Podcasts about main street america

Enough of the fraudsters. Throw them all in jail or deport them. Cease fire extended. Maybe. The SAT and the ACT are back. Rokita doesn't like marijuana. Just say no to Diego Indianapolis City County Council proposes to raise car registration rates. Keystone Group Plans for Major Renovations at Sheraton Hotel. Today’s Popcorn Moment: Bessent applauding US economy. Treasury Sec should not ignore the struggles of Main Street America. Why do Democrats hate men so much? Today on the Marketplace: Blood Bag Drink Pouches. Spencer Pratt surging in LA because of the "Honesty Taboo"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indianapolis City County Council proposes to raise car registration rates. Keystone Group Plans for Major Renovations at Sheraton Hotel. Today’s Popcorn Moment: Bessent applauding US economy. Treasury Sec should not ignore the struggles of Main Street America. Why do Democrats hate men so much? Today on the Marketplace: Blood Bag Drink Pouches. Spencer Pratt surging in LA because of the "Honesty Taboo"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do decisions made in Washington impact Main Street America? Elaine Parker sits down with Caroline Melear of the R Street Institute to break down the economic forces shaping the future of small businesses. From banking regulations and lending access to inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and global conflicts, they connect policy decisions to everyday economic realities. They also discuss the lasting effects of Dodd-Frank, uncertainty caused by shifting administrations, rising gas prices, Federal Reserve challenges, and why small businesses often feel the impact of regulations first.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SummaryJoin Kurt and Jamie as they navigate the chaos of live podcasting, upcoming conferences, and their latest sketches inspired by art, music, and pop culture. Discover insights on sketching, art, and the importance of everyday inspiration.Chapters00:00 Musical Mysteries and Canadian Connections02:44 Artistic Inspirations and Sketching09:30 Coffee Conversations and Daily Life16:52 Sketching and Artistic Process27:55 Record Store Day and Cultural Reflections resourcesRecord Store Day - https://recordstoreday.com/Main Street America - https://www.mainstreet.org/AI for Architecture Hackathon - #The Dark Knight (Graphic Novel) - https://www.dccomics.com/graphic-novels/batman-the-dark-knight-1986Rodin's The Thinker - https://www.musee-rodin.fr/en/collections/sculptures/the-thinkerChuck D Record Collaboration - #Jack White's Record Support for WXYZ - #Send Feedback :) Support the showBuy some Coffee! Support the Show!https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shopOur LinksFollow Jamie on Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt's Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender 

Small business cash flow solutions: Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and host of Fintech Confidential, interviews Receives' Founder & CEO Ariel Blum and Lithics' Co-Founder & CEO Bo Jiang on earned revenue access for 34M American businesses. How fintech infrastructure provides instant access to sales revenue without loans, solving payment delays and working capital challenges.Legacy banking systems force business owners to wait days or weeks for funds from completed sales, creating cash flow crises that lead 82% of small businesses to struggle with basic operations. Modern fintech companies are solving this through real-time access to earned revenue, flexible payment infrastructure, and strategic partnerships that eliminate artificial delays built into outdated financial systems.This episode of Fintech Confidential, recorded live from the Money Pot at Money 2020 in Las Vegas, breaks down how small businesses can access working capital faster, why traditional lending models fail Main Street America, and what partnerships between fintech innovators actually look like when building compliant, scalable solutions.TAKEAWAYS1️⃣ Pick partners, not vendors.Look for teams that treat your success as their own.2️⃣ Build in parallel, not sequence.Run development and compliance at the same time to cut launch timelines.3️⃣ Get the full customer picture.Visibility into earnings, accounts, and spending drives smarter decisions.4️⃣ Test options before you scale.Come to partners with presets already tested to speed approvals.5️⃣ Prepare for what you cannot see.Stay flexible enough to respond when something unexpected hits.LINKSAriel Blum | Founder and CEO of ReceiveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielblum/Bo Jiang | Co-founder and CEO of LithicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolingReceiveWebsite: https://www.nowreceive.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nowreceiveLithicWebsite: https://www.lithic.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lithicFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSUnder.io – Digitize your PDFs for applications and underwriting. Get started free: https://under.io/ftcDefense (Dfns) - Provides wallets as a service that's API first, multi-chain by design, and secured with MPC fintechconfidential.com/dfsHawk AI – Real-time payment screening, ML transaction monitoring, and dynamic risk rating for fraud prevention: https://gethawkai.comABOUTAriel Blum is the Founder and CEO of Receive. He previously held leadership roles at American Express, Green Dot, and Melio. He built Receive as the first earned revenue access platform for small businesses, helping them unlock cash they have already earned without borrowing.Bo Jiang is the Co-founder and CEO of Lithic. He and his co-founders started building together at age 14 and later...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan Bruneau sits down with E.J. Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation, to break down one of the most overlooked drivers of today’s economic growth: deregulation. While tax cuts and energy policy often dominate economic headlines, Antoni explains why deregulation has quietly powered hiring, profitability, and expansion—especially for small businesses that lack the resources to navigate burdensome federal rules. Drawing on real-world examples from the Trump administration, Antoni details how rolling back environmental and labor regulations reduced costs, increased flexibility, and unlocked economic activity across Main Street America. The conversation explores why overregulation disproportionately harms entrepreneurs, how regulatory rollbacks helped fuel stronger-than-expected growth, and what future deregulation efforts could mean for jobs, wages, and consumer prices. If you want to understand what’s really driving economic momentum—and why small businesses are at the center of it—this episode is a must-watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're joined by Dr. Stephanie Gray, discussing how the New Deal shaped history through politically driven commemoration and her new book, Restoring America: Historic Preservation and the New Deal. Dr. Gray earned her B.A. in History from Mount Holyoke College and both M.A. in Public History and Ph.D. in U.S. History from the University of South Carolina. Stephanie specializes in public history, historic preservation, and twentieth century U.S. cultural history. At Duquesne, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in both traditional and public history, which contribute to the Department's new Public History undergraduate certificate.  As a public historian, Stephanie has worked for the James A. Garfield National Historic Site (a National Park Service unit), the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street America program. Her interest in old buildings and cultural landscapes inform her research and teaching on the built environment.  To purchase: https://www.umasspress.com/9781625348975/restoring-america/  

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker discusses the implications of the EPA's endangerment finding on greenhouse gases with Diana Furchtgott-Roth. They explore the global net zero movement, the impact of regulatory changes on small businesses and everyday Americans, the challenges posed by electric vehicles, and the reliability of the power grid. The conversation also touches on the reality of climate change and the potential legal challenges that may arise from these regulatory changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Main Street America Organization is a proud supporter of Small Business Saturday. And they're teaming up with American Express to help you support small businesses on your main street. As a neighborhood champion, all Main Street America members are pre-qualified to serve as neighborhood champions on a first-come first serve basis. Applications will remain open through mid-November or until spots are filled. So be sure to apply@www.americanexpress.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

US markets recovered their composure in the first trading session for the week. The Nasdaq rose 2.2%, the SP500 2.02% and the VIX index dropped 12%. Bitcoin stabilised around US$115,650. US bond markets were closed for Columbus Day. The technology sector performed the strongest, with notable rises in TSLA (+5.4%) and AVGO (+9.9%). The major US banks are also reporting this week and should provide insight into Main Street America.ASX set to open higher. SPI futures up 27 points. Both copper (+3.7% in London) and Brent oil (+1%) bounced after taking a hit last week. Iron ore continues to show resilience even in the face of the escalated tensions over global trade. That helps the outlook for RIO, which released its latest quarterly production update this morning. Watch for any market reaction today. There should be no surprises.Want to invest with Marcus Today? The Managed Strategy Portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you. If you're looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.  Why not sign up for a free trial? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss how agency owners should handle employees with physical and mental health concerns. They cover the increased openness around mental health and self-care, sharing personal experiences and business challenges. They highlight the importance of individualized management approaches, legal considerations, and quick professional advice. The hosts also emphasize compassionate handling of employee health issues, the need for flexible scheduling, and the impact on small businesses. Gini shares insights on providing support for team members and owners, such as disability insurance, to cover long-term absences. They conclude by underlining the importance of empathetic leadership and offering flexibility. Key takeaways Chip Griffin: “You have to learn how to manage each employee individually. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all management technique.” Gini Dietrich: “Now we, and especially the younger generations, do a nice job of being really open about the things that we are dealing with and how our employers can help.” Chip Griffin: “As an owner, you get to pick: you can either keep working with that individual and work with them in the way that suits them best, or you can do it your way, and either lose the employee or lose their productivity.” Gini Dietrich: “Just be an empathetic human being because we all go through things, we all have personal things we have to deal with.” Related How to support your team in times of stress (featuring Patrick Rogan) Managing small agency employees to maximize performance Building an agency culture where everyone can take time off Agencies need to adapt to effectively manage Gen Z employees How to make conversations with your agency employees less difficult (featuring Allyns Melendez) View Transcript The following is a computer-generated transcript. Please listen to the audio to confirm accuracy. Chip Griffin: Hello and welcome to another episode of the Agency Leadership Podcast. I’m Chip Griffin. Gini Dietrich: And I’m Gini Dietrich. Chip Griffin: And Gini, I, I, I think I might have broken my foot. I we’re not gonna be able to record today. I gotta go see the doctor and find out Gini Dietrich: because you broke your foot. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And I just, I got frustrated, you know, you know, in our past conversation that we were having, and I just kicked something and I, I think that it’s maybe broken. So I’m, I’m in remarkably little pain though, apparently, because I’m still smiling. Gini Dietrich: It’s like two, three weeks later. Yeah. And you’re, Chip Griffin: yeah. Gini Dietrich: And you’re, yeah. Here, right. Chip Griffin: But no, in, in all seriousness, , we are going to talk today about how agency owners should handle it when they have employees who have physical health concerns, mental health concerns. They might be one-offs, they might be ongoing. And this is something that a, a lot of the, the owners that I’ve been talking with this year seem to have… At least they feel like they have more instances of this that they have to deal with. I suspect that’s not the case. It’s just recency bias, on things. But I can certainly tell you that over the years I’ve had a lot of these issues, to deal with, with team members. And it’s run the whole spectrum. It’s been everything from, you know, extreme mental health issues to extreme health issues, and you know, you gotta try to figure out how to navigate those and, and as an owner. Particularly in a small business of any kind, that can be a real difficulty. Gini Dietrich: Yeah, I, and I would say, I mean, I feel like it’s more prevalent now as well, and come, some of that could be recency bias, but I also think we’re much more open, especially on the mental health side of things about that and about self-care and ensuring that you’re going to a therapist and things like that. And the first time this actually hit my business was about five years ago when our younger employees would say things like, oh, I can’t make that meeting. I’m, I have a, an appointment with my therapist. And I’d be like…. During the day? Okay. And I remember at the time, and it was during the pandemic, so everything was kind of a shit show, but I remember at the time thinking, really, you’re making appointments with your therapist during the day? And now I’m to a point where I’m like, okay, if that’s what you need to do. And that’s when they, you can get in and go. But, I do think that some of it is because we, especially the younger generations, do a really nice job of being really open about these are the things that I’m dealing with. These are the things that I’m working on, and here’s how you as my employer can help. Chip Griffin: Yeah, I think that’s a, that’s a great point. And, and it’s also, I think there’s a broader awareness of these yes issues, particularly on the mental health side, but I think on both the mental and physical health side, people are much more open about these things than they were when we were coming up. In the workforce. Gini Dietrich: Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Chip Griffin: You know, when, when I was first starting out, you know, you, most people, if they were seeing a therapist would never admit to it. Most wouldn’t even indicate, they might say they were going to the doctor, but usually that meant job interview. Right. And if they were actually going to the doctor, they probably didn’t even mention it. And, and instead they found some other way to work it into the schedule. So, yes. So I think part of it is that, that, you know, particularly for agency owners who are, you know, more of our generation. It’s just that people never talked about this before. So you hear people talking about it. That didn’t mean that those challenges didn’t exist before, but you weren’t certain about it. You, you’d be sitting there kind of guessing. And I certainly had a number of those 20 years ago where I’d have an employee was clearly having something going on, but it wasn’t really clear what. You know, I, I think it is helpful now because with employees being more open, at least you know what you’re dealing with. Gini Dietrich: Yes. Chip Griffin: And you’re not guessing wrong where someone’s just kind of, you know, disappearing for stretches of time and, and you’re not sure why. I had one who I thought had a, a very serious health issue of some kind, and it turned out to be a, a personal relationship issue, that was being dealt with. Wildly different things. Right. And, and causes me to, to have wildly different concerns. Correct. But back then you didn’t talk about them. Gini Dietrich: Not at all. Yeah. You didn’t talk about it at all. And I think you’re right that you sort of had to guess. And I’ll say that, you know, in the last five years I’ve done a lot of work myself as a business owner to understand how to support different types of both mental and physical health challenges so that I can be, be a better employer. But it’s been a learning curve. And it’s been a lot of coaching that I’ve had to get on my own to understand like, if you have a person who’s dealing with this, this is the, and you know, I think the big ones are ADHD, right? How, how do you deal with somebody in the workforce who has ADHD or ADD? How do you deal with somebody who is on the spectrum? You know, how do you, how do you handle other types of, of mental health issues like, bipolar or things like that. So I’ve spent a lot of time as an, as an employer understanding how to manage and lead those types of the, the people who have those types of things. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And I would throw anxiety into the mix is a, is a big one. Yep. Depression, that, that rears its head in the professional world. Gini Dietrich: Yep. Chip Griffin: And, and so I, I think a lot of this goes back to things we’ve talked about in the past. You know, where you have to, to learn how to manage each employee individually. Mm-hmm. ’cause they not every there’s no one size fits all management technique. Certainly there are some general principles that you can follow, but you really do have to customize the plan to the individual and what they respond to. Because some of them, if you, if you raise any kind of constructive feedback, they may freak out, right? Yep. And just be like, oh, I, I can’t, I can’t handle that. And so you may have to, to find ways to, to gently tread into that territory. And I’ve had owners say, well, I don’t want to, I just need to be able to tell them what I need. Okay. That’s what you need. And, and if, if that works for you, that’s great, but if it doesn’t… If it doesn’t get what you want from that team member, who cares whether it’s the way that you want to do it or not, right? You get to pick, you can either keep working with that individual and, and work with them in the way that suits them best, or you can do it your way and, and either lose the employee or lose their productivity. Gini Dietrich: Yeah, I think one of the things that we’ve always done really well is, you know, personality tests, especially when somebody starts, give them a personality test so you understand sort of where they fit in the bigger scheme. And I think adding in this other piece of it is really important now so that you understand not just the personality, but how, how they deal with things. And if there’s anything that’s gonna cause them to, you know, we, we had, I had an employee for a while who, if you gave her direct feedback, she would spiral. And, and even if it was like, We just, I want you to be thinking about this or want you, like it wasn’t cons, it wasn’t criticism, it was just feedback. She would completely spiral and she couldn’t function, so I had to find different ways to provide feedback that she was able to accept it and not spiral into this mound of depression where she couldn’t function. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And, and, and I, I think that, you know, we all need to, to remember that there are, there are different layers to this as well that we need to be thinking about. Yes. Because certainly there’s, there’s the practical of, you know, how do you get the most from your team members and, and get the results that you need for your clients and for your business. But there’s also legal and regulatory issues that often crop into this. That we need to be aware of and sensitive to. So, yep. You know, one of the things that I always say is, you know, particularly if, if you’re having a really difficult time with someone and there is some health component of some sort, whether it’s physical or mental, or otherwise. It behooves you to get some professional advice from an HR consultant. Yes. An employment lawyer. Yes. Someone who can help you navigate those things because things that, that you think might be obvious and reasonable and common sense just might not be. Gini Dietrich: Yes. Chip Griffin: And, those are the kinds of things that can get you into a lot of trouble. Mm-hmm. Particularly in 2025. Mm-hmm. So really pay attention to that sort of thing. Gini Dietrich: Yes, indeed. Yeah, I mean I think that’s really sound advice is to really understand and you know, you have Patrick on every once in a while and he’s great for just bouncing those kinds of ideas off of, to be able to understand like. What should we be thinking about? How should we handle this? Help me create some structure around this. Create a policy around it. And then it’s something that if you have a team, if you have people who are leading or managing other people, they have to understand that too. So it’s not just the training that sort of the states require, like, you know, the state of Illinois requires sexual harassment training and mental health training, and there’s one other. I can’t remember what it’s called, but it, the state of Illinois requires that of everybody who’s working in Illinois. So it’s on top of those things too that you need to talk to an HR professional about what kinds of things that you, that you and your leaders need to go through so that they’re cognizant of what, what things they’re doing that might affect the people that they’re leading. Chip Griffin: Right. And, and there’s a difference between long-term health issues and short-term health issues and Right. And how you handle ’em. And a lot of it frankly, starts with my first advice always when, when dealing with employees with challenges is say, look, start by being human. Right. So, so accept that particularly, particularly for short-term acute things. Give people space. Give people time. Gini Dietrich: Yep. Chip Griffin: And, and it is if, if there are going to be prolonged repeated absences, that’s something that you need to deal with differently than someone has, has either themselves had a health crisis or in some cases it might be a family member has had or is having a health crisis. If it’s short term, just do your best to roll with it because that’s the human compassionate thing to do and that will come back and benefit you over time. If it’s going to be months or years long that, that this is gonna go on for, now you need to try to figure out how to find some common ground with that team member that is, you know, certainly within the law and the rules that you have to follow, but also that makes sense for the business. And these are not always easy, particularly for small businesses, because for us, if we have someone who is, you know, either out completely or you know, partially absent for a few weeks, that’s a much bigger deal than it is for a thousand person business. Gini Dietrich: Right, right. Chip Griffin: And, and I’ve certainly, I think I’ve shared on, on the show before how in the past I’ve had numerous occasions where I’ve had people, particularly, who had to take extended maternity leaves for various reasons. That can be really difficult because certainly as an, as an employer, I wanted to bring the person back. Legally, I have to be able to, in most cases, bring that person back. But somehow I need to get that work covered. Right. And it’s not the same as having someone gone for a week or two. We can just ask everybody else to step up and put in some overtime. Right. Right. And yet, small businesses generally are not able to, to bring in temporary help in the same way that a larger employer might say, Hey, bring you in. You’ll work three or four months on this, and then you know, we’ll find another account for you to work on, or something like that, right? So it is much more challenging, but you’ve gotta try to find the best way forward that that really serves your interest as a business, while also respecting the individual and their needs. Gini Dietrich: I think that also brings up a good point about the agency owner themselves, because in the last couple of years I’ve had four, four friends diagnosed with breast cancer, four, and they all run businesses. And when I went through it with my first girlfriend, you know, we kind of set the structure of here’s how you’ll manage it inside the agency. Here’s what you’ll ask your team to do. She actually brought in a consultant to run the agency for her for about nine months while she was going through treatment. And then here’s how you communicate it to clients. And she, and she didn’t lose any clients because of the way she handled it and ensured that everything was covered. And so I went through that with her, and then I had my next girlfriend call and say. I’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer and I said, I have the template. So I’ve been able to help all four go through the process of understanding that you probably are going to have to hire somebody to help you run the agency, or maybe you have somebody internally that can step up to that, right? But there is going to be somebody that needs to take your, fill your, your shoes, so to speak. There’s a way that you communicate that to your employees. There’s a way that you can consistently communicate with your employees so they always know what’s going on. ’cause it’s scary for employees. They think they’re gonna lose their job. At the same time that they’re scared for you. Right. And then how do you communicate that with clients? For the most part, most clients are pretty cool about it. They don’t, they, their only concern is, is the work going to continue to be done and done well? And you know, and if you’ve set up your agency the way that Chip and I have talked about over the years, which is where it’s not solely the reliant on you, then it’s not, it’s less scary for the, for the clients. But again, consistently communicating, helping them understand what the process is, and then just keeping them updated because they’re gonna wanna know. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And, and I mean we always say this, but it’s, it’s true that, that most clients are far more understanding of challenges that arise, whether it’s our own health issues and employees health issues. Right. Employee turnover, mistakes. What employee clients are generally far more understanding and accepting than we give them credit for. Absolutely. And that’s because there are, there are the select few who are not, and, and those are the ones that tend to stick in our memories, Uhhuh. And so we, we, we tend to, to overthink that and, and believe that, that more clients are like that. And the reality is that the vast majority are not. The vast majority are human beings who understand that stuff happens. Gini Dietrich: Yeah. Yeah. And in fact in all those four relationships, there was only one client out of all four that was a jerk about it. And I gently suggested that maybe they shouldn’t be a client. Yeah. And I don’t think they are today. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And, and I mean, I, I think that, that as an owner, if you go through these sorts of things, that also helps you have a better template in your own mind for how to work with team members. Who have issues. even if it’s not a one-to-one, you know, may, maybe you’ve been through, you know, a heart issue or a health, a cancer issue, or a mental health issue, that whatever it is, those all help you in dealing with it. Doesn’t, doesn’t mean you can’t, if you’ve been perfectly pristine, healthy for your entire life. It doesn’t mean you can’t deal with those things, but those are, you should take lessons from your own experiences and try to think through, you know, what challenges did you have? Yep. And, and how would you have wanted to be treated? Yeah. Because that will often serve as a good roadmap for you in how to work with your team and to, to show that understanding while still realizing that, that there is still a job that needs to be done in some fashion. And, and so I think a lot of it is to the extent that you can. Get an understanding from the employee what, what it means professionally. You don’t, you don’t want to, and you probably shouldn’t ask a lot of questions about whatever the actual underlying issue or issues might be. All you need to know is what does it mean for me as the employer? What does it mean for your availability? How can we help you to make sure that we’re covering things, that we’re planning appropriately? Maybe we can shift your schedule in some fashion, and we do have to accept that, you know, you to the point that you made earlier on in this episode about, you know, someone going off to see a therapist during the workday. The reality is, and my wife and I were talking about this recently, there are a lot of professionals out there who don’t maintain schedules that are particularly friendly. Gini Dietrich: Right. Chip Griffin: To the workforce. Gini Dietrich: That is true. Yes. Chip Griffin: And, and we were talking about the specific example of like dentists, right? How many dentists are open on weekends? Gini Dietrich: None. Chip Griffin: Very, very few. Yes. If I was ever a dentist, I’d be open on the weekends. Right? Because guess what? That’s more convenient mm-hmm. For a lot of people. Gini Dietrich: And evenings, yes. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And evenings. Mm-hmm. And it’s sort of like, you know, you, you drive people, people complain about, you know how Main Street America, the shops are disappearing. Well, part of that is because if you go to a lot of Main Streets in America on a Saturday or Sunday, they’re all closed. And I get that, that owners want to have normal weekends. Gini Dietrich: Yes, yes. Chip Griffin: But guess what? That’s, that’s when your customers typically can come. Gini Dietrich: Correct. Chip Griffin: Depending on, you know, who your target audience is, right? It’s the same thing, you know, we were, people I think know that I have a side business of, of doing photography. And we’re working on, you know, this is the peak season right now for senior portraits and that sort of thing, and we had a parent who said to, to Jen, who does the bookings for it. She said she offered up some weekend dates. Oh, Chip does these on the weekends? Well, yeah. But there are a lot of photographers who don’t, who won’t? They wanna work Monday through Friday. Gini Dietrich: Well, then they need a different job. Chip Griffin: I get that impulse. But you know what, that’s a much more difficult time to get, you know, students and families or whomever together. And there are, there are genres of photography that, that don’t require that, right? If you wanna do professional headshots and those kinds of things, those are much easier to do during the week. You’re not gonna get someone, you know, who wants their headshot typically on the weekend. Happens occasionally, but it’s, it’s much more common to do that during the work week. But when you’re talking about more personal ones. You’ve got to set up your business around when your customers want you. With employees, you need to start thinking about, you know, how can, can you accommodate the fact that most of the, the business world apparently doesn’t think the same way that you or I might. Yeah. And so if the only time that there’s availability to go to the doctor is during the week, you need to make that available to your team members and not make them feel guilty about having to take some time off during the week to do those things. No, that’s, that’s just because we’re all working much more flexible schedules today, whether, whether we as employers like it or not. Gini Dietrich: Right. That’s exactly right. One of the things I, you brought up maternity leave earlier. And I think that that’s a really good lesson for most business, for most agency owners, because there will be a time where you have to give parental leave. And the first time it happened to me, I remember freaking out because we needed to hire somebody to fill that role ’cause she was going to be out for at least three months. But I also couldn’t afford to be paying for both, and so I invested in long and short-term disability for all our employees so that when things come up, they have they, and so they, they can have it on their own, of course, but we also did it through the business so that when things came up. I had that ability to pay them while they were off on whatever leave they needed, but also have the budget to be able to hire somebody temporary to fill that role. So that was one of the big saving graces for me, is having, providing that, investing in that insurance for my team. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And, and look, I mean, a, a lot of things have improved in, in recent years in handling these kinds of short term coverage situations because, you know, we’re, we’re not in an environment where the short term replacement has to show up in the office. You know, 20 years ago when you were doing this, you, you wouldn’t really dream of having a replacement who worked remotely in most cases. Now, you certainly can. And there’s a lot more people who are open to taking those kinds of short term engagements than there were a couple of decades ago. So you, you certainly do have a lot more flexibility to cover them. You do have the cost issue, right, because you, you know, you can’t double pay. And obviously a lot of small businesses simply don’t pay for parental leave. Which, look, if you, if you’re not in a position to be able to do that, I, I’m not gonna fault you for that. Right. If you’re able to, to put together something where you can offer disability insurance, that would cover during parental leave situations, that’s fantastic and you should certainly be looking into that. But either way, you have a lot more options today to fill those gaps, and you shouldn’t hesitate to do that when you know it’s going to be a fairly well-defined prolonged absence. Absolutely. Because that, that makes things easier on everybody, on your team. And, and I can tell you from experience asking everybody to step up for months on end, that’s just, that’s not sustainable. It’s not sustainable. Even if they say, of course I’m willing to help out, you know, Sally or Joe or whoever it is. Yeah. They, they’re gonna end up resenting them to some degree, you know, by, by week 11 or 12. Gini Dietrich: Oh yeah, for sure. And you will too, because everybody’s gonna be burned out and exhausted. Absolutely. Right. Chip Griffin: Right. And, and we have to, I mean, we have to keep that in mind too, that, you know, there are, that, that people are feeling more burned out at times, and we need to understand why that is. And I, I think in some cases it, it may be, this won’t be popular, but I, I, I think that some people have been coddled, in their lives. And so they’re not used to having to, to work hard for a full 40, right? That does happen not nearly as often as most owners think, though. Most often when you have an employee who is feeling burned out, it’s ’cause you’re asking them to work way more than 40 hours a week. Yes. On a regular basis. Gini Dietrich: Yes. Yes. Chip Griffin: And so you need to understand the difference. Because look, if, if someone is saying they’re burned out and they’re only working, you know, 20, 25 hours a week and they’re, you know, kind of coasting the rest of the way and that’s the actual fact, not just what you think in your head, but what they’re reporting on time sheets. Because you are doing time tracking. Right. Right. If that’s the case, that the solution there is very different because you need to understand where that feeling of burnout is coming from. Whereas if they’re working 50 to 60 hours a week on a regular basis. You darn well know where that feeling of burnout is coming from. Gini Dietrich: Right, right. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You just have to pay attention. I think you’re right. You raised the point earlier that you can’t really ask, but if they’re sharing information about their physical or mental health, you can definitely use that to help you understand how to better lead and to give them this, the resources they need to be successful. And just be an empathetic human being because we all go through things, we all have personal things we have to deal with. We all have to go to the doctor’s office, all of us. So just be empathetic to the things that you, we all have to do. And I think you’re right too, that if you provide the flexibility to be able to do that, you create much better loyalty than you would if you said, Nope, you have to do it after 6:00 PM. Chip Griffin: Absolutely. Well, hopefully we’ve made owners feel a little bit better about these kinds of situations and understand they’re not alone and there are options and there is a path forward when you have to deal with these things for a team member. I, I know that it’s, it’s already made my foot feel better, so I don’t think I need to go to the doctor after all. I think, I think maybe it’s not broken. Maybe that was just in my head. Gini Dietrich: Nice full circle there. Chip Griffin: See, sometimes I even remember what my opening was so I don’t have to wait for the transcript to find out. Gini Dietrich: Oh, love it. Chip Griffin: On that note, we will draw this episode to a close. I’m Chip Griffin. Gini Dietrich: I’m Gini Dietrich. Chip Griffin: And it depends.

Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition (TCC), and Robin Bronk, its CEO, on the a urgent fight to protect the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) - a vital program now at risk due to proposed congressional defunding.Following President Trump's call to cut NEA funding, The Creative Coalition has mobilized a powerful group of Hollywood actors, creators, and industry leaders-including Jason Isaacs, Iain Armitage, Pauline Chalamet, Michael Chiklis, and Rachel Bloom, among others - to defend this critical resource. Congress will soon vote on the NEA's future, which impacts 41 million Americans across every district. The Creative Coalition has been actively advocating on Capitol Hill and via social media.Says Daly, "Slashing arts funding threatens not just culture, but the future legacy we leave our children." Bronk adds, "Cutting the NEA isn't just a cultural loss-it's a fiscal mistake that harms Main Street America."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition (TCC), and Robin Bronk, its CEO, on the a urgent fight to protect the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) - a vital program now at risk due to proposed congressional defunding.Following President Trump's call to cut NEA funding, The Creative Coalition has mobilized a powerful group of Hollywood actors, creators, and industry leaders-including Jason Isaacs, Iain Armitage, Pauline Chalamet, Michael Chiklis, and Rachel Bloom, among others - to defend this critical resource. Congress will soon vote on the NEA's future, which impacts 41 million Americans across every district. The Creative Coalition has been actively advocating on Capitol Hill and via social media.Says Daly, "Slashing arts funding threatens not just culture, but the future legacy we leave our children." Bronk adds, "Cutting the NEA isn't just a cultural loss-it's a fiscal mistake that harms Main Street America."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Downtown York is celebrating a major milestone in its journey toward revitalization — earning both state and national accreditation through the Main Street America program and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. The recognition signals a significant accomplishment for Downtown Inc, the organization leading the charge to support small businesses, public art, economic development, and community safety in York’s core. “Accreditation is kind of the gold standard in downtown revitalization programs,” said Sarah O’Brien, Director of Downtown Inc. “York has actually been doing the work to meet those standards for many years. We just took a step back this last year and went through the process to get the recognition we’ve earned.” This is the first time in over a decade — since 2013 — that York has held the prestigious designation. Since stepping into her role in April 2024, O’Brien has worked to strengthen York’s ties to national revitalization standards and broaden the community’s participation in the process. “I worked for three different Main Street programs in Texas, and we always worked really hard to get accredited,” she said. “It was kind of a personal and team goal to get back on track with our reporting and demonstrate that we’re doing the hard work to successfully revitalize a community.” According to O’Brien, the accreditation recognizes a collaborative effort between local government, businesses, nonprofits, and private citizens. “Downtown Inc is that connector between small businesses, nonprofit organizations, government, and individuals,” she said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textOur guest today is Lyubim (pronounced Loo-beem) Kogan — a five-time first-generation immigrant, Winter Olympian, NYU Stern graduate, 9/11 survivor, and founder of Wings4Heroes.org, a mission helping amputee veterans reclaim dignity, purpose, and joy through paragliding and adventure.His journey spans Wall Street trading desks, kitchen tables across Main Street America, crisis leadership in war zones, and humanitarian missions across continents. He's a national bestselling co-author with Steve Forbes and has shared the stage at the United Nations with Brian Tracy.Today, he's here to talk about what it means to keep a promise — especially when there's no script, no paycheck, and no clear path forward.https://wings4heroes.org/Contact us:Rumble/ YouTube/ IG: @powerofmanpodcastEmail: powerofmanpodcast@gmail.com.Twitter: @rorypaquetteLooking for Like-Minded Fathers and Husbands? Join our Brotherhood!"Power of Man Within" , in Facebook Groups:https://www.facebook.com/groups/490821906341560/?ref=share_group_linkFree Coaching Consultation call whenever you are ready... Message me!Believe it!

https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/ Use Code: Mel K  In this inspiring episode of The Mel K Show, we focus on one of the most important topics of our time: financial empowerment and the future of Main Street America. Joining me is Clay Clark, an expert in business and entrepreneurship, to talk about why now is the moment for everyday Americans to take control of their economic destiny. We are living in unprecedented times. The global financial system is shifting. The International Banking Cartel and the entrenched powers of centralized finance are not happy with the changes taking place. Tariffs, reorganizations, and exposure of decades of corruption are shaking their control. For years, Americans have been misled about the Federal Reserve, the role of big banks, and the manipulation of markets. Now the truth is coming out. The question is, what will you do about it? Clay and I explore why the old model of financial security is failing. For many, the promise of lifetime employment and a steady paycheck is gone. We discuss the reality of age discrimination and why so many people in their fifties and sixties are realizing that corporate America is not coming to the rescue. It is not about fairness. It is about a system that no longer values experience, loyalty, or wisdom. But here is the good news: there has never been a better time to bet on yourself. This episode will show you why rebuilding Main Street is the key to America's future. When you start a small business, you are not just securing your own livelihood. You are strengthening your community, creating jobs, and building resilience against the centralized systems that seek to control every aspect of life. We talk about practical steps you can take right now to start your own venture, no matter your age or background. Here is what you will learn in this episode: Why the current economic upheaval is an opportunity for entrepreneurs How to overcome fear and take control of your financial future The role of small businesses in restoring American prosperity Why waiting for corporate America to save you is a losing bet Actionable ideas for starting your own business today This is not about panic. It is about preparation. It is about empowerment. The global elite do not want Americans self-reliant. They want dependency. We must reject that and choose freedom instead. Whether you are 25 or 65, this is your moment to create something that lasts. This is your time to take action.

In this special episode, Joi Cuartero Austin of Main Street America sits down with colleagues Erik Reader and Jonathan Stone to reflect on their experience at the IEDC Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana. They discuss the power of data, the importance of people-powered revitalization, and how Main Street strategies are showing up in economic development conversations like never before. From hype teams and alleyway dance parties to building inventories and rural entrepreneurship, this conversation dives deep into what it means to breathe new life into rural communities—and how Main Street can lead the way.  

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., on Wednesday said there needs to be accountability after a report was released raising concerns that China had mass-produced fake U.S. driver's licenses to carry out a scheme to hijack the 2020 election with fake mail-in ballots for Democrat Joe Biden. "This is something that has lingered out there from the 2020 elections, and the fact that the Border Patrol actually found some of this and tried to have it investigated, and the FBI said, 'don't touch it,'" Blackburn said. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Helgers, who is at the forefront of tackling pressing issues such as anti-Semitism, domestic terrorism, and the growing influence of China, discusses his landmark lawsuit against the Chinese online vendor TEMU, detailing the national security threats posed by their practices. Elaine Parker from the Job Creators Network shares insights on the rising optimism among small business owners in Main Street America, the factors driving this renewed confidence, including the potential impacts of upcoming legislation and economic policies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joi Cuartero Austin is joined by Erik Reader, Director of Illinois Main Street, and Jonathan Stone, Program Officer at Main Street America, for a lively discussion about the upcoming IEDC Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana. This first-of-its-kind event by the International Economic Development Council is designed specifically for professionals working in rural and tribal communities—and the format is anything but typical. The team dives into what makes this retreat unique, including Spark Talks and immersive, on-the-ground experiences that trade PowerPoints for people-powered stories. Together, we explore: What rural really means (spoiler: it's not just a population number) The challenges and opportunities unique to rural economic development How local Main Street communities are using tools like TIF/BID/SSA, and placemaking to transform downtowns and riverfronts Why entrepreneurial ecosystems, creative space use, and hybrid business models are gaining traction How tools like the BOOMS Tracker help communities separate myth from reality and take control of revitalization We also preview the three immersive tours led by Main Street America staff: Small-Town Startups with Global Spark (Conrad, MT) Breathing Life into Main Street (Downtown Great Falls) Riverfront Revival on the Missouri (West Bank Landing) Finally, we reflect on what participants will take home from this rural retreat, the importance of building relationships across sectors, and why people—not just policies—are the real spark behind rural revitalization.

Coffee Talks, Liberty Bell Sketches, and Designing with PurposeIn this episode, Kurt and Jamie dive into various topics from their morning coffee routines to architectural sketches of the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia. They discuss the importance of site orientation, design interpretation, and the evolving role of architects in preserving heritage while embracing innovation. The duo also reflects on their experiences with students and share insights on meaningful architectural design.00:00 Launching the Rocket00:38 Jamie's Rant01:34 Coffee Talk08:11 Current Events and COAD Zine12:05 Sketch Time: Liberty Bell Center24:09 Architectural Reflections and Preservation30:32 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSend Feedback :) Support the showBuy some Coffee! Support the Show!https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt's Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

In a recent episode of The Valley Business Today, host Janet Michael along with cohost Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce had an in-depth conversation with Ellen Aders about the ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Front Royal. The discussion, recorded at the chamber, delved into the intricacies of the Main Street Program and the significant strides made by Downtown Front Royal Inc. toward achieving Main Street Accreditation. Ellen Aders, the president of Downtown Front Royal Inc., shared her long-standing affection for the area and discussed her organization's progress in the Main Street Program. Since revisiting the program in late 2022, Downtown Front Royal Inc. has advanced through various phases, including 'Exploring Main Street' and 'Mobilizing Main Street.' Ellen explained that, unlike 15-20 years ago, the Main Street certification process has been streamlined, allowing organizations to gradually phase themselves in. With a better understanding of the requirements, including organized bylaws, a clear vision, a strategic plan, and a budget, Ellen and her team applied for and were accepted into the 'Mobilizing Main Street' phase. This phase includes monthly homework assignments, meetings, and continuous community engagement to prepare for full Main Street Accreditation. Janet reiterated that the Main Street Program is deeply rooted in community support and education. It focuses on creating a vibrant downtown area that caters to the community's needs, including cooperative efforts with local businesses. Ellen emphasized that the community's backing is vital to progress through the program and reach Main Street Accreditation. Ellen detailed Main Street America's four-point approach: organization, economic vitality, design, and promotion. These pillars ensure a strong foundation for supporting local businesses, preserving historic downtown areas, and promoting community activities. Downtown Front Royal Inc. has already initiated several projects, including an expanded farmers' market and plans for a permanent welcome sign at the Commerce/Main Street gateway. With plans to enhance the downtown experience further, Ellen discussed the upcoming Garden of Dreams fundraiser. This event, sponsored by Marlow Motor Company, aims to raise funds for continued downtown development projects. The fundraiser will offer a night of dinner, music, live and silent auctions, and community engagement. Ellen and Janet discussed the essential resources provided by the Main Street organization, including access to various grants and preservation support. The affiliation with Main Street offers substantial benefits to potential investors and local businesses, supporting the overall goal of a thriving downtown community. Niki shares updates on the Wine & Craft Festival. She highlighted the importance of committee involvement to ensure the success of local events and programs. The episode wrapped up with a call to action for the community to get involved, either through volunteering, attending events, or sponsoring projects. Janet, Ellen, and Niki underscored that the continued support and active participation of the community are crucial for the ongoing revitalization efforts of downtown Front Royal. 

How can we take advantage of Trump's tax plan? Mark J Kohler is here to explain several key tactics, and it's not what you think.

How can we take advantage of Trump's tax plan? Mark J Kohler is here to explain several key tactics, and it's not what you think.

On the radio show this week we cover Trump's attack on federal workers, the critical services they provide and the disproportionate impact on women and people of color. We dive into how we can win at the state level, even in red states, with bipartisan support for issues like maternal health.  We hear about Trump's dangerously unqualified pick for Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, and why you should call your Senators to oppose her nomination. Finally, we discuss the negative impacts that trade wars and tariffs are having on Main Street America, and how you can help in your own community.      SPECIAL GUESTS:  Judy Conti, National Employment Law Project, @nelpnews, @nelp.org; Tina Sherman, MomsRising, @MomsRising, @momsrising.org; Ruthanne Buck, SquadBuck; Richard Trent, Main Street Alliance, @mainstreetweets

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording. Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities This month: What is the mission of the Maine Downtown Center? What led leaders in Ellsworth and Belfast to work with the Maine Downtown Center and what was the process for connecting? With leadership from Heart of Ellsworth, that city recently became an accredited Main Street America community. What does that mean and what was involved in getting there? How does Our Town Belfast support new and existing downtown businesses? How does a downtown organization work with local government, Chambers of Commerce, tourism organizations or other groups? Guest/s: Cara Romano, Executive Director, Heart of Ellsworth. Amanda Cunningham, Our Town Belfast. Sylvie Piquet, Program Director, Maine Downtown Center, Maine Development Foundation. FMI: www.mdf.org/program-partnerships/maine-downtown-center/ www.heartofellsworth.org ourtownbelfast.org About the hosts: Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals. Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor. The post Talk of the Towns 1/8/25: Helping Maine Downtowns Thrive first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Keyanna Ortiz-Cedeno chats with Danielle Zoe Rivera, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at the University of California Berkeley. Rivera's research examines policy and design for environmental and climate justice. Her work uses community-based research methods to address the impacts of climate-induced disasters affecting low-income communities. Her current work deeply engages rural and unincorporated communities of color reeling from disasters, challenging government agencies to recognize these communities and alter outdated policy and programmatic frameworks. Rivera teaches environmental planning and design, community engagement, and environmental justice. Rivera holds a PhD in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan, a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Pennsylvania State University. ⁠Learn more about her work and research.⁠ -------------- Plan Dulce is a podcast by the ⁠Latinos and Planning Division⁠ of the American Planning Association. --------------- ⁠Register for LUGARES!⁠ LAP's 5th Annual Conference November 7-8, 2024 at 10AM-5PM Central Time. This year's conference theme is “Nuestras Historias” centering on the shared collective knowledge that is embedded within our histories and storytelling for shaping greater community resilience. ⁠Dr. Lydia Otero⁠, professor emeritus from the University of Arizona will be our keynote speaker. This year's LUGARES will also feature a variety of resources for implementation in your local communities from partners such as ⁠UnidosUS⁠, ⁠Main Street America⁠, and ⁠Latinos in Heritage Conservation⁠.

Keyanna Ortiz-Cedeno chats with Danielle Zoe Rivera, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at the University of California Berkeley. Rivera's research examines policy and design for environmental and climate justice. Her work uses community-based research methods to address the impacts of climate-induced disasters affecting low-income communities. Her current work deeply engages rural and unincorporated communities of color reeling from disasters, challenging government agencies to recognize these communities and alter outdated policy and programmatic frameworks. Rivera teaches environmental planning and design, community engagement, and environmental justice. Rivera holds a PhD in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan, a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Pennsylvania State University. Learn more about her work and research. -------------- Plan Dulce is a podcast by the Latinos and Planning Division of the American Planning Association. --------------- Register for LUGARES! LAP's 5th Annual Conference November 7-8, 2024 at 10AM-5PM Central Time. This year's conference theme is “Nuestras Historias” centering on the shared collective knowledge that is embedded within our histories and storytelling for shaping greater community resilience. Dr. Lydia Otero, professor emeritus from the University of Arizona will be our keynote speaker. This year's LUGARES will also feature a variety of resources for implementation in your local communities from partners such as UnidosUS, Main Street America, and Latinos in Heritage Conservation.

Revolutionizing MSP Operations with Mobile-First Quoting, AI Integration, and Bleeding-Edge VoIP Infrastructure at Viirtue, Part of 2 of 3 “Your typical, you know, a small business on Main Street America doesn't really understand how AI works or how it gets put together and integrated into their daily tools,” says Dan Rosenrauch of Viirtue. “We think that just positioning our partners to be the trusted expert on AI, could be a pretty special thing growing.” In this second part of a three-part series on Viirtue, we take on infrastructure and Viirtue's work with their clients in this space. In this podcast we learn how Viirtue is positioning their partners for success by opening a new data center, with a very considerable investment. AI requires state of the art infrastructure. “We have a commitment to ensure that our partners can deliver AI tools, we feel like MSPs and telcos are in a unique position to be the consultants for AI.” "SIP trunking is still a huge business, and we've just invested over six figures into our SIP trunking network, which is cool. We did the opposite of what you think. With our investment, we can lower our overall costs and we're looking to push those savings onto our partners. With this big investment into our SIP trunking network and some of the configurations we've done by optimizing our costs, we're able to optimize our partners' costs and therefore they can deliver a more affordable solution to their partners, or they can just take advantage of the better margins. Whatever works best for their business.” About Viirtue, Inc. Viirtue is an award-winning wholesale voice & UCaaS provider. Viirtue's ViiBE platform transforms MSPs, VARs, ITSPs, Telcos and agents into digitized business communications providers. Visit www.viirtue.com

Mark Kohler, M.PR.A., C.P.A., J.D., is a highly respected Founding and Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers, specializing in tax, legal, wealth, estate, and asset protection planning. With a reputation as a YouTube personality, best-selling author, and national speaker, Kohler is dedicated to guiding clients through complex legal and financial landscapes to achieve their American Dream. He also serves as the co-founder and Board Member of the Directed IRA Trust Company and has launched the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program to train CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide. As the co-host of The Main Street Business Podcast and The Directed IRA Podcast, he simplifies intricate topics like legal and tax strategy, asset protection, retirement, investing, and wealth growth. Mark Kohler's commitment to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners attain success and financial security has made him a trusted expert in the field, benefiting countless individuals and businesses in navigating the financial and business world with confidence. Listen to this insightful RIA episode with Mark Kohler about revolutionizing tax and legal advice. Here is what to expect on this week's show: - How small business owners need to take an active role in their financial and legal planning. - Why business owners shouldn't overly rely on passive advice from accountants and lawyers. - How regular, proactive engagement between clients and their financial advisors optimizes business planning. - How there is a lack of proactive strategic advice from traditional financial advisors. - Why financial literacy and proactive management among small business owners is vital. Connect with Mark: Links Mentioned: markjkohler.com X @markkohler Instagram @markjkohler Facebook facebook.com/markkohler LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/markjkohler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Kohler, M.PR.A., C.P.A., J.D., is a highly respected Founding and Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers, specializing in tax, legal, wealth, estate, and asset protection planning. With a reputation as a YouTube personality, best-selling author, and national speaker, Kohler is dedicated to guiding clients through complex legal and financial landscapes to achieve their American Dream. He also serves as the co-founder and Board Member of the Directed IRA Trust Company and has launched the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program to train CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide. As the co-host of The Main Street Business Podcast and The Directed IRA Podcast, he simplifies intricate topics like legal and tax strategy, asset protection, retirement, investing, and wealth growth. Mark Kohler's commitment to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners attain success and financial security has made him a trusted expert in the field, benefiting countless individuals and businesses in navigating the financial and business world with confidence.   Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Mark Kohler about revolutionizing tax and legal advice. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week's show: - How small business owners need to take an active role in their financial and legal planning. - Why business owners shouldn't overly rely on passive advice from accountants and lawyers. - How regular, proactive engagement between clients and their financial advisors optimizes business planning. - How there is a lack of proactive strategic advice from traditional financial advisors. - Why financial literacy and proactive management among small business owners is vital.   Connect with Mark: Guest Contact Info X @markkohler Instagram @markjkohler Facebook facebook.com/markkohler LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/markjkohler   Links Mentioned: markjkohler.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Kohler, M.PR.A., C.P.A., J.D., is a highly respected Founding and Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers, specializing in tax, legal, wealth, estate, and asset protection planning. With a reputation as a YouTube personality, best-selling author, and national speaker, Kohler is dedicated to guiding clients through complex legal and financial landscapes to achieve their American Dream. He also serves as the co-founder and Board Member of the Directed IRA Trust Company and has launched the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program to train CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide. As the co-host of The Main Street Business Podcast and The Directed IRA Podcast, he simplifies intricate topics like legal and tax strategy, asset protection, retirement, investing, and wealth growth. Mark Kohler's commitment to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners attain success and financial security has made him a trusted expert in the field, benefiting countless individuals and businesses in navigating the financial and business world with confidence. Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Mark Kohler about revolutionizing tax and legal advice.Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week's show:- How small business owners need to take an active role in their financial and legal planning.- Why business owners shouldn't overly rely on passive advice from accountants and lawyers.- How regular, proactive engagement between clients and their financial advisors optimizes business planning.- How there is a lack of proactive strategic advice from traditional financial advisors.- Why financial literacy and proactive management among small business owners is vital. Connect with Mark:Guest Contact InfoX@markkohlerInstagram@markjkohlerFacebookfacebook.com/markkohlerLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/markjkohler Links Mentioned:markjkohler.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding Your Path in Economic Development  Dennis is joined by Develop This! contributing correspondents Joi Cuartero Austin CEcd, Senior Program Officer, Economic Vitality with Main Street America, and Sean M. Maguire, AICP CEcD Economic Development and Planning Executive. Together, they discuss finding Your Path in Economic Development. Economic development is a broad career track. How do you find your niche? A career in economic development can take you in so many different directions, and many people do not start out to be an economic development professional. How can you best prepare for the ever-changing landscape of the economic development world? Is it better to be a generalist or a specialist? Should you follow your passion? What are some considerations you would look for in a position?  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Feb. 23 Three more WV communities join ON TRAC, the precursor to Main Street certified communities. Volunteers are needed for WV's Make It Shine cleanup in April. And find out who has the top-rated tamales in the Mountain State…on today's daily304.  #1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Three new communities have been selected as 2024 West Virginia ON TRAC Communities. They are: Moundsville, Marshall County; Ravenswood, Jackson County; and Weston, Lewis County. ON TRAC is the precursor to becoming a fully designated Main Street Community. ON TRAC communities will participate in mentoring from certified Main Street programs. West Virginia Main Street is a West Virginia Department of Economic Development program. It focuses on the economic development of historic downtown and neighborhood commercial districts by providing technical services, design assistance, and continuous training of board and committee members and program managers using Main Street America's Four-Point Approach. There are 11 accredited Main Street Communities and 14 ON TRAC Communities in West Virginia.  Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/three-west-virginia-towns-named-as-on-trac-communities/   #2 – From MY BUCKHANNON – Volunteers, we need your help to keep West Virginia clean! Applications are now available for the 2024 West Virginia Make It Shine Statewide Spring Cleanup. This annual event is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan Program. This year's cleanup will take place during the first two weeks of April. The Make It Shine program will provide resources such as cleanup materials, waste hauling, and landfill fees to community groups volunteering to conduct litter cleanups in state streams or on public lands. Applications are due by Friday, March. Applications are available online. For more information, contact Chris Cartwright at DEPwvmis@wv.gov or by phone at 1-800-322-5530. Read more: https://www.mybuckhannon.com/wvdep-now-accepting-applications-for-2024-make-it-shine-spring-cleanup/   #3 – From WBOY-TV – Tamales are a popular and delicious dish that can be found all around the world, but where can you find the best one in the Mountain State? A staple in many Mexican restaurants, this delicious dish consists of corn-based dough filled with a variety of fillings, then wrapped in banana leaf or corn husk and steamed. According to reviewers on Yelp the best tamales in the state can be found at Pupuseria Emerita in the Hardy County town of Moorefield.  With an average of 4.7/5 with 35 ratings, this Salvadoran and Honduran restaurant in the Eastern Panhandle has high praise from people traveling through the Mountain State and people who live there. “The food tastes just like if you set up your favorite grandma with a restaurant to cook for people,” wrote Brian N. from Arlington, Virginia, who gave the restaurant 5 stars. Read more: https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/this-is-where-you-can-find-the-best-tamale-in-west-virginia-according-to-yelp/   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.  

Dive into the transformative world of private equity in this insightful episode of the Karma School of Business Podcast, featuring Kevin McAllister, the visionary Founder and Managing Partner at Access Holdings. Honored as BluWave's 2024 Private Equity Innovator of the Year, Kevin discusses the innovative strategies that propel Access Holdings to industry leadership. Episode Highlights: [00:01:22] - Exploring the Access Acceleration Center - Kevin provides a glimpse into their high-tech private equity office, where technology and data analytics drive value creation. [00:10:28] - Evolution from Fundless Sponsor to Market Leader - Learn about the growth trajectory of Access Holdings and the strategic vision that guided their rise to prominence. [00:20:38] - Commitment to Corporate Citizenship - Kevin delves into how Access Holdings embeds social responsibility into their ethos, aligning business success with community impact. [00:30:01] - Fueling Growth and Employment - A conversation on the targeted growth strategies Access Holdings employs to support their portfolio companies and stimulate job creation. [00:37:53] - The Culture of Learning and Innovation - Kevin speaks on the importance of nurturing a learning environment that encourages innovation and keeps the firm agile in a competitive landscape. To learn more about Access Holdings, go to www.accessholdings.com To learn more about BluWave's 2024 Top Private Equity Innovator Awards, and Access Holdings as our Innovator of the Year, go to www.bluwave.net/awards To learn more about Kevin McAllister, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcallister-5979347 To learn more about BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcast Key Insights & Takeaways: In this episode, Kevin McAllister shares a wealth of knowledge on how Access Holdings' commitment to research, technology, and data analytics has redefined their approach to private equity. Listeners will learn about the importance of selecting markets with persistent tailwinds and the strategic deployment of resources to build competitive advantages within portfolio companies. Kevin also emphasizes the significance of corporate social responsibility, not just as a mandate, but as a core component of building a sustainable and successful business. By focusing on job creation and supporting Main Street America, Access Holdings exemplifies how private equity can be a force for positive economic change. Furthermore, Kevin's insights into fostering a culture of continuous learning underscore the firm's ability to remain at the cutting edge of private equity innovation. Enjoy!

In this episode, contributing correspondent Joi Cuartero Austin is joined by Jackie Swihart, Program Officer with Main Street America. Joi and Jackie discuss Leadership and board burnout  Economic development is challenging, with a lot of responsibility in building community prosperity, which is why you need a strong vision, good planning, and even better leadership at the helm of economic development and other partner organizations. Furthermore, if we weren't already having trouble keeping good staff and board members, the pandemic really highlighted challenges with recruitment and retention. So, what can organizations do to help with leadership burnout and cultivate a strong pipeline? Staff: Great Resignation or Turnover Tsunami: Do you think it's slowing down? What do you think expectations are now when hiring for leadership staff roles? Board: Difficulty in recruiting and retaining volunteers. What has changed in volunteerism in general? General: Our work usually takes us into disinvested communities, whether rural or neighborhood commercial districts, where nonprofit/community organizations often operate with limited resources. How do you navigate resource constraints while still striving for meaningful impact? With the communities you have worked with, are there any trends you have been seeing with staff and board members as it pertains to burnout? Economic development work can be demanding. How do you balance the need for ambitious goals with the well-being of your team members to prevent burnout? How important is collaboration with local partners, businesses, and government entities in the success of economic development initiatives in these communities in avoiding burnout? How do you recognize and address signs of burnout among your team members? What should organizations be prioritizing to help keep staff and build better boards?  

Truliant is helping Main Street America do business in innovative ways. Also in this dialogue, the impact of AI on financial services and how the economy is affecting business development in the region.

One of the most impactful business organizations in Fort Worth in the past 50 years is the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC). And the president who is leading that charge through innovation and intentional community programs is Anette Landeros. The FWHCC has developed new programs to better serve their membership and the Historic Northside with revitalization and activation planning. With the announcement of the Main Street America pilot program, accessible pitch competitions, Lanzar Fort Worth featuring the Kauffman Foundation's Fast Trac program, the Hecho en Fort Worth initiative, and much more, Anette is rapidly improving Hispanic business community in Fort Worth.   To learn more about the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit them at https://fwhcc.org To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit https://innovatefortworthpodcast.com

TRANSCRIPT  http://peternavarro.substack.com The Republican Party must immediately unite around Donald J. Trump as its presidential candidate.  Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel must voluntarily pass the torch of leadership to a new RNC Chair capable of running a competent campaign in 2024.  Absent these two mid-course corrections, the Republican Party will squander a platinum opportunity to take back both the White House and Congress from a Democrat Party destroying everything Main Street America holds dear. Trump has an insurmountable lead in the polls and a rock-solid base no other candidate can shake.  He WILL be the nominee. As we saw last week, there is no one left on the debate stage either capable of being president or likely to be Trump's VP choice.  The Pillsbury Doughboy of Venom Chris Christie has self-immolated as spoiler hit man.  Loudmouth Ramaswamy is, at best, a Deputy Cabinet appointee.  As for Nikki Haley, yond lean and hungry Cassius has bitten the Trump hand that fed her so many times that she will have NO place in a Trump administration (other than perhaps as ambassador to Botswana).  Ron DeSanctimonious blew his VP chance not just when he swung for Trump's head.  Shrinking Ron has little national appeal to justify a place on the Trump ticket. What, then, is the purpose of continuing with a contested primary season that serves only to drain political funds from the General Election?  Why have a debate schedule that allows the Keebler Elf candidates to throw mud at Trump as they make fools of themselves?  In fact, we saw a similar movie and mud fest in 2020 with all of the usual suspects now hanging around the 2024 fringes.  These Never-Trumpers range from the Koch network's dark money and Rupert Murdoch's propagandist Fox to the Romney-McConnell-Ryan-Noonan RINO sappers and nasty PAC men like George Conway and John Bolton.  In 2020, their dark money and negative ads and attacks most certainly shaved points off the final Trump tally in what was a highly contested race.   And let's not forget the 2020 fragging of Trump from the likes of endless warmongers like George W. Bush, Mad Dog Mattis, and the late Colin Powell, and the passive-aggressive shots at Trump by Mitch McConnell in a Senate that has become nothing short of a Uniparty RINO embarrassment.  As splintered as the Democrat Party is supposed to be, their leaders and big donors wouldn't be doing anything like what the Republican Party is doing.  Now, it's either “here we go again” and the Republican Party hands over an eminently winnable election to the Democrat Party of economic mayhem, open borders, and foreign policy chaos.  Alternatively, it can unite around “The Donald” as the only clear path to victory in 2024. Even if Trump quickly becomes the presumptive nominee, there still is the matter of a Republican National Committee.  As last week's election once again demonstrated, the RNC fat cats know far better how to hold plush fundraisers at posh resorts than win down and dirty elections against a brass-knuckled, grassroots Democrat Party willing to lie, cheat, and lawfare its way to victory. Here's several obvious post-election takeaways.  First, the RNC must develop a far better ground game behind them.  It's not just about getting folks to vote early.  It's also about getting more folks to the polls.  Second, if the RNC allows the Democrat Party to turn the 2024 presidential and congressional races into a referendum on social issues, particularly abortion, Republicans will lose in RECORD numbers.  Just how many times do Republican strategists and leadership have to make this same stupid mistake?  Obama did social issued the feckless Mitt Romney in 2008 when Romney was all but a lock to win on economic issues and Communist China raid on our factories.  Obama did it again to the clueless and ever-cranky, now dear departed John McCain in 2012.  And what about that 2022 Republican tsunami that was supposed to result in a record House victory?  It never materialized for all manner of RNC-induced reasons, not the least of which was a failure to properly message on the abortion issue. Dukakis had it right with his Greek proverb that the fish rots from the head down.  The RNC is a rotten political machine sputtering on every single cylinder, and its head, Ronna McDaniel, must hold her own self accountable for last week's carnage.  So, Ronna, end the debates, endorse Trump, and then step aside so we can, in the words of the immortal Al Davis, “win, baby, win.”  I'm Peter Navarro, and thanks for listening.  Be sure and check out my substatck at peternavarro.substack. com  That's peternavarro.substack.com.  And it will help me get the word out if you write up a review of this podcast.  I'd love to know what you think. Peter Navarro, Out.

EPISODE SUMMARY: Discover a world where financial education reigns supreme and product sales take a back seat, as we are joined by Bernard Reisz, CPA and chief education officer at Resurer Financial. Promise yourself a future where you are not just another number in the system, but an empowered individual making informed financial decisions. Through our conversation with Bernard, we shatter the illusion of financial products masquerading as advice and shed light on the transformational power of real estate, an avenue often underexplored by Main Street America. Venture into the realm of retirement accounts with us as Bernard demystifies their true potential. Understand how your IRAs and 401ks can be your secret weapon in breaking into real estate, steering clear from the lottery-like mentality prevalent in the market. Get ready to uncover the latent power of self-directed retirement accounts and the role financial institutions play in creating restrictions, urging you to assert control over your financial future. Closing our enlightening chat with Bernard, we tackle the vital role of financial education and knowledge. Pledge to take control and ownership of your investments, while acknowledging the necessary due diligence. Explore the idea of giving back through one's vocation and access the plethora of resources offered by Resure Financial. Finally, Bernard reveals a unique personal fact, teaching us a lesson in humility and commitment. Tune in, say goodbye to financial confusion and embrace the path to financial empowerment today. BERNARD'S BIO: Bernard Reisz CPA is Chief Education Officer at ReSure Financial, curating https://members.resurefinancial.com/ to help real estate investors understand how real estate title and tax tools - 1031 Exchange, Cost Segregation, 401k/IRA - can be used to turbocharge ROI and wealth growth. ReSure Financial caters to the tax needs of real estate investors, delivering Cost Segregation, 1031 Exchange, and SDIRA & 401k services. ReSure takes an education first approach, so that investors maximize the benefits of real estate tax tools. As a financial nerd that's guested on countless financial, tax, real estate, and legal forums Bernard delivers straight-talk and unique insight on nearly every aspect of real estate tax topics, including life insurance, real estate professional tax status, asset protection, financial planning, business entity selection, S-Corp, C-Corp, partnerships, 1031 Exchange, 453 Installment Sales, UBIT, UBTI, UDFI and advanced tax mitigation strategies. GET IN TOUCH WITH BERNARD:  https://www.resurefinancial.com/ https://members.resurefinancial.com/ EPISODE CHAPTERS: (0:00:01) - The Importance of Financial Education Financial products, guidance, incentives, disincentives, and education are discussed to understand how real estate can transform financial profiles. (0:12:30) - Financial Advisors and Self-Directed Retirement Accounts Retirement accounts can be used to leverage other people's money for real estate investments, emphasizing the importance of effort. (0:16:20) - Retirement Accounts and Self-Directed Investing We examine 401k plans, non-discrimination testing, safe harbor plans, and financial institution restrictions to help those unable to access their money. (0:33:31) - Education and Financial Knowledge Importance Access to education and knowledge is essential for informed financial decisions, taking control and ownership of investments, and understanding Bernard's mission. (0:38:37) - Importance of Giving Back in Vocation We discuss how to give back through vocation, access services at Reshore Financial, and a unique personal fact. (0:50:32) - Exploring the 'Why' Behind Success Retirement accounts, 401k plans, education, and knowledge are discussed for financial decision-making. If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast: https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara Audio Track: Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/  

In this episode, host David Ponraj speaks with Matt Wagner, Ph.D, Chief Program Officer at National Main Street Center, about the vital role small businesses play in communities across America. They discuss how local businesses are the heart and soul of Main Street, serving as hubs for social connection and economic growth. Matt also speaks about his new podcast, Main Street Business Insights, and its inspiration to uplift the stories of small business owners who invest in their neighborhoods and towns, providing a platform for peers to learn from each other and highlight the convergence of social and economic impact.Matt was a previous guest on Breaking Down Barriers in 2021. Check out that episode here: https://economicimpactcatalyst.com/matt-wagner-on-breaking-down-barriers/About Main Street Business Insights podcastEach week, join host Matt Wagner, Ph.D., as he travels the country and takes a deep dive into the personal journeys of downtown and neighborhood entrepreneurs. The stories that far too often go unheard. Learn about the innovative ways that these Main Street businesses have overcome adversity, whether it's starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track. Available where you get your podcasts. Subscribe today and get inspired, get informed, and get in motion. Learn more and listen here: https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetbusinessinsightspodcastAbout National Main Street CenterMain Street was established as a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980 as a way to address the myriad issues facing older and historic downtowns during that time. Working with a nationwide network of coordinating programs and local communities, Main Street has helped over 2,000 communities across the country bring economic vitality back downtown, while celebrating their historic character, and bringing communities together.An exciting new chapter for the organization began on July 1, 2013, when the Main Street program launched as an independent subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This transition enables Main Street to build on its three-decade record of success, with new leadership and new resources that will help communities respond to evolving needs and opportunities in the commercial district revitalization field.In 2015, the Center launched a new program brand for the network of Main Street programs—Main Street America™—to reinvigorate our collective look, feel, and strategy to position Main Street as a leader locally, regionally, and nationally. Main Street America is based in Chicago, Illinois, with an office in Washington, DC, and field staff located throughout the country.

In this powerful episode of the Main Street Business podcast, host Mark J Kohler sits down with former NFL player, Devon Kennard, to discuss his transition from professional football to becoming an entrepreneurial figure in Main Street America. Former NFL player, Devon Kennard, shares his journey into the world of real estate investment while maintaining a professional sports career.Devon elaborates on the significance of financial literacy and how it played a crucial role in his success both on and off the football field.Mark J Kohler and Devon discuss the concept of "flipping the bag," which involves wisely investing and multiplying your assets, regardless of the initial quantity.Devon presents his strategy for generating passive income, highlighting the importance of having a core team of a broker, a property manager, a lender, and a contractor.He details his first real estate investment in Beach Grove, Indiana, emphasizing the value of starting small and learning from each step.Devon expresses his preference for investing in smaller, turnkey properties before progressing to larger, value-add deals.He shares his future plans to bootstrap his portfolio, aiming to solely own his properties instead of moving into larger syndicated deals.Mark and Devon explore the potential of the Phoenix market for short-term and midterm rentals, with Devon revealing his own experiences and strategies in this area.Devon discusses his book, "It All Adds Up," which encapsulates his experiences and aims to guide others on their financial journey.He underlines the importance of making small, consistent decisions that compound over time, leading to significant personal and financial growth.For more game-changing financial strategies, be sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more FREE education every week: https://markjkohler.com/contact-us/For more opportunities to learn from Devon Kennard, follow the link below to his website and stay connected: https://www.devonkennard.com/Tax Professionals You NEED This: https://markjkohler.com/become-a-certified-tax-advisor/Save THOUSANDS With My Ultimate Tax Strategy Guide: https://markjkohler.com/youtube/To Get Started With Any One of My Teams: https://linktr.ee/MJKYoutubeCheck Out My YOUTUBE LIVE'S Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler

Imagine a world where private ownership is obsolete and your happiness is not only promised, but guaranteed. Sound like a dystopian novel? Well, according to the World Economic Forum's predictions for 2030, this could be our reality. Join us as we dissect this alarming forecast with our guest, Carol Roth, an entrepreneur, recovered investment banker, and author of the thought-provoking book, "You Will Own Nothing and Be Happy". We delve into a myriad of topics that are interconnected - from social credit and ESG to Wall Street's competition with everyday people to purchase homes.Navigating the murky waters of financial stimulus, we discuss governmental influence and the dangers of taking money without fully understanding the implications. It's a firm belief that financial literacy is the key to preserving the American Dream. And what happens when people have nothing left to lose? We contemplate potential uprisings and how to equip our listeners with the knowledge that can help to avert such a scenario. The conversation ventures into the prospects of a digital dollar and the weaponization of the dollar by the US government, revealing unsettling truths and potential outcomes.In the final act, we scrutinize the ripple effect of the Fed's interventions in the housing market, the entry of institutional money into single-family markets, and the concerning shift of wealth from Main Street America to Wall Street. Drawing parallels to the Twilight Zone, we caution listeners on the unforeseen consequences of good intentions gone awry. With the looming resistance of central banks and governments to decentralization, it's imperative to arm ourselves with knowledge and awareness, as Carol Roth's research underlines. This episode is a powerful call to action to push back against central planning dictates and mandates, and to remain vigilant and informed in these turbulent times.The Canadian Money RoadmapDiscover strategies to save, invest, and grow your money effectively.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyFoodies unite…with HowUdish!It's social media with a secret sauce: FOOD! The world's first network for food enthusiasts. HowUdish connects foodies across the world!Share kitchen tips and recipe hacks. Discover hidden gem food joints and street food. Find foodies like you, connect, chat and organize meet-ups!HowUdish makes it simple to connect through food anywhere in the world.So, how do YOU dish? Download HowUdish on the Apple App Store today:

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is SATURDAY, June 17  Wheeling is rewarded for its revitalization efforts…plan your WV State Parks fishing adventure… and Blenko Glass pays homage to the state's coal history with its 2023 WV Day piece…on today's daily304. #1 – From WTRF Wheeling –  You can see it in all of the hard hats and orange cones—Wheeling is in the middle of a makeover. Much of that investment is thanks to a small but committed group that just received national recognition for their work. For the fifth time, Wheeling Heritage has been accredited by Main Street America. The non-profit recognizes efforts to preserve and revitalize downtowns across the country…specifically with historic sites and new business. Read more: https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/preserving-history-and-boosting-small-business-gives-wheeling-heritage-national-accreditation/   #2 – From WV STATE PARKS –  Get your family hooked on fishing by taking them to a West Virginia state park or forest. Our lakes and streams are stocked with trout, bass, bluegill and other sport fish. State parks and forests are some of the best places for new anglers to catch a fish, and many of our top spots are easily accessible for people of all skill sets. But before you head out on your trip, make sure you have a current license and stamps. If you don't have one, purchase one today at www.wvfish.com. Learn more -- and book your trip -- at www.wvstateparks.com. Read more: https://wvstateparks.com/things-to-do/fishing/   #3 – From THE HERALD-DISPATCH – Blenko Glass is launching its West Virginia Day pieces. This year's items draw inspiration from the coal industry. New for 2023, “Specimen” is the first multimedia West Virginia Day Blenko piece. It is a deep purple piece of glass, made in a dump mold to resemble a lump of coal, sitting on a wooden plinth under  a vivid tangerine specimen jar dome lid with a turquoise flame knob. A companion piece, “If It Ain't Broke,” resembles an oversized lightbulb made in crystal crackle glass with a turquoise spiral thread as its opening. “Specimen” will be available today at noon. It is expected to sell out quickly. Those interested in purchasing are encouraged to create an account on the Blenko website and pre-fill purchase information. Read more: https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/blenkos-west-virginia-day-pieces-rich-with-symbolism-celebrate-history-of-coal/article_287d04f1-0441-5e99-a0e6-0fad3065bbf3.html   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 chief executive officer of the State Financial Officers Foundation says "we never really saw the [environmental, social, and governance] movement weaponized in a way that this White House and administration [have] weaponized it.""Certainly, fund managers like BlackRock, State Street, Vanguard have weaponized it, and so it's really just been in the last two years that we've seen them use funds, like pension retirement funds, in a way that leverages those dollars to push these social agendas," Derek Kreifels says of the so-called ESG movement."And so, our simple premise and argument has been, if most Americans knew how their pension fund dollars were being invested, they would probably be appalled and shocked," Kreifels says. "And so, we launched a campaign called 'Our Money, Our Values.'"Kreifels adds: It's available at our website OurMoneyOurValues.com, where we're trying to educate Main Street America on the dangers of ESG investing and what they can do specifically at the retail level to go to their neighborhood financial adviser and ask certain questions about the kind of fund managers that are managing their dollars and how to change that if there are companies that are managing dollars that they don't necessarily agree with their actions.Kreifels joins today's episode of "The Daily Signal Podcast" to further discuss environmental, social, and governance policies, some of the ways that the State Financial Officers Foundation is helping states navigate the ESG issues and what resources are available to them, and what the media are missing in its coverage of ESG. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Downtowns are often described as the "heartbeats" of their respective communities. When a downtown thrives - the community as a whole is successful. Two experts helping main streets thrive, in the State of Indiana, and the United States, join us on Episode 118 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Jackie Swihart is the Program Officer for Revitalization Services for Main Street America and Andrea Kern is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).  Andrea and Jackie spent three days in Lebanon, meeting with various downtown Lebanon stakeholders. Their visit culminated on Friday, May 5th, with a Community Exchange, hosted by the City's Main Street organization, The Heart of Lebanon. The pair shares why downtown's are so important, and what makes the heartbeat of the Lebanon Community so special.

Happy April Fool's...but it's no April fools here...today, we're 100% introducing you to two boss women doing dope work with Main Street America revitalizing urban main streets across America: Dionne Baux, the Vice President of Urban Development, and Amanda Elliot, Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs. We met Dionne and Amanda last year at HAANDS —  the Historic African American Neighborhood and District Summit — and this episode concludes our series with HAANDS attendees. BUT don't fear, we will still be introducing you to more all-star practitioners in equitable preservation-based development in some upcoming bonus episodes. Stay tuned!  Mentioned in This Episode:  Sweet Auburn Works Betty Reid Soskin, Park Ranger Richmond, California / Richmond Main Street The East Oakland Black Cultural Zone Destination Crenshaw in LA  Credits: Thank you to Dionne Baux and Amanda. Your hosts are Deqah Hussein-Wetzel and Vanessa Quirk. This episode was edited by Vanessa Quirk and Connor Lynch and mixed by Connor Lynch. Our music is by Adaam James Levin-Areddy.

Ralph welcomes William Kleinnecht, author of “States of Neglect: How Red-State Leaders Have Failed Their Citizens and Undermined America” about how red state governors and legislatures fight culture wars while starving education and health care, empowering polluters, engaging in voter suppression, and neglecting their citizens' well-being in the interest of cutting taxes for their wealthy donors. Plus, Oliver Hall, founder of the Center for Competitive Democracy tells us all about how ordinary people can use an extremely underused legal forum, Small Claims Court.William Kleinknecht is a longtime newspaper reporter who covered politics, government, criminal justice, and the environment for the Detroit Free Press, New York Daily News, and Newark Star-Ledger. He is the author of The Man Who Sold the World: Ronald Reagan and the Betrayal of Main Street America and States of Neglect: How Red-State Leaders Have Failed Their Citizens and Undermined America.I wrote the book because when national news organizations talk about the red states, the focus is always on hot-button issues like abortion, immigration, election subversion, and even Critical Race Theory. And that's by the design of the Republicans who run those states— that's what they want people to be talking about because that fires up their base. What has gotten very little attention is just how damaging Republican leadership in those states has been for a longer period of time and across a much broader range of issues.William Kleinknecht, author of States of Neglect: How Red-State Leaders Have Failed Their Citizens and Undermined AmericaI found that when I went to where the poorest people were— and the people who were suffering from environmental degradation or poor healthcare— I think they got it. I think it's a different segment of their population that is the MAGA Republicans. And I didn't spend as much time around them because I was looking for where the damage was.William Kleinknecht, author of States of Neglect: How Red-State Leaders Have Failed Their Citizens and Undermined AmericaOliver Hall is a public interest attorney in Washington, DC. He is founder of and legal counsel to the Center for Competitive Democracy, which aims to strengthen American democracy by increasing electoral competition.The fact is, in our increasingly corporatized world where transactions are automated, contracts are one-sided (contracts that corporations create with so much fine print you couldn't possibly read it all, and ostensibly require you to sign away your rights), I think people get intimidated. Or they assume that they don't have the right to pursue a claim in small claims court. And the fact is they do have that right. It can be done. And there's no reason more people shouldn't do it, especially given the level and pervasiveness of corporate abuses, just in terms of everyday normal transactions that we all engage in.Oliver Hall on Small Claims CourtI've been listening to Elon Musk speak out against government subsidies of corporations over the months— and talking about himself as a great capitalist entrepreneur— when, in reality, he takes all kinds of corporate welfare… Anytime he opens up a plant or starts a company like Starlink, he demands all kinds of subsidies, handouts, giveaways, grants, and especially a tax referral or tax holidays or tax breaks.Ralph Nader on his Twitter exchange with Elon Musk Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Taylor Lot and Ashley Tison dive into the world of Opportunity Zones and discuss the advantages of investing in these areas. From tax reductions to a step up in basis to fair market value, Opportunity Zones provide an incredible opportunity for real estate investors. We also hear Ashley's story of how his investment in a mobile home park allowed him to launch a gun company and pursue impact investing, as well as gain valuable education from it. They provide advice for those wanting to get involved with Opportunity Zones and offer helpful tips on how to get started. Tune in now to learn more about this amazing program and how you can benefit from investing in Opportunity Zones.   [00:01 - 08:14] Opening Segment Opportunity Zones was created by the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 If invested for a certain period, investors can reduce taxes paid on those gains in 2026 Step up and basis to fair market value eliminates capital gains and depreciation recapture Tax-free compound interest coupled with cost segregation and bonus depreciation is the ninth wonder of the world   [08:15 - 17:18] Invest in Main Street America with Generational Wealth Through Opportunity Zones Opportunity Zones is still in effect until December 31st, 2026. Legislation is pending to extend the program out for two years till December 31st, 2028 Investors can avail themselves of a 15% reduction in taxes if they invest for seven years before the expiration date Step up and basis to fair market value can be availed of up till December 31st, 2026 Investors have 25 years from now to hold onto these assets and let them grow tax-free To get the step up and basis, investors need to transact with a third party or sell   [17:19 - 27:38] Salvaging Failed 1031 Exchanges with Opportunity Zones: A Powerful Distinguisher for Estate Planning Opportunity Zones do not require identifying opportunities before selling Investment can be in real estate, operating businesses, startups, or businesses outside of the zone Exchanges must identify opportunities before selling and applies toward a lifetime exemption amount Opportunity Zones apply whatever amount initially invested against the lifetime exemption amount Opportunity Zone Funds allow for the purchase of 95% of complete investment property Tax benefits include a step into original use and no depreciation recapture on the sale [27:39 - 34:10] Closing Segment How Ashley learned the cyclicality of the gun business and what not to do Riches are in the niches - niche down and focus on the main thing Stay focused on the main thing and don't get distracted by shiny objects Connect with Ashley Tison: Email: ashley@ozpros.com Website: www.OZPros.com/taylor/    Invest passively in multiple commercial real estate assets such as apartments, self-storage, medical facilities, hotels, and more through https://www.passivewealthstrategy.com/crowdstreet/ Participate directly in real estate investment loans on a fractional basis. Go to www.passivewealthstrategy.com/groundfloor/ and get ready to invest on your own terms. Join our Passive Investor Club for access to passive commercial real estate investment opportunities. LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes           Quotes:   "Tax-free compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. But cap coupling that in with cost  segregation and bonus depreciation is the ninth wonder of the world." - Ashley Tison   "It's not about the capital gain that you have now. It's about the capital gain that you anticipate having in the future." - Ashley Tison

Elon takes a sledgehammer to Twitter, woke advertisers bail. New details emerge in Paul Pelosi case. The View's Sunny Hostin praises Fetterman's bravery, calls Oz a "bully." Journalist Salena Zito joins Clay and Buck to share what's she's picking up about the midterms and 2024 on Main Street America. C&B's midterm predictions. Is it rude to recline an airline seat in economy?Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.