Choosing the Right System, this episode breaks down the key phases of ERP selection to help businesses navigate their decision-making process with clarity. From evaluating must-have features and vendor compatibility to ensuring successful change management, we cover everything you need to future-proof your ERP strategy.What You'll Learn in This Episode:1. When Is It Time for a New ERP? Key Red FlagsSigns your business has outgrown its current system—from excessive spreadsheets to lack of inventory visibility.How fragmented processes create inefficiencies across departments.2. Laying the Groundwork: Building a Strong Business CaseWhy ERP selection should involve input from all departments, not just IT.Inside-out vs. outside-in perspectives: balancing internal efficiency with competitive market advantages.3. Scoring and Rating ERP Systems: Choosing the Right FitHow to compare ERP vendors and systems using a structured evaluation framework.Why seamless integration with existing tools is a non-negotiable factor.The role of APIs, automation, and real-time data sharing in ERP success.4. Change Management: Ensuring a Smooth TransitionWhy ERP implementation is as much about people as it is about technology.How to prepare employees for the transition and drive company-wide adoption.Key Takeaways:Disconnected processes signal it's time for an ERP upgrade—efficiency depends on real-time visibility.Business-wide involvement in ERP selection ensures adoption and maximizes ROI.Vendor selection is about more than just software—support, integration, and industry expertise matter.Change management is critical—successful implementation requires training, communication, and clear transition strategies.Subscribe to our podcast for expert insights on digital transformation, ERP systems, and business efficiency. Visit The Future of Commerce for in-depth research and strategies on how businesses can optimize operations with the right technology. Share this episode with business leaders, IT decision-makers, and anyone involved in ERP selection.

ActBlue and more indications of smurfing have been discovered by attorney Sholdon Daniels who is planning to run against Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) wants Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) investigated after the $34 million dollars wasted on the Russian collusion hoax. February CPI was released and it looks like inflation is cooling under President Trump. However, the Governor of Delaware (D) reminds us that the Democrat party has decided they are 100% against anyone and anything linked to Donald Trump. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the press similar to what I said yesterday about Musk discussing waste in entitlement spending. The Legacy/mainstream media is dedicated to lying about the efforts of DOGE to find fraud, waste and abuse. In fact, not that long ago, Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders and Chuck “You” Schumer were the original DOGE team. Erica Carr with USAID put out a memo telling everyone to shred and burn everything. You know it's bad when Nicolle Wallace of MSNBC says it's troublesome. Trump held a presser in front of the White House and then said he was buying a Tesla. While the Left is screaming about Trump doing a free ad for Elon, I remind you that just a few years ago, Joe Biden had an EV summit and drove a Jeep Rubicon EV. Trump puts American business and American workers first, which was echoed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on CBS. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) had to school fellow lawmakers and an attorney on what the 10th Amendment really says and how illegals have in fact broken the law. Secretary of the VA Doug Collins schools the media about how they write their stories, which leads to a discovery of how many agencies in out government have sent millions of dollars to Reuters. We close with a reminder that I have always thought of Canada as the canary in the coal mine of current politics. Their coronation of Mark Carney follows the same pattern we see with all Western countries who have let their un-elected bureaucracies have complete reign. Please take a moment to rate and review the show and then share the episode on social media. You can find me on Facebook, X, Instagram, GETTR and TRUTH Social by searching for The Alan Sanders Show. And, consider becoming a sponsor of the show by visiting my Patreon page!!

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is March 12, 2025. It's the sweetest time of year as the West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival returns to Pickens this month…Greenbrier Valley Medical Center partners with Mountain Steer Meat to provide fresh local beef in its cafeteria…and Southern West Virginia readies for the Future Forward Summit and Expo, showcasing innovation, collaboration and actionable progress in the region…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV NEWS – The 39th West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival returns to Pickens on March 15-16, 2025, offering a weekend filled with food, live entertainment, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities. The festival celebrates the start of maple sugaring season. This centuries-old tradition involves tapping maple trees, collecting sap, and boiling it down to create the rich, golden syrup that has been a staple in Appalachian kitchens for generations.  Visitors to the festival will also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of Richter's Sugar Camp to get an up-close look at how maple syrup is made.  Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/experience-the-39th-west-virginia-maple-syrup-festival-in-pickens/article_214aa81e-f9ce-11ef-bc46-ffb987be5800.html   #2 – From THE REAL WV – Cafeteria guests at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center can now enjoy fresh, local beef, thanks to a partnership between the medical center and Mountain Steer Meat Company of White Sulphur Springs.  Not only will their local beef be available for guests and employees in the hospital, but patients will also soon be receiving meals that include local beef, according to Chief Administrative Officer Becky Harless. She said she hopes the partnership grows to other Vandalia-owned hospitals as well.  Mountain Steer beef is currently being used by schools, restaurants, the hospital, and families throughout the Greenbrier Valley.  Read more: https://therealwv.com/2025/03/05/camc-partners-with-mountain-steer-to-offer-local-beef-in-cafeteria/   #3 – From WV PRESS – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce announced their collaboration on this year's Future Forward Summit and Expo, taking place April 22-23 at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center. Jina Belcher, Executive Director of NRGRDA, said the Summit and Expo is essential to southern West Virginia's progress, serving as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and actionable progress in the region. This event provides a platform for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, forge strategic partnerships, and explore opportunities that will drive long-term economic success in our region.  For more information on this year's Future Forward Summit and Expo, visit https://brccc.com/future-forward Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/nrgrda-brccc-announce-collaboration-on-april-22-23-future-forward-summit-and-expo/?utm_source=newsletter Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

The trade and commerce opportunities between the two countries are often the priority during Australia-Nepal bilateral meetings. Our Nepal correspondent, Prayas Dulal, recently spoke with Akhil Chapagain, Chairman of the Nepal-Australia Chamber of Commerce and Trade and poked questions about investment opportunities in Nepal. - अस्ट्रेलिया र नेपाल बिच सन् २०२२ मा करिब १३८.८ मिलियन डलर बराबरको व्यापार भएको तथ्याङ्कले देखाउँछ। उक्त डाटाका अनुसार, अस्ट्रेलियाबाट १२५ मिलियन डलर बराबरका सामान नेपालले आयात गरेको थियो भने सोही अवधिमा नेपालले मात्र १३.८ मिलियन डलर बराबरको सामान अस्ट्रेलिया निर्यात गरेको थियो। पछिल्ला वर्षहरूमा दुई देशबिचको व्यापार, आउँदा दिनका सम्भावनाहरू र अस्ट्रेलियामा रहेका नेपालीले नेपालमा गर्न सक्ने लगानीका बारे नेपाल अस्ट्रेलिया उद्योग वाणिज्य सङ्घका अध्यक्ष अखिल चापागाईँसँग प्रयास दुलालले गर्नुभएको कुराकानी सुन्नुहोस्।

On Episode 530 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Ketan Dalal, founder of Katalyst Advisors and former Managing Partner (West) and Joint Tax Leader of PwC India.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take: Cooked In Washington and Served in India(05:29) The stock markets struggle against headwinds(06:26) Inflows into Mutual Funds fall to 10-month low(07:16) Retail inflation down to 7-month low of 3.6%(10:18) What should India do on capital gains tax?(24:26) Does the US Commerce Secretary understand Commerce, asks the WSJ?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners! We await your feedback....⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecore.in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠

Son passage en France et l'exposition consacrée à cette légende brésilienne de la photographie marque le coup d'envoi de la saison France-Brésil 2025. Ses clichés engagés et militants sur la famine en Afrique, la diversité des cultures en Amérique Latine, l'immigration, le monde impitoyable du travail, sans oublier les photos splendides de son projet Genesis, centré sur les territoires encore préservés de la planète : l'exposition organisée aux Franciscaines de Deauville, qui s'appuie sur la collection de la Maison européenne de la photographie, pourrait faire figure de rétrospective en noir et blanc de l'œuvre de Sebastião Salgado. Un immense photographe de 81 ans, connu dans le monde entier, mais aussi un conteur passionné qui se confie au micro d'Achim Lippold. ► Dossier à lire ici : «Cette exposition est un résumé de ma vie»: les confidences du photographe brésilien Sebastião SalgadoLes tergiversations économiques de Donald TrumpÉditorial très épicé du Wall Street Journal, dont il suffit de lire la conclusion : « On a dit dès le début que cette guéguerre avec le Canada était la plus bête de l'Histoire. Et encore, on a été gentils ». L'exaspération est manifeste au sein du quotidien que l'élite de la finance lit tous les matins au petit déjeuner, un électorat qui a sans aucun doute voté Trump à la présidentielle, mais ne comprend plus sa boussole économique. « Sa géniale petite offensive sur les droits de douane va causer du tort aux entreprises et aux consommateurs de deux côtés de la frontière, s'alarme le WSJ, et le ministre du Commerce prétend que tout cela va rendre les produits américains moins chers. Pardon ? Les entreprises qui utilisent des composants étrangers vont devoir augmenter leurs prix ou baisser leurs marges. Le ministre du Commerce a-t-il bien compris le commerce ? Le problème avec les guerres commerciales, c'est que lorsqu'on les déclenche, elles peuvent très vite dégénérer. Surtout quand le Canada prépare sa campagne électorale, ou quand M. Trump se comporte comme si sa virilité était en jeu parce qu'une nation étrangère refuse de s'aplatir devant ses coups fourrés ».Et quand ce n'est pas Donald Trump, c'est Elon Musk qui a les oreilles qui sifflent. Chronique rageuse de Rex Huppke dans USA Today, qui, lui non plus, ne décolère pas : « les Américains doivent exiger qu'Elon Musk soit zappé du gouvernement fédéral avant que sa politique de la terre brûlée et sa vision outrancière de la sécurité sociale ne provoquent une révolte ». En résumé, s'énerve Huppke, « il n'y comprend rien. Il parle de 700 milliards d'économies par an, là où l'inspecteur général de la Sécurité sociale trouve à peine 10 milliards à sacrifier. Si vous bénéficiez des programmes Medicare ou Medicaid, la dernière chose qu'il vous faut, c'est un milliardaire ignorant qui ne capte rien à la mise en place d'un budget ». À écouter aussiAux États-Unis, des manifestants anti-Musk se rassemblent devant des magasins Tesla À lire aussiDonald Trump menace le Canada, puis renonce à doubler les taxes sur l'acier et l'aluminiumVers un nouveau travel ban aux États-Unis ?Selon le Miami Herald, l'administration Trump envisagerait un nouveau tour de vis en matière migratoire. Les autorités américaines réfléchiraient à des restrictions à l'entrée sur leur territoire, en fonction de l'origine des immigrants. Soit un processus similaire au travel ban initié par Donald Trump lors de son premier mandat. Cuba, l'Afghanistan et le Pakistan seraient placés sur liste rouge, avec interdiction totale d'entrée aux États-Unis pour leurs ressortissants. Haïti ne subirait pas le même régime, mais les Haïtiens souhaitant rejoindre le sol américain pourraient eux aussi être confrontés à des mesures strictes qui restent à déterminer. À ce stade, la diplomatie américaine répond « ne faire aucun commentaire sur des délibérations internes à ses services ».À lire aussiImmigration: face aux États «sanctuaires», Donald Trump tente la voie judiciaireL'actualité des Outre-mer avec nos confrères de la 1èreRéactions pour le moins mitigées des associations martiniquaises, au lendemain de la décision de la cour administrative d'appel de Paris relative à l'affaire du chlordécone.À écouter aussi«Les Empoisonneurs», retour sur le scandale de la chlordécone en Martinique et au Guadeloupe

Kelvin Beachum, NFL athlete, joins Mesa Chamber President and CEO Sally Harrison in discussing community causes he is passionate about and community partners in the East Valley he is working with. The Mesa Chamber of Commerce Inside Business Podcast is a production of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Each episode is recorded in the University of Phoenix Podcast Studio. Inquiries regarding the MCIBP can be made via email to info@mesachamber.org.  The Podcast interviews members and individuals/organizations on topics of interest to Mesa Chamber members. Learn more at mesachamber.org. ©2025 Mesa Chamber of Commerce

China has largely scaled up its fiscal firepower toward consumption-boosting initiatives — a top priority on the country's policy agenda for the year ahead — in order to offset sluggish homebuying appetites and possible shocks to overseas demand, analysts said.分析人士称，中国已大幅加大财政力度推动刺激消费的举措，这是未来一年中国政策议程上的首要任务，目的是抵消购房需求低迷以及海外需求可能受到的冲击。Along with a consumer goods trade-in program, policymakers will also increase fiscal spending on public services to alleviate financial burdens on households and empower them with greater purchasing power, thus creating necessary conditions for consumption-led growth, they added.他们还表示，除了实施消费品以旧换新计划外，政策制定者还将增加公共服务方面的财政支出，以减轻家庭的经济负担，并增强他们的购买力，从而为消费引领的增长创造必要条件。China announced last week in its Government Work Report that it would double ultra-long term special treasury bonds earmarked for its consumer goods trade-in program to 300 billion yuan ($41.39 billion) this year, which was within market expectations.中国上周在政府工作报告中宣布，今年将用于消费品以旧换新计划的超长期特别国债规模翻倍至 3000 亿元人民币（413.9 亿美元），这在市场预期之内。The incentives, an expansion from last year's 150 billion yuan program launched in March 2024, will cover 15-20 percent of the purchase price for a wider range of select products, including mid-range smartphones, home appliances and new energy vehicles.这些激励措施是在 2024 年 3 月启动的 1500 亿元计划基础上的扩展，将涵盖更多选定产品购买价格的 15% 至 20%，包括中高端智能手机、家用电器和新能源汽车。In early January, the Ministry of Finance had already front-loaded 81 billion yuan in fiscal funding for this year's trade-in program.今年 1 月初，财政部已经提前拨付了 810 亿元财政资金用于今年的以旧换新计划。Chen Changsheng, deputy director of the Research Office of the State Council, the country's Cabinet, said, "China faces rising external uncertainty and subdued domestic demand, particularly in the tepid consumption sector."国务院研究室副主任陈昌盛表示：“中国面临着外部不确定性上升以及国内需求疲软的状况，尤其是在不温不火的消费领域。”The current macroeconomic environment calls for a more robust policy response to address the challenge of insufficient overall demand, with consumption being a key concern, Chen said.陈昌盛称，当前的宏观经济环境需要更有力的政策应对措施，以应对总需求不足的挑战，而消费是一个关键问题。"The expanded bond issuance and enhanced trade-in incentives will provide a much-needed boost to consumption and help drive a moderate rebound in inflation," said Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International.金诚国际信用评级首席宏观经济分析师王青表示：“扩大的债券发行规模和增强的以旧换新激励措施将为消费提供急需的提振，并有助于推动通胀适度回升。”These supportive policies could help propel the year-on-year growth of total retail sales of consumer goods from 3.5 percent in 2024 to around 5.5 percent this year, Wang said, adding, "We cannot rule out the possibility of further intensification of fiscal policies to boost consumption in the coming period."王青称，这些支持性政策有望推动社会消费品零售总额同比增速从 2024 年的 3.5% 提升至今年的 5.5% 左右。他还补充道：“我们不能排除在未来一段时间内进一步加大财政政策力度以刺激消费的可能性。”Minister of Finance Lan Fo'an said at a news conference on Thursday, "China has sufficient fiscal policy tools and ample flexibility to effectively respond to potential domestic and external uncertainties."财政部部长蓝佛安周四在新闻发布会上表示：“中国拥有充足的财政政策工具和较大的政策灵活性，能够有效应对潜在的国内外不确定性。”Data from the Ministry of Commerce showed on Thursday that, as of March 5, the government had received over 700,000 applications for vehicle replacements.商务部周四公布的数据显示，截至 3 月 5 日，政府已收到超过 70 万份汽车以旧换新申请。Meanwhile, over 9.4 million consumers had purchased over 12 million units of home appliances under the trade-in program, while 34 million consumers had applied for subsidies on over 42 million digital products, including smartphones, according to the ministry.与此同时，商务部的数据显示，已有超过 940 万消费者通过以旧换新计划购买了超过 1200 万台家用电器，3400 万消费者申请了包括智能手机在内的超过 4200 万件数码产品的补贴。"We believe that domestic consumption in China will gradually recover," said Kelly Zhang, general manager of Bimbo China, adding that the country's efforts to stimulate domestic consumption began to show positive results from the end of last year.宾堡中国总经理张莉表示：“我们相信中国的国内消费将逐步复苏。” 她还补充说，中国刺激国内消费的努力从去年年底开始已经显现出积极成效。This will give Grupo Bimbo, a Mexican multinational food company, confidence to deepen its investment in China, helping speed up geographic and category expansion in the market, Zhang said.张莉称，这将让墨西哥跨国食品公司宾堡集团有信心深化在中国的投资，有助于加快其在中国市场的地域和品类扩张。"With its 1.4 billion population, China's market presents unparalleled potential for bakery industry growth."“中国拥有 14 亿人口，其市场为烘焙行业的发展提供了无与伦比的潜力。”China's policymakers are not only focused on stimulating short-term consumption through the trade-in program, but also increasing fiscal spending in areas such as eldercare, healthcare, employment and education to provide a solid foundation for transitioning to a consumption-driven economic model, said Yang Zhiyong, president of the Chinese Academy of Fiscal Sciences.中国财政科学研究院院长杨志勇表示，中国的政策制定者不仅专注于通过以旧换新计划刺激短期消费，还在加大在养老、医疗、就业和教育等领域的财政支出，为向消费驱动型经济模式转型奠定坚实基础。"More funds and resources will be used to serve the people and meet their needs. This will help create more jobs, increase people's incomes and reduce their burdens, and provide more incentives to stimulate consumption," Yang said, citing the Government Work Report.杨志勇援引政府工作报告称：“更多的资金和资源将用于服务人民、满足人民需求。这将有助于创造更多就业机会、增加人民收入、减轻人民负担，并提供更多刺激消费的激励措施。”"China has been allocating over 70 percent of its fiscal expenditure to public service sectors directly impacting people's livelihoods over the past few years. This year, China has increased its fiscal deficit to GDP ratio to 4 percent, the highest on record, allowing for a significant expansion in government spending on public services. This will alleviate the financial strain on households, which in turn boosts their overall purchasing power over the long run," Yang said.杨志勇称：“在过去几年里，中国一直将超过 70% 的财政支出用于直接关系民生的公共服务领域。今年，中国将财政赤字占国内生产总值的比例提高到 4%，创历史新高，这使得政府在公共服务方面的支出能够大幅增加。这将减轻家庭的经济压力，从长远来看，进而提升他们的整体购买力。”consumption [kənˈsʌmpʃn] n. 消费trade-in [ˈtreɪd ɪn] n. 以旧换新fiscal [ˈfɪskl] adj. 财政的purchasing power [ˈpɜːtʃəsɪŋ ˈpaʊə(r)] 购买力 、分享

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett sits down with Al and Jennifer from the Bedford Domestic Violence Coalition. They chat about how the coalition supports survivors through things like transportation, medical costs, and shelter projects. Al, who's been with the coalition for ten years, shares insight into their mission and how they secure funding. Jennifer, the treasurer, talks about the importance of community involvement and keeping finances transparent. Foster also touches on the Chamber of Commerce's role in supporting local initiatives and upcoming events. Tune in to hear about the coalition's partnerships, fundraising efforts, and their year-round work to raise awareness about domestic violence.

In this edition of "Update" we talk with Jessica Sloniker, the executive director of the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce, about the upcoming Community Awards Banquet being held Friday, March 28th. Topics include what awards will be presented, who's nominated for an award, when and where the banquet is held, why the banquet is held and how much tickets cost.

Management Training, Trust, and the Evolving Role of Leaders In this episode, Michael sits down with David Dilger, founder of Edge Legal, to explore managers' challenges and why so many struggle in leadership roles. David shares his career journey and what led him to help organizations build positive, trust-based workplaces. Michael highlights a common workplace issue—managers being promoted for their technical skills rather than leadership abilities—leaving them unprepared for the realities of team management. They discuss why avoiding difficult conversations is more common than outright bad leadership and how addressing challenges early can make all the difference. The conversation also dives into: ✅ The role of trust in leadership and how it impacts team performance ✅ Psychological safety—why employees need to feel secure to thrive ✅ The shift from traditional management to mentorship and coaching-driven leadership If you want to build stronger, more engaged teams, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss! Building Strong Teams: Communication, Boundaries, and Leadership Michael and David continue their conversation by tackling one of the biggest keys to effective leadership: communication. David shares his expertise on how managers can understand individual strengths, respect personal boundaries, and create a supportive, high-performing team. They also discuss:

Wilma Webb. Her name is synonymous with Colorado history. The former state lawmaker and first lady of Denver was recently honored for her lifetime of achievements and community service by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce with the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award. She spoke with Chandra Thomas Whitfield as part of Women's History Month. 

Kelly connects with The Atlantic journalist Olga Khazan whose new book, “Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change,” follows her as she attempts to change her own personality including taking improv classes in order to boost her extroversion.  “Improv taught me I can rely on others to supply their side of the […]

Musical maestro Mekaal Hasan comes on TPE to discuss his new band set up, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Qawali, Folk Music, Junoon, Respecting Artists, Social Media, Fusion Music and India knowing how to market musicians.Mekaal Hasan is a musician, producer and the lead of the 'Mekaal Hasan Band'.The Pakistan Experience is an independently produced podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan through conversations. Please consider supporting us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/thepakistanexperienceTo support the channel:Jazzcash/Easypaisa - 0325 -2982912Patreon.com/thepakistanexperienceAnd Please stay in touch:https://twitter.com/ThePakistanExp1https://www.facebook.com/thepakistanexperiencehttps://instagram.com/thepakistanexpeperienceThe podcast is hosted by comedian and writer, Shehzad Ghias Shaikh. Shehzad is a Fulbright scholar with a Masters in Theatre from Brooklyn College. He is also one of the foremost Stand-up comedians in Pakistan and frequently writes for numerous publications. Instagram.com/shehzadghiasshaikhFacebook.com/Shehzadghias/Twitter.com/shehzad89Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC44l9XMwecN5nSgIF2Dvivg/joinChapters:0:00 Introduction2:20 Qawali and The New Mekaal Hassan Band12:45 Folk Music and Art dying out20:30 Mekaal's guilty pleasure listening25:00 Bands29:00 Junoon and Salman Ahmad31:39 Band culture36:20 Zeb and Haniya and Omran Shafique39:40 Tribute to Haniya Aslam44:00 Respecting and Recognizing Artists49:00 India is a huge market50:30 Culture Department and Grants for Artists55:45 Do we respect artists?57:30 Waris Shah by Amrita Pritam59:00 Music Video on Afghan displacement1:00:30 Social Media, Commerce and Likes1:05:30 Musician's Styles and Listening to Music1:15:50 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Eastern and Western Scales1:19:00 Process of making music1:27:20 Fusion Music1:30:30 Nusrat's improvisation1:32:00 Audience Questions

Scott Colbert, chief economist at Commerce Trust in St. Louis, rejoins the podcast to discuss why the economy can continue to expand even with the onset of Trump tariffs. This podcast episode was recorded on March 6, 2025 and was made available to premium subscribers exclusively the same day it was recorded. Information on premium membership is avaliable here. Content Highlights The "Trump tariff barrage" will lead to slower growth, lower economic activity, and higher inflation -- in the short term (1:51); Over the medium term however, tariffs should not trigger a recession, nor will they have a lasting impact on prices aka inflation (6:24); Labor markets: Immigration has ground to a halt, but people are aging out of the workforce. Government layoffs notwithstanding, that should result in a wash (10:23); Ultimately the economic cycle is half way through its growth stage, which should run for another four years. However this won't be great for growth stocks like the 'magnificent 7'... (15:14); Fixed income is suddenly an attractive asset class and international stocks have tailwinds as well... (18:03); The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow tracker is suddenly predicting a negative print for first-quarter GDP. There are logical reasons for this (24:23). More on the Guest Website: CommerceTrustCompany.com; Published insights from Commerce Trust Co.

Customer service today is more than just solving problems—it's about creating seamless, end-to-end experiences. In this episode, we break down insights from the article If Operating Your Car Was as Disconnected as Your CRM Processes, Would You Trust It? and explore why disconnected CRM systems are a major risk for businesses.We discuss:The “car analogy” for CRM failure – Why disconnected service processes frustrate customers and employees.The impact of outdated CRMs – How fragmented systems lead to slow response times and poor service.AI-powered customer service – How predictive analytics and automation are shaping proactive, real-time support.The role of connected service models – Why businesses need integrated CRM systems to remain competitive.The changing workforce – How younger generations demand intuitive, connected work tools and how businesses can adapt.Companies that fail to modernize their service approach risk losing customers in an era where personalized, seamless service is the expectation.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How disconnected CRM systems damage customer trust.Why real-time, AI-driven service is a must-have, not a luxury.How businesses can future-proof customer service through automation and predictive insights.Real-world examples of connected service models in action.The impact of changing workforce expectations on CRM and service innovation.Subscribe to our podcast for expert insights on customer service, AI-driven CRM, and digital transformation. Visit The Future of Commerce for the latest research on how businesses can build customer trust through seamless service. Share this episode with leaders, customer service teams, and anyone invested in delivering better customer experiences.

The Future of Pharmacy: Reinventing Community Healthcare.  Your pharmacy experience is about to change—in a big way. Instead of just picking up medications, imagine walking into a full-service health hub where you can get a check-up, access AI-powered medication insights, and consult with healthcare professionals—all under one roof.This episode dives into:Why pharmacies are expanding beyond prescriptions and embracing a healthcare hub modelHow AI is transforming medication safety with real-time drug interaction alertsThe rise of digital pharmacy tools and why consumers demand seamless healthcare experiencesPharmacists taking on primary care duties—and what that means for patient accessRegulatory challenges, HIPAA compliance, and data security concernsThe role of tech-driven personalization in improving patient careAs consumer expectations evolve, pharmacies are rethinking their business models to stay competitive in a rapidly shifting healthcare landscape. How will this impact patients, healthcare professionals, and the industry as a whole?What You'll Learn in This Episode:How AI and digital tools are reshaping pharmacy servicesWhy pharmacists are stepping into primary care rolesThe biggest challenges pharmacies face in adapting to this transformationHow cost transparency and personalized medicine will change patient experiencesThe future of secure, AI-powered, patient-centered healthcareKey Takeaways:Pharmacies are evolving into full-service health hubs, offering preventative care, diagnostics, and digital tools.AI is enhancing patient safety, helping pharmacists detect drug interactions and optimize medication management.Consumer demand for seamless digital experiences is pushing pharmacies to adopt mobile-first solutions.Pharmacists are poised to take on more healthcare responsibilities, bridging gaps in underserved communities.Regulations must evolve to support this new model while ensuring patient data remains secure.Subscribe to our podcast for expert insights on healthcare innovation, AI in pharmacy, and the future of patient care. Visit The Future of Commerce for in-depth analysis on how digital transformation is shaping the pharmacy industry. Share this episode with healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and anyone curious about the future of medicine.

Gen AI in Defense Contracting: Benefits, Challenges, and the Future of Procurement. The defense sector is facing a perfect storm: staffing shortages, increasingly complex contracts, and rising geopolitical risks. Enter generative AI, a game-changing technology poised to streamline defense contracting, optimize supplier selection, and automate compliance checks—all while maintaining security and accountability.In this episode, we dive into:How AI-powered supplier identification enhances procurement efficiencyThe potential for AI-generated contracts to reduce paperwork and errorsWhy risk assessment and ethical AI usage are critical in defense applicationsHow human oversight and collaboration will shape AI's role in defense contractingWhat the future holds for AI-driven contract management and global securityAs defense organizations explore AI's potential, they must balance innovation with responsibility. We discuss how agencies can implement AI carefully, ensuring that it enhances decision-making without compromising security or transparency.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The top benefits of Gen AI in defense contractingHow AI is transforming supplier vetting and contract draftingThe biggest risks and ethical concerns of using AI in defense procurementWhy human oversight remains essential—even in an AI-driven futureHow defense agencies can start implementing AI responsiblyKey Takeaways:AI is a force multiplier, not a replacement. It enhances human expertise by automating routine tasks and uncovering insights at scale.Security and compliance are top priorities. AI must be carefully managed to avoid regulatory pitfalls, data breaches, and unreliable outputs.Generative AI can reduce contracting inefficiencies. Faster contract generation and real-time supplier vetting can improve procurement outcomes.Collaboration is key. Defense organizations must work together—both domestically and internationally—to develop secure, standardized AI frameworks.Change management is crucial. AI adoption will require reskilling the workforce, ensuring professionals are equipped to oversee AI-powered processes.Subscribe to our podcast for insights on AI in defense, procurement automation, and the future of secure contracting. Visit The Future of Commerce for expert coverage on AI-driven business transformation. Share this episode with defense professionals, policymakers, and AI enthusiasts shaping the future of military tech.

Hey there, hero!Life is filled with opportunities, but some of them are scary.And it's natural to try and limit the risk, especially if you need to put a lot at risk to attempt something new.You might be tempted to take every opportunity to fail-safe the situation. To not go all in for fear of massive defeat.Welp, you'll never know……until you actually do the deed.But wait…you have to actually do it before you can make it safer to do it? That makes no sense.OK…let me try to clarify in this episode.I do wonder how performers, who are already in a whack business that's wholly unpredictable, protect themselves and mitigate risk when trying something new. How do you do that? Or do you just jump right in? Let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/how-will-you-know-if-you-dont-give-it-a-shot/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here's how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you're an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you're an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/ The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with: BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | BuzzSprout

It's International Women's Month, and we couldn't think of a better way to honor it than by bringing together three phenomenal female drivers who are tearing up the track and rewriting the rules. From late models to sprint cars, these women have proven that racing isn't just a man's game - it's anyone's game if you've got the grit, the guts, and the drive to win! We'll talk with Erin (Crocker) Evernham, Alison Sload and Taylor Ferns about their journeys, the challenges they've faced, and how the sport is evolving for the next generation of female racers. So buckle up, because this conversation is going to be fast, fierce, and full of insight from the best in the business! This episode was sponsored by The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians, The ACO USA, Women In Motorsports North America in partnership with The Motoring Podcast Network. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet the Phenomenal Female Drivers: Erin, Taylor and Alison! 01:29 Alison's Journey into Racing 02:11 Taylor's Racing Background 02:54 Erin's Early Racing Days 03:24 Growing Up at the Track; Challenges and Motivation in Racing 10:29 The Winning Mindset 12:19 Memorable On-Track Battles 16:27 Opportunities and the Future of Women in Racing 24:29 Discussing the Financial Aspects of Racing; Sponsorship Challenges in Sprint Car Racing 31:13 What are the commitments and ROI for Sponsors? 36:27 Women in Motorsport North America (WMNA) 39:30 Encouraging Young Women in Racing 45:35 Future Plans and Reflections; Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/ Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family. 

Bamako, Niamey, Ouagadougou… Le président ghanéen John Dramani Mahama vient de boucler une tournée dans les pays de l'AES, l'Alliance des États du Sahel. Objectif, relève Afrik.com : « renforcer les liens diplomatiques et explorer les possibilités de réintégration de ces pays au sein de la Cédéao, la Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, conformément à l'appel conjoint lancé, mercredi dernier à Abidjan par le président ivoirien Alassane Ouattara et par John Dramani Mahama. Le président ghanéen a insisté sur “la nécessité d'une reconnaissance de l'Alliance des États du Sahel par la Cédéao“. Cette déclaration, estime Afrik.com, traduit une volonté manifeste de relancer le dialogue entre ces nations et l'organisation sous-régionale ».Intérêts économiques cruciaux…Sahel Tribune à Bamako s'interroge : « pourquoi Mahama tend-il aujourd'hui la main à des régimes de transition qui ont claqué la porte de la Cédéao ? Simple diplomatie ? Pas uniquement. Derrière ce rapprochement se cache une série d'intérêts économiques, stratégiques et énergétiques cruciaux pour le Ghana ».En effet, précise Sahel Tribune, « en trois jours et trois capitales, John Mahama a redéfini la posture du Ghana face aux bouleversements ouest-africains. Là où le Nigeria campe sur une ligne dure vis-à-vis de l'AES, Accra privilégie la voie du pragmatisme. Commerce, énergie, sécurité : loin des querelles institutionnelles, le président ghanéen veut ancrer son pays comme un partenaire économique et stratégique incontournable pour les trois États sahéliens. Une prise de position qui ne manquera pas de susciter des remous au sein de la Cédéao, estime encore Sahel Tribune, où le Ghana, traditionnellement proche du Nigeria, semble aujourd'hui jouer sa propre carte. Un réajustement tactique ? Un virage stratégique ? Une chose est sûre, conclut le site malien. Accra regarde désormais autant vers Bamako, Ouagadougou et Niamey que vers Abuja. Et dans cette recomposition régionale, Mahama vient de poser ses premiers jalons ».Reprendre langue…Au-delà des intérêts économiques des uns et des autres, le quotidien Aujourd'hui à Ouagadougou insiste sur le volet diplomatique de cette tournée. D'abord reprendre le dialogue… « Détendre un contexte constipé et créer un dégel diplomatique, marchepied vers une persuasion de retourner dans la Cédéao, telle était la mission de Dramani », pointe le quotidien burkinabè. « Une mission de contorsion, de confiance, de management des susceptibilités et de lecture pragmatique de la géopolitique sous-régionale et internationale. (…) Pour le moment, c'est un Dramani funambule sur un fil qui évolue et qui sait bien que deux de ses devanciers, le Togolais Faure et le Sénégalais Diomaye Faye ont fait chou blanc. S'il réussit à ce qu'Alassane Ouattara et Patrice Talon reprennent langue avec Goïta, Tiani et IB, ce serait déjà une petite victoire d'étape, car au-delà de la Cédéao, tous ces présidents se regardent de travers. »« Ne pas reculer d'un iota… »L'Alternance à Bamako s'interroge en écho : « John Dramani Mahama pourrait-il réussir là où les présidents sénégalais et togolais ont échoué ? Les présidents des États de l'AES vont-ils saisir cette ultime main tendue du président ghanéen pour revenir dans la grande famille avant qu'il ne soit trop tard ? (…) Nul ne saurait répondre par l'affirmative, affirme le quotidien bamakois, quand on sait que les trois chefs d'État de l'AES sont déterminés à aller jusqu'au bout de leurs ambitions et n'entendent pas reculer d'un iota. (…) En réalité, ils aspirent tous à rester au pouvoir aussi longtemps qu'ils le pourront hors du cadre et des normes de démocratie et de bonne gouvernance fixés par la Cédéao. Ils ne feront plus marche arrière ».Bref, conclut L'Alternance, « pour ceux qui rêvent de voir la Cédéao à 15 États et plus, plutôt que 12 risquent de voir leur rêve ne pas se réaliser, car les dirigeants des États de l'AES n'entendent pas renoncer à leurs ambitions ».Enfin, L'Essor, toujours à Bamako, prévient : « toute détente future entre la Cédéao et les pays de l'AES dépendra de ce respect mutuel qui a été demandé dès le début par les pays de la confédération et notamment le Mali. (…) La démarche ghanéenne n'altère pas le processus de retrait des trois pays déjà en marche. (…) Détente, réconciliation, coopération, l'AES s'est toujours tenue prête, ancrée qu'elle est dans le panafricanisme, mais avec une souveraineté à respecter (…) ».

Common dreams. SANS. Thrifting. Winner! B/CS Chamber of Commerce update. Entertainment news. CVS is shrinking to grow. 5 years ago today. Homebodies. Attractive people earn more money.

The city of Rigby is hosting a recognition banquet for all those who helped the community of Rigby and others in the area. Cody Miller interviewed Teresa Anderson, president of the Rigby Chamber of Commerce, about this event.

In this episode, we're tackling an issue that's holding Canada back—our entrepreneurship gap, especially when it comes to women-led businesses. Despite years of investment, progress has been painfully slow, and the numbers tell a troubling story: entrepreneurship is in decline, self-employment has dropped, and gender-based barriers are costing the economy up to $180 billion in lost potential.To make matters worse, Canadian entrepreneurs are also navigating rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and trade barriers—including tariffs—that further limit growth. While the impact of tariffs on GDP is estimated at 2.6% annually, the entrepreneurship gap is costing us even more.Our guest on this episode helps us unpack this: meet Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Marwa has spent her career championing financial inclusion, gender equity, and private sector growth, working with organizations like the World Bank and OECD. She's here to break down the findings of the Chamber's latest report, Women Entrepreneurs: Canada's Biggest Missed Business Opportunity, and talk about what it will take to finally move the needle.If we have the talent and resources to thrive, why are women entrepreneurs still being left behind? And what needs to happen to change that? This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Roscoe Smith, Owner of Knuckle Sandwiches, joins Mesa Chamber Director of Communications Bob Nelson in discussing the restaurant's origin, menu items, and the Chamber Boxed Lunch catering menu.  Learn more about Knuckle Sandwiches at: knucklesandwichesaz.com The Mesa Chamber of Commerce Inside Business Podcast is a production of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Each episode is recorded in the University of Phoenix Podcast Studio. Inquiries regarding the MCIBP can be made via email to info@mesachamber.org.  The Podcast interviews members and individuals/organizations on topics of interest to Mesa Chamber members. Learn more at mesachamber.org. ©2025 Mesa Chamber of Commerce

This is Episode 399 of Historically Thinking. And whenever the dial turns to 100, my thoughts turn towards what this podcast is about. So it seemed to me a good time to talk with Anton Howes. Anton Howes is official historian at the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, a unique organization the subject his first book Arts and Minds: How the Royal Society of Arts Changed a Nation, which we'll have to have a conversation about one of these days. His substack is Age of Invention, which I highly recommend. Our conversation focuses on three essays he wrote nearly two years ago: "Cort Case"; "Does History Have a Replication Crisis?"; and "Open History". 

Happy Women's History Month! On this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Aisha Taylor Issah, who founded TheSistahShop.com, an e-commerce store featuring all Black Women Owned Businesses.  We filmed this episode a couple of weeks before she closed the doors of her brick-and-mortar store in Atlanta, Georgia, and had the chance to learn more about her caregiving journey. Tune in for laughs and real talk about caring for a parent living with Dementia while also balancing entrepreneurship, parenting, and more. Notes: • Early signs of dementia appeared as repetition, short-term memory loss, and difficulty with everyday tasks• Family history of Alzheimer's helped with recognizing symptoms and accepting the diagnosis• Routine plays a crucial role in managing Alzheimer's symptoms and improving quality of life• Shared caregiving responsibilities between siblings makes the journey more manageable• Finding the right living arrangement (memory care facility) dramatically improved both caregiver and patient wellbeing• Establishing boundaries and giving yourself grace are essential for caregiver mental health• Entrepreneurship can continue alongside caregiving with proper support systems• Savoring good moments and finding humor helps balance the emotional weight of caregivingVisit thesistahshop.com to shop Aisha's store today! Host:  @jsmilescomedy Producer:  @MiaHallTV  Editor:  @annelisetv2624  DP: Isaiah Joseph#CaregivingJourney#DementiaAwareness#AlzheimersCare#CaregiverSupport#HumorInCaregiving#endalz #memorycare  Support the show"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwPatreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudiosTEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!Be sure to leave us a review!

Reverie ~ Clean, ethical sustainable products for the future of haircare. Hillary Markenson has a background in Interior design. Her husband created the haircare brand Reverie, whilst working in his Salon, and she made the move to join the brand and learn all about hair.The aim was to create clean, sustainable, ethical products with innovative concepts & formulations.They enlisted the help of skincare experts to formulate a non-barrier forming, bio-mimetic and scalp supporting brand.We delve into the ethos behind Reverie, along with their challenges, and unique ingredients.Connect with Reverie:InstagramWebsite Hair & Scalp Salon Specialist course Support the showConnect with Hair therapy: Facebook Instagram Twitter Clubhouse- @Hair.Therapy Donate towards the podcast Start your own podcastHair & Scalp Salon Specialist Course ~ Book now to become an expert!

President Trump has been threatening to “take back” the Panama Canal since he regained power. In this episode, listen to testimony from officials serving on the Federal Maritime Commission who explain why the Panama Canal has become a focus of the administration and examine whether or not we need to be concerned about an impending war for control of the canal. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Background Sources Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes Current Events around the Panama Canal March 5, 2025. the Associated Press. Sabrina Valle, Suzanne McGee, and Michael Martina. March 4, 2025. Reuters. Matt Murphy, Jake Horton and Erwan Rivault. February 14, 2025. BBC. May 1, 2024. World Weather Attribution. World Maritime News Staff. March 15, 2019. World Maritime News. July 29, 2018. Reuters. Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 U.S. Department of State. The Chinese “Belt and Road Initiative” Michele Ruta. March 29, 2018. World Bank Group. The Trump-Gaza Video February 26, 2025. Sky News. Laws Audio Sources Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation January 28, 2025 Witnesses: Louis E. Sola, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Daniel B. Maffei, Commissioner, FMC , Professor, Scalia Law School, George Mason University Joseph Kramek, President & CEO, World Shipping Council Clips 17:30 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Between the American construction of the Panama Canal, the French effort to build an isthmus canal, and America's triumphant completion of that canal, the major infrastructure projects across Panama cost more than 35,000 lives. For the final decade of work on the Panama Canal, the United States spent nearly $400 million, equivalent to more than $15 billion today. The Panama Canal proved a truly invaluable asset, sparing both cargo ships and warships the long journey around South America. When President Carter gave it away to Panama, Americans were puzzled, confused, and many outraged. With the passage of time, many have lost sight of the canal's importance, both to national security and to the US economy. 18:45 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): But the Panama Canal was not just given away. President Carter struck a bargain. He made a treaty. And President Trump is making a serious and substantive argument that that treaty is being violated right now. 19:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): President Trump has highlighted two key issues. Number one, the danger of China exploiting or blocking passage through the canal, and number two, the exorbitant costs for transit. 19:20 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Chinese companies are right now building a bridge across the canal at a slow pace, so as to take nearly a decade. And Chinese companies control container points ports at either end. The partially completed bridge gives China the ability to block the canal without warning, and the ports give China ready observation posts to time that action. This situation, I believe, poses acute risks to US national security. 19:50 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Meanwhile, the high fees for canal transit disproportionately affect Americans, because US cargo accounts for nearly three quarters of Canal transits. US Navy vessels pay additional fees that apply only to warships. Canal profits regularly exceed $3 billion. This money comes from both American taxpayers and consumers in the form of higher costs for goods. American tourists aboard cruises, particularly those in the Caribbean Sea, are essentially captive to any fees Panama chooses to levy for canal transits, and they have paid unfair prices for fuel bunkering at terminals in Panama as a result of government granted monopoly. Panama's government relies on these exploitative fees. Nearly 1/10 of its budget is paid for with canal profit. 21:25 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Panama has for years flagged dozens of vessels in the Iranian ghost fleet, which brought Iran tens of billions of dollars in oil profits to fund terror across the world. 21:40 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): And Chinese companies have won contracts, often without fair competition, as the infamous Belt and Road Initiative has come to Panama. China often engages in debt trap diplomacy to enable economic and political coercion. In Panama, it also seems to have exploited simple corruption. 32:40 Louis Sola: The Panama Canal is managed by the Panama Canal Authority, ACP, an independent agency of the Panamanian government. The ACP is a model of public infrastructure management, and its independence has been key to ensure a safe and reliable transit of vessels critical to the US and global commerce. 33:25 Louis Sola: In contrast, the broader maritime sector in Panama, including the nation's ports, water rights, and the world's largest ship registry, falls under the direct purview of the Panamanian government. 33:35 Louis Sola: Unfortunately, this sector has faced persistent challenges, including corruption scandals and foreign influence, particularly from Brazil and China. These issues create friction with the ACP, especially as it works to address long term challenges such as securing adequate water supplies for the canal. 33:55 Louis Sola: Although the ACP operates independently, under US law both the ACP and the government of Panama's maritime sector are considered one in the same. This means that any challenges in Panama's maritime sector, including corruption, lack of transparency, or foreign influence, can have a direct or indirect impact on the operations and long term stability of the canal. This legal perspective highlights the need for diligence in monitoring both the ACP's management and Panama government's policies affecting maritime operations. 34:30 Louis Sola: Since 2015, Chinese companies have increased their presence and influence throughout Panama. Panama became a member of the Belt and Road Initiative and ended its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Chinese companies have been able to pursue billions of dollars in development contracts in Panama, many of which were projects directly on or adjacent to the Panama Canal. Many were no bid contracts. Labor laws were waived, and the Panamanian people are still waiting to see how they've been benefited. It is all more concerning that many of these companies are state-owned, and in some cases, even designated as linked to the People's Liberation Army. We must address the significant growing presence and influence of China throughout the Americas and in Panama, specifically. 35:20 Louis Sola: American companies should play a leading role in enhancing the canal's infrastructure. By supporting US firms, we reduce reliance on Chinese contractors and promote fair competition. 36:55 Daniel Maffei: Because the canal is essentially a waterway bridge over mountainous terrain above sea level, it does depend on large supplies of fresh water to maintain the full operations. Panama has among the world's largest annual rainfalls. Nonetheless, insufficient fresh water levels have occurred before in the canal's history, such as in the 1930s when the Madden Dam and Lake Alajuela were built to address water shortages. Since that time, the canal has undertaken several projects to accommodate larger, more modern ships. In the last couple of years, a trend of worsening droughts in the region, once again, has forced limits to the operations of the canal. Starting in June of 2023 the Panama Canal Authority employed draft restrictions and reduced the number of ships allowed to transit the canal per day. Now the Panama Canal limitations, in combination with the de facto closure of the Suez Canal to container traffic, has had serious consequences for ocean commerce, increasing rates, fees and transit times. 39:30 Daniel Maffei: Now, fortunately, Panama's 2024 rainy season has, for now, alleviated the most acute water supply issues at the canal, and normal transit volumes have been restored. That said, while the Panamanian government and Canal Authority have, with the advice of the US Army Corps of Engineers, developed credible plans to mitigate future water shortages, they also warned that it is likely that at least one more period of reduced transits will occur before these plans can be fully implemented. 41:55 Eugene Kontorovich: We shall see that under international law, each party to the treaty is entitled to determine for itself whether a violation has occurred. Now, in exchange for the United States ceding control of the canal which it built and maintained, Panama agreed to a special regime of neutrality. The essential features of this regime of neutrality is that the canal must be open to all nations for transit. That's Article Two. Equitable tolls and fees, Article Three. An exclusive Panamanian operation, Article Five. The prohibition of any foreign military presence, Article Five. Article Five provides that only Panama shall operate the canal. Testifying about the meaning of the treaty at the Senate ratification hearings, the Carter administration emphasized that this prohibits foreign operation of the canal, as well as the garrisoning of foreign troops. Now, Article Five appears to be primarily concerned about control by foreign sovereigns. If Panama signed a treaty with the People's Republic of China, whereby the latter would operate the canal on Panama's behalf, this would be a clear violation. But what if Panama contracted for port operations with a Chinese state firm, or even a private firm influenced or controlled in part by the Chinese government? The Suez Canal Company was itself, before being nationalized, a private firm in which the United Kingdom was only a controlling shareholder. Yet this was understood to represent British control over the canal. In other words, a company need not be owned by the government to be in part controlled by the government. So the real question is the degree of de jure or de facto control over a Foreign Sovereign company, and scenarios range from government companies in an authoritarian regime, completely controlled, to purely private firms in our open society like the United States, but there's many possible situations in the middle. The treaty is silent on the question of how much control is too much, and as we'll see, this is one of the many questions committed to the judgment and discretion of each party. Now turning to foreign security forces, the presence of third country troops would manifestly violate Article Five. But this does not mean that anything short of a People's Liberation Army base flying a red flag is permissible. The presence of foreign security forces could violate the regime of neutrality, even if they're not represented in organized and open military formations. Modern warfare has seen belligerent powers seek to evade international legal limitations by disguising their actions in civilian garb, from Russia's notorious little green men to Hamas terrorists hiding in hospitals or disguised as journalists. Bad actors seek to exploit the fact that international treaties focus on sovereign actors. Many of China's man made islands in the South China Sea began as civilian projects before being suddenly militarized. Indeed, this issue was discussed in the Senate ratification hearings over the treaty. Dean Rusk said informal forces would be prohibited under the treaty. Thus the ostensible civilian character of the Chinese presence around the canal does not, in itself, mean that it could not represent a violation of the treaty if, for example, these companies and their employees involved Chinese covert agents or other agents of the Chinese security forces. So this leads us to the final question, Who determines whether neutrality is being threatened or compromised? Unlike many other treaties that provide for third party dispute resolution, the neutrality treaty has no such provision. Instead, the treaty makes clear that each party determines for itself the existence of a violation. Article Four provides that each party is separately authorized to maintain the regime of neutrality, making a separate obligation of each party. The Senate's understanding accompanying to ratification also made clear that Article Five allows each party to take, quote, "unilateral action." Senator Jacob Javits, at the markup hearing, said that while the word unilateral is abrasive, we can quote, "decide that the regime of neutrality is being threatened and then act with whatever means are necessary to keep the canal neutral unilaterally." 46:35 Joseph Kramek: My name is Joe Kramek. I'm President and CEO of the World Shipping Council. The World Shipping Council is the global voice of liner shipping. Our membership consists of 90% of the world's liner shipping tonnage, which are container vessels and vehicle carriers. They operate on fixed schedules to provide our customers with regular service to ship their goods in ports throughout the world. 47:15 Joseph Kramek: As you have heard, using the Panama Canal to transit between the Atlantic and Pacific saves significant time and money. A typical voyage from Asia to the US or East Coast can be made in under 30 days using the canal, while the same journey can take up to 40 days if carriers must take alternate routes. From a commercial trade perspective, the big picture is this. One of the world's busiest trade lanes is the Trans Pacific. The Trans Pacific is cargo coming from and going to Asia via the United States. Focusing in a bit, cargo coming from Asia and bound for US Gulf and East Coast ports always transits the Panama Canal. Similarly, cargo being exported from US and East Coast ports, a large share of which are US Agricultural exports, like soybeans, corn, cotton, livestock and dairy also almost always transits the Panama Canal. The result is that 75% of Canal traffic originates in or is bound for the United States. 48:55 Joseph Kramek: We've talked about the drought in 2023 and the historic low water levels that it caused in Lake Gatún, which feeds the canal locks, a unique system that is a fresh water feed, as contrasted to an ocean to ocean system, which the French tried and failed, but which is actually active in the Suez Canal. These low water levels reduced transits from 36 transits a day to as low as 22 per day. Additionally, the low water levels required a reduction in maximum allowable draft levels, or the depth of the ship below the water line, which for our members reduced the amount of containers they could carry through the canal. This resulted in a 10% reduction in import volumes for US Gulf and East Coast ports, with the Port of Houston experiencing a 26.7% reduction. 51:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Are you aware of allegations from some vessel operators of disparate treatment such as sweetheart deals or favorable rebates by Panama for canal transits? Louis Sola: Thank you for the question, Mr. Chairman, we have become aware through some complaints by cruise lines that said that they were not getting a refund of their canal tolls. When we looked into this, we found a Panamanian Executive Order, Decree 73, that specifically says that if a cruise line would stop at a certain port, that they could be refunded 100% of the fees. And as far as I know, that's the only instant where that exists. 53:05 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): So Panama was the very first Latin American country to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, and right now, China is building a fourth bridge across the Panama Canal for car traffic and light rail. Chairman Sola, why should Chinese construction of a bridge near Panama City concern the United States? Louis Sola: Mr. Chairman, we all saw the tragedy that happened here in the Francis Scott Key Bridge incident and the devastation that had happened to Baltimore. We also saw recently what happened in the Suez Canal, where we had a ship get stuck in there. It's not only the construction of the bridge, but it's a removal of a bridge, as I understand it, called the Bridge of the Americas. It was built in 1961 and that would paralyze cargo traffic in and out of the canals. 53:55 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Panama also recently renewed the concessions for two container ports to a Chinese company, Hutchison Ports PPC. Of course, Chinese companies are controlled by the Communist Party. How does China use control of those ports for economic gain? Louis Sola: Mr. Chairman, I am a regulator, a competition regulator. And the Chinese ports that you're referring to, let me put them into scope. The one on the Pacific, the Port of Balboa, is roughly the same size as the Port of Houston. They do about 4 million containers a year. They have about 28 game tree cranes. The one on the Atlantic is the same as my hometown in Miami, they do about 1 million containers. So where Roger Gunther in the Port of Houston generates about $1 billion a year and Heidi Webb in Miami does about $200 million, the Panama ports company paid 0 for 20 years on that concession. So it's really hard to compete against zero. So I think that's our concern, our economic concern, that we would have. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Commissioner Maffei, anything to add on that? Daniel Maffei: Yeah, I do too also think it is important. I would point out that you don't have to stop at either port. It's not like these two ports control the entrance to the canal. That is the Canal Authority that does control that. However, I think it's of concern. I would also point out that the Panamanian government thinks it's of concern too, because they're conducting their own audit of those particular deals, but we remain very interested as well. 56:25 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Would the facts discussed here be considered violations of the neutrality treaty in force right now between the United States and Panama? Eugene Kontorovich: So I think Senator, I think potentially they could, but it's impossible to say definitively without knowing more, in particular, about the degree of Chinese control and involvement in these companies. I think it's important to note that these port operation companies that operate the ports on both sides, when they received their first contract, it was just a few months before Hong Kong was handed over to China. In other words, they received them as British companies, sort of very oddly, just a few months before the handover. Now, of course, since then, Hong Kong has been incorporated into China, has been placed under a special national security regime, and the independence of those companies has been greatly abridged, to say nothing of state owned companies involved elsewhere in in the canal area, which raised significantly greater questions. Additionally, I should point out that the understandings between President Carter and Panamanian leader Herrera, which were attached to the treaty and form part of the treaty, provide that the United States can, quote, "defend the canal against any threat to the regime of neutrality," and I understand that as providing some degree of preemptive authority to intervene. One need not wait until the canal is actually closed by some act of sabotage or aggression, which, as we heard from the testimony, would be devastating to the United States, but there is some incipient ability to address potential violations. 58:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): If the United States determines that Panama is in violation of the treaty, what is the range of remedies the United States would have for that treaty violation? Eugene Kontorovich: So I think it may be shocking to people to hear today, but when one goes over the ratification history and the debates and discussions in this body over this treaty, it was clear that the treaty was understood as giving both sides, separately, the right to resort to use armed force to enforce the provisions of the treaty. And it's not so surprising when one understands that the United States made an extraordinary concession to Panama by transferring this canal, which the United States built at great expense and maintained and operated to Panama, gratis. And in exchange, it received a kind of limitation, a permanent limitation on Panamanians sovereignty, that Panama agreed that the United States could enforce this regime of neutrality by force. Now, of course, armed force should never be the first recourse for any kind of international dispute and should not be arrived at sort of rationally or before negotiations and other kinds of good offices are exhausted, but it's quite clear that the treaty contemplates that as a remedy for violations. 1:03:20 Louis Sola: I believe that the security of the canal has always been understood to be provided by the United States. Panama does not have a military, and I always believed that there's been a close relationship with Southern Command that we would provide that. And it would be nice to see if we had a formalization of that in one way or another, because I don't believe that it's in the treaty at all. 1:05:05 Daniel Maffei: While we were down there, both of us heard, I think, several times, that the Panamanians would, the ones we talked to anyway, would welcome US companies coming in and doing a lot of this work. Frankly, their bids are not competitive with the Chinese bids. Frankly, they're not that existent because US companies can make more money doing things other places, but even if they were existent, it is difficult to put competitive bids when the Chinese bids are so heavily subsidized by China. 1:06:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): What would China's incentive be to heavily subsidize those bids to undercut American companies and other companies? Daniel Maffei: Yeah, it's not a real short answer, but Senator, China's made no secret of its ambitious policies to gain influence of ports throughout the globe. It's invested in 129 ports in dozens of countries. It runs a majority of 17 ports, that does not include this Hong Kong company, right? So that's just directly Chinese-owned ports. So it has been a part of their Belt and Road strategy, whatever you want to call it, the Maritime Silk Road, for decades. So they believe that this influence, this investment in owning maritime ports is important to their economy. 1:07:05 Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE): In 2021, Hutchison was awarded those two ports, Port Balboa and Port Cristobal, in a no-bid award process. Can you tell me, does the United States have any authority or recourse with the Panama Canal Authority under our current agreement with Panama to rebid those terminal concession contracts. And perhaps Mr. Kantorovich, that's more in your purview? Louis Sola: Senator, both of those ports were redone for 25 years, until 2047, I believe. And they have to pay $7 million is what the ongoing rate is for the Port of Houston- and the Port of Miami-sized concessions. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE): And it can't be rebid until after that date? Louis Sola: Well, I believe that that's what the comptroller's office is auditing both of those ports and that contract. That was done under the previous Panamanian administration. A new administration came in, and they called for an audit of that contract immediately. 1:20:10 Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Are the companies now controlling both sides of the Panama Canal, the Chinese companies, subject to the PRC national security laws that mandate cooperation with the military, with state intelligence agencies. Does anyone know that? Eugene Kontorovich: They're subject all the time. They're subject to those laws all the time by virtue of being Hong Kong companies. And you know, they face, of course, consequences for not complying with the wishes of the Chinese government. One of the arguments -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Wouldn't that be a violation of the treaty? And isn't that a huge risk to us right now that the Chinese -- Eugene Kontorovich: That is a threat to the neutrality -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): If they invaded Taiwan, invaded the Philippines, they could go to these two companies saying, Hey, shut it down, make it hard, sink a ship in the canal. And wouldn't they be obligated to do that under Chinese law if they were ordered to by the PLA or the CCP? Eugene Kontorovich: I don't know if they'd be obligated, but certainly the People's Republic of China would have many tools of leverage and pressure on these companies. That's why the treaty specifically says that we can act not just to end actual obstructions to the canal. We don't have to wait until the canal is closed by hostile military action. Thatwould be a suicide pact, that would be catastrophic for us, but rather that we can respond at the inchoate, incipient level to threats, and then this is up to the president to determine whether this is significantly robust to constitute -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): So aren't we kind of walking up to the idea of a suicide pact, because we've got two big Chinese companies on both ends of the Panama Canal, who, if there's a war in INDOPACOM, Taiwan that involves us and China, these companies would be obligated to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party and PLA? I mean, are we kind of walking up to a very significant national security threat already? Eugene Kontorovich: Yeah, certainly, there's a threat. And I think what makes the action of the Chinese government so difficult to respond to, but important to respond to, is that they conceal this in sort of levels of gray without direct control. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Let me ask you on that topic, as my last question, Professor, let's assume that we find out. And again, it wouldn't be surprising. I think you can almost assume it that these two companies have Chinese spies or military officials within the ranks of the employees of the companies. Let's assume we found that out, somehow that becomes public. But I don't think it's a big assumption. It's probably true right now. So you have spies and military personnel within the ranks of these two companies that are controlling both ends of the Panama Canal for you, Professor, and Chairman Sola, wouldn't that be a blatant violation of Article Five of the neutrality treaty, if that were true, which probably is true? Eugene Kontorovich: Yeah, I do think it would be a clear violation. As former Secretary of State, Dean Ross said at the ratification hearings, informal forces can violate Article Five as well as formal forces. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Is there any evidence of Chinese spies or other nefarious Chinese actors embedded in these companies? Louis Sola: Senator, we have no information of that. That's not under the purview of -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): But you agree that would be a violation of Article Five of the neutrality treaty? Louis Sola: I do. 1:26:25 Daniel Maffei: Senator Sullivan was talking about Hutchison Ports. That's actually the same company that runs terminals on both ends of the canal. I am concerned about that. However, if we want to be concerned about that, all of us should lose a lot more sleep than we're losing because if there are spies there, then there might be spies at other Hutchinson ports, and there are other Hutchinson ports in almost every part of the world. They own the largest container port in the United Kingdom, Felix Dow, which is responsible for nearly half of Britain's container trade. They control major maritime terminals in Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Germany, Indonesia, Mexico, Myanmar, the Netherlands, South Korea and Tanzania. If owning and managing adjacent ports means that China somehow has operational control or strategic control over the Panama Canal, they also have it over the Suez, the Singapore Straits, the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel. 1:35:45 Louis Sola: The fees that I think we are looking at, or have been looked at, the reason that we went there was because of the auctioning of the slots. And so what Panama did is they had a smaller percentage, maybe 20% allocation, and then they moved it up to 30% and 40% because it became a money maker for them. So as they were doing -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): Okay, let me interject here. The auctioning of the slots gives these the right to skip the queue? Louis Sola: Yes, ma'am. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): Okay, so just for the record there. Continue. Louis Sola: So the auctioning of the slots. Under maritime law, it's first come first serve, but Panama has always put a certain percentage aside, and they started to put more and more. So we got a lot of complaints. We got a lot of complaints from LNG carriers that paid $4 million to go through, and we got a lot of complaints from agriculture that didn't have the money to pay to go through, because their goods were gonna go down. So if you look at the financial statements -- I'm a nerd, I look at financial statements of everybody -- the canal increased the amount of revenue that they had from about $500 million to $1.8 billion in the last three years just because of those fees. So this is what is very concerning to us. 1:39:20 Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN): Do you know of any instances where the United States has been singled out or treated unfairly under the neutrality treaty in the operation of the canal? Daniel Maffei: I do not. I would add that one of the reasons why saying the US is disproportionately affected by raises in Canal fees and other kinds of fees at the canal is because the United States disproportionately utilizes the canal. 1:44:55 Louis Sola: We have a US port there, SSA, out of Washington State that I actually worked on the development of that many years ago, and helped develop that. That used to be a United States Navy submarine base, and we converted that. As far as the two ports that we have, they're completely different. One is a major infrastructure footprint, and also a container port that's moving 4 million containers a year. That's really phenomenal amount. That's more than Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and you've probably got to get Tampa and a little bit of Jacksonville in there to get that type of volume. And on the other side, we have a very small port, but it's a very strategic port on the Atlantic. So how are the operations done?I don't know how they don't make money. I mean, if you want to come right down to it, if they've been operating the port for 20 years, and they say that they haven't made any money, so they haven't been able to pay the government. That's what concerns me is I don't believe that we're on a level playing field with the American ports. 1:58:50 Eugene Kontorovich: I think the charges and fees are less of an issue because they don't discriminate across countries. We pay more because we use more, but it's not nationally discriminatory. 1:59:00 Eugene Kontorovich: The presence of Chinese companies, especially Chinese state companies, but not limited to them, do raise serious issues and concerns for the neutrality of the treaty. And I should point out, in relation to some of the earlier questioning, the canal, for purposes of the neutrality treaty, is not limited just to the actual locks of the canal and the transit of ships through the canal. According to Annex One, paragraph one of the treaty, it includes also the entrances of the canal and the territorial sea of Panama adjacent to it. So all of the activities we're talking about are within the neutrality regime, the geographic scope of the neutrality regime in the treaty. 2:00:30 Daniel Maffei: I actually have to admit, I'm a little confused as to why some of the senators asking these questions, Senator Blackburn, aren't more concerned about the biggest port in the United Kingdom being run by the Chinese. Petraeus in the port nearest Athens, one of the biggest ports in the Mediterranean, is not just run by a Chinese-linked company, it's run directly by a Chinese-owned company, and I was there. So you're on to something, but if you're just focusing on Panama, that's only part. 2:01:45 Louis Sola: About a year ago, when we were having this drought issue, there was also a lot of focus on Iran and how they were funding Hamas and the Houthis because they were attacking the Red Sea. What the United States has found is that Iranian vessels are sometimes flagged by Panama in order to avoid sanctions, so that they could sell the fuel that they have, and then they can take that money and then they can use it as they wish. Panama, at the time, had a very complicated process to de-flag the vessels. There was an investigation, there was an appeals process. By the time that OFAC or Treasury would go ahead and identify one of those vessels, by the time that they were doing the appeals and stuff like this, they've already changed flags to somewhere else. So when we went to Panama, we met with the Panamanian president, and I must say that we were very impressed, because he was 30 minutes late, but he was breaking relations with Venezuela at the time because the election was the day before. We explained to him the situation. The very next day, we met with the maritime minister, with US embassy personnel and Panama actually adjusted their appeals process so to make it more expedient, so if the United States or OFAC would come and say that this Iranian vessel is avoiding sanctions, now we have a process in place to go ahead and do that, and 53 vessels were de-flagged because of that. 2:06:05 Sen. John Curtis (R-UT): Is there any reason that China can't watch or do whatever they want from this bridge to get the intel from these containers? And does that concern anybody? Louis Sola: Well, it definitely concerns Southern Command, because they've brought it up on numerous occasions that there could be some sort of surveillance or something like that on the bridges. 2:20:30 Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT): We segregate ourselves artificially in a way that they do not. We segregate ourselves. Let's talk about military. Let's talk about intelligence. Let's talk about economics. They don't. China doesn't work that way. It's a whole of government approach. They don't draw a delineation between an economics discussion and a military one. And their attack may not look like Pearl Harbor. It may look like an everyday ship that decides, you know, it pulls into the locks and blows itself up. And now the locks are non-functional for our usage, and we can't support an inter ocean fleet transfer, and our ability to defend it, as you referred to Chairman, is now inhibited by the fact that we no longer have the military infrastructure around the canal that we did just as recently as 1999. 2:21:10 Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT): So from a commercial perspective, do the shipping companies have concerns over the security of the narrow waterways? We've the Strait to Malacca, we've got the Suez Canal, we've got Gibraltar, we've got Panama. Is that a concern that's thrown around in the boardrooms of the largest shipping corporations in the world? Joseph Kramek: Senator, I think it's something they think about every day. I mean, really, it's drawn into sharp relief with the Red Sea. It was what I call a pink flamingo. There's black swans that just come up and there's pink flamingos that you can see, but you don't act. But no one really thought a whole lot that one of the most important waterways in the world could be denied, and moreover, that it could be denied for such a sustained period. The good news is that -- Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT): And denied, I might add, by a disaffected non-state actor of Bedouins running around with rocket launchers, who also managed to beat us in a 20 year war in Afghanistan. My point to saying all this is we're just debating operational control of the canal, yet it seems very clear to all of us that a very simple act can debilitate the canal and eliminate our ability to use it in a matter of minutes with no warning, and we have no ability to intervene or stop that. To me, that means we do not have operational control of the canal. 2:30:40 Daniel Maffei: I will say that certainly we need to look at other kinds of ways to get US companies in positions where they can truly compete with the Chinese on some of these things. Blaming it all on Panama really misses the point. I've seen the same thing in Greece, where Greece didn't want to give the concession of its largest port to a Chinese company, but because of its financial difficulties, it was getting pressure from international organizations such the IMF, Europe and even maybe some of the United States to do so. So I just ask you to look at that. 2:31:20 Daniel Maffei: Panamanians are making far more on their canal than they ever have before. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as long as it's going to the right place. But where they're really making the money is on these auctions, and that is why it remains a concern of mine and I'm sure the chairman's. That is where we are looking at, potentially, using our authority under Section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act where we could, if we can show that it is a problem with the foreign trade of the US, it's interfering with foreign trade of the US, there are certain things that we can do. Senate Foreign Relations Committee January 15, 2024 Clips 4:01:40 Marco Rubio: The thing with Panama on the canal is not new. I visited there. It was 2016. I think I've consistently seen people express concern about it, and it's encapsulized here in quote after quote. Let me tell you the former US ambassador who served under President Obama said: "the Chinese see in Panama what we saw in Panama throughout the 20th century, a maritime and aviation logistics hub." The immediate past head of Southern Command, General Laura Richardson, said, "I was just in Panama about a month ago and flying along the Panama Canal and looking at the state owned enterprises from the People's Republic of China on each side of the Panama Canal. They look like civilian companies or state owned enterprises that could be used for dual use and could be quickly changed over to a military capability." We see questions that were asked by the ranking member in the house China Select Committee, where he asked a witness and they agreed that in a time of conflict, China could use its presence on both ends of the canal as a choke point against the United States in a conflict situation. So the concerns about Panama have been expressed by people on both sides of the aisle for at least the entire time that I've been in the United States Senate, and they've only accelerated further. And this is a very legitimate issue that we face there. I'm not prepared to answer this question because I haven't looked at the legal research behind it yet, but I'm compelled to suspect that an argument could be made that the terms under which that canal were turned over have been violated. Because while technically, sovereignty over the canal has not been turned over to a foreign power, in reality, a foreign power today possesses, through their companies, which we know are not independent, the ability to turn the canal into a choke point in a moment of conflict. And that is a direct threat to the national interest and security the United States, and is particularly galling given the fact that we paid for it and that 5,000 Americans died making it. That said, Panama is a great partner on a lot of other issues, and I hope we can resolve this issue of the canal and of its security, and also continue to work with them cooperatively on a host of issues we share in common, including what to do with migration. 4:38:35 Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT): Now, President Trump has recently talked a little bit about the fact that there are some questions arising about the status of the Panama Canal. When we look to the treaty at issue, the treaty concerning the permanent neutrality and operation of the Panama Canal, we're reminded that some things maybe aren't quite as they should be there right now. Given that the Chinese now control major ports at the entry and the exit to the canal, it seems appropriate to say that there's at least an open question. There's some doubt as to whether the canal remains neutral. Would you agree with that assessment? Marco Rubio: Yes. Here's the challenge. Number one, I want to be clear about something. The Panamanian government, particularly its current office holders, are very friendly to the United States and very cooperative, and we want that to continue, and I want to bifurcate that from the broader issue of the canal. Now I am not, President Trump is not inventing this. This is something that's existed now for at least a decade. In my service here, I took a trip to Panama in 2017. When on that trip to Panama in 2017 it was the central issue we discussed about the canal, and that is that Chinese companies control port facilities at both ends of the canal, the east and the west, and the concerns among military officials and security officials, including in Panama, at that point, that that could one day be used as a choke point to impede commerce in a moment of conflict. Going back to that I -- earlier before you got here, and I don't want to have to dig through this folder to find it again, but -- basically cited how the immediate past head of Southern Command, just retired general Richardson, said she flew over the canal, looked down and saw those Chinese port facilities, and said Those look like dual use facilities that in a moment of conflict, could be weaponized against us. The bipartisan China commission over in the House last year, had testimony and hearings on this issue, and members of both parties expressed concern. The former ambassador to Panama under President Obama has expressed those concerns. This is a legitimate issue that needs to be confronted. The second point is the one you touched upon, and that is, look, could an argument be made, and I'm not prepared to answer it yet, because it's something we're going to have to study very carefully. But I think I have an inkling of I know where this is going to head. Can an argument be made that the Chinese basically have effective control of the canal anytime they want? Because if they order a Chinese company that controls the ports to shut it down or impede our transit, they will have to do so. There are no independent Chinese companies. They all exist because they've been identified as national champions. They're supported by the Chinese government. And if you don't do what they want, they find a new CEO, and you end up being replaced and removed. So they're under the complete control of their government. This is a legitimate question, and one that Senators Risch had some insight as well. He mentioned that in passing that needs to be looked at. This is not a joke. The Panama Canal issue is a very serious one. 4:44:30 Marco Rubio: In 2016 and 2017 that was well understood that part of the investments they made in Panama were conditioned upon Panama's ability to convince the Dominican Republic and other countries to flip their recognition away from Taiwan. That happened. Jen Briney's Recent Guest Appearances Travis Makes Money: Give and Take: Music by Editing Production Assistance