Podcasts about united states chamber

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce recently published “Untapped Potential in IN,” a report on how childcare issues affect the state's economy. The report concluded that Indiana is losing more than $4 billion annually — including more than $1 billion in tax revenue — because of childcare issues. Read the report here.The data came from a survey in March of 609 parents with a child under the age of 6. The United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation conducted the survey. It found that 57 percent of parents of young children missed work or class at least once because of childcare issues in the three months studied. It also found that 40 percent of parents experienced employment disruptions in the prior year because of childcare issues. Parents in Indiana spend an average of $677 per month on childcare. This week on Noon Edition, we will talk with representatives of Indiana's Chamber and childcare professionals. You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.   You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  Guests Jason Bearce, Indiana Chamber's Vice President, Education and Workforce Development Melissa Fry, Director of Applied Research and Education Center for IU Southeast Christin Olson, IU director of Early Childhood Education Services 

Here's what to expect on the podcast:Ciara's entrepreneurial journey and her advocacy for small businesses.The lessons Ciara learned from participating in Ironman competitions.How can implementing inventory management systems improve cash flow and overall business profitability?Inventory Genius and helping inventory-based business.And much more! About Ciara:Ciara has owned and operated a business since her early teens. As a serial entrepreneur, her business mindset and tenacity led her to opening her first store in 2006, which she then franchised. Her vast experience in both retail and wholesale industries led her to launch the first to market wholesale subscription box for boutique retailers, which she built and sold within 18 months. Most recently Ciara has launched the Inventory Genius, a consulting program for inventory-based business owners.She has twice had the opportunity to testify before two U.S. Senate Committees regarding the “joint employer” standard for businesses and its effect on small businesses and franchises. Additionally, in 2015, she represented small businesses at a White House Summit on Worker Voice and again in 2018 for a Summit on Economics.Ciara has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE, has held a seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, and is a Profit First Certified Coach. Through her consulting program, Ciara gives business owners the confidence and tools to build profitability and peace of mind in their inventory-based businesses.In her free time Ciara enjoys training for endurance races and most recently completed her fourth Ironman at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, 2023. She currently resides in Tennessee with her husband, Jim, and her Great Pyrenees Bentley. Connect with Ciara Stockeland!Website: https://www.ciarastockeland.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciarastockeland/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciarastockeland/The Inventory Genius Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inventory-genius-podcast/id1644728845Book- Inventory Genius: Use Your Inventory to Create More Profit and Keep More Cash https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstore Connect with Candice Snyder!Website: https://hairhealthvitality.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candice.snyderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/candicesny17/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/ICAN Institute: https://vl729.isrefer.com/go/mindandbody/PassionPurpose22/Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/

A conversation with Chad Whiteman of the United States Chamber of Commerce about the new Phase 2 regulations the Council on Environmental Quality promulgate that changes the NEPA review process.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe [CB]/[DS] are losing the Teamsters, which means they are losing the people. The corporations want control again over the workers. The Fed is now building the narrative that the inflation rate does not have to hit 2%. They are ready with a rate cut in Sept. People will move from stocks into bonds. The [DS] is now rushing their convention, they need Biden to be the nominee in the month of July so they can swap him out during Aug. The attempted assassination by the [DS] failed and now the cover up has begun. Cyber attacks are continuing in the US. Ron Johnson sends message with clear and present danger. Unity is coming.   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Economy Teamsters President Delivers Historic RNC Speech, Praises ‘Tough S.O.B.' Trump and Accuses Chamber of Commerce of Waging War Against American Workers Teamsters President Sean M. O'Brien delivered a historic address to the Republican National Convention (RNC) “It's an honor to be the first Teamster in our 121-year history to address the Republican National Convention,” O'Brien told the RNC crowd, which included Trump and his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), and Tucker Carlson. “I want to thank President Donald Trump for opening the RNC's doors to the Teamsters Union and inviting me to speak,” O'Brien said, noting that “heads exploded” on the Right and Left when he was invited to speak at the convention. “Anti-union groups demanded the President rescind his invitation. The Left called me a traitor. This is precisely why it is so important for me to be here today,” O'Brien said: Notably, O'Brien trashed the United States Chamber of Commerce — a fierce opponent of Trump's economic nationalist agenda — for what he said has been a war on American workers. “We need to call the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtables what they are: They are unions for big business,” O'Brien said: Here's the fact: Against these gigantic multinational corporations, an individual has zero power. It is only when Americans band together in democratic unions that we win real improvements on wages, benefits, and working conditions. [Emphasis added] O'Brien pointed to the United Parcel Service (UPS), which is the largest private second logistics company in the world and has been unionized for more than 100 years. “More than 350,000 Teamsters make it run. We work for good middle-class wages, quality health care, and secure pensions,” O'Brien said. “There are work rules that ensure fairness and due process for both sides. UPS is the most efficient package delivery company in the world.” Source: breitbart.com Fed's Powell says officials won't wait until inflation reaches 2% to cut rates Jerome Powell says Fed is seeing 'more good inflation data' Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Monday that policymakers will not wait until inflation falls to 2% in order to cut interest rates. "The implication of that is that if you wait until inflation gets all the way down to 2%, you've probably waited too long, because the tightening that you're doing, or the level of tightness that you have, is still having effects which will probably drive inflation below 2%," Powell said at the Economic Club of Washington D.C. Source: foxnews.com Fed Rate-Cuts: A Signal To Sell Stocks And Buy Bonds? why should investors not expect a continued rally in the stock market when Fed rate cuts begin? Fed Rate Cuts And Market Outcomes “Since 1970,

On March 5, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a Final Rule that would significantly restrict late fees that consumer credit card issuers may charge to a mere $8—representing approximately a 75% reduction from current levels. Within two days, the Final Rule faced a challenge in the Northern District of Texas by a coalition of trade groups including the United States Chamber of Commerce, the American Bankers Association, and the Consumer Bankers Association. The challenge seeks to invalidate the Final Rule on several constitutional, procedural, and substantive bases, as well as a temporary stay of the rule's enforcement while the suit is litigated. Please join Mayer Brown attorneys Eric Mitzenmacher, Jan Stewart, and Joy Tsai as they discuss the rulemaking, the challenges it faces in litigation, and implications for card issuers and secondary market participants.

We hear about the aftermath from the United States Chamber of Commerce and the founder of a brewery that's located near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Also, Disney and Florida appear to have settled a legal dispute. Plus, should America adopt Australian-style pensions? And Slovakian flying-car technology is off to China.

A local brewery founder near the Francis Scott Key Bridge reacts to the aftermath and we hear from the United States Chamber of Commerce. Also, China buys flying-car technology from a Slovakian company. And, we look ahead to the sentencing of Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced former boss of FTX, the cryptocurrency exchange.(Picture: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators work on the cargo vessel Dali, which struck and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. March 27, 2024. Peter Knudson/NTSB/Handout via REUTERS. Note: This image was supplied to Reuters by a third party.)

Do you want to reach your full potential and live with purpose? Discover the keys to unlocking your personal and professional growth with our guest, Ciara Stockeland. Learn how to live intentionally and pursue challenging objectives to achieve your desired outcome. Join us as we explore the path to success through intentional living and pursuing ambitious goals. About Ciara Stockeland:Ciara Stockeland is an author, speaker, and 3x Ironman. She has owned and operated businesses since her early teens. As a serial entrepreneur, her business mindset and tenacity led her to open her first shop in 2006 which she then franchised. Her vast experience in both retail and wholesale industries led her to launch the first-to-market wholesale subscription box for boutique retailers, which she built and sold within 18 months. Ciara has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE, has held a seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, and is a Profit First Certified Coach. Through her coaching program, Ciara strives to motivate business owners to build profitability and peace of mind in their businesses. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Ciara Stockeland discuss:Mastering the art of intentional living to unlock personal and professional growth.Cultivating unbreakable mental strength for unparalleled success in all endeavors.Embracing delegation to empower your team and drive entrepreneurial success.Achieving seamless work-life integration for enhanced productivity and fulfillment.Trusting and empowering your team members to propel your business to new heights. "You have the tools that you need to get started. So don't listen today and think, 'Oh my goodness, she's so far beyond, like I can never attain that. I can't get there.' Write down all the tools that you have, things that you have in your toolbox today, and then just one by one start adding to that toolbox and checking it off. ” — Ciara Stockeland Connect with Ciara Stockeland:  Website URL: https://www.ciarastockeland.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciarastockeland/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciarastockeland Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Chris Holman welcomes back Jose Flores, CEO, Ancor Automotive, Troy, MI. Welcome back Jose, we've had you on a couple of times, but could you remind the Michigan business community about Ancor Automotive? Jose, you are recently coming off of two recent major awards: you were honored as a 2023 DBusiness 30 in Their Thirties recipient; and you also won the prestigious 2023 Hispanic businessperson of the year award by the United States Chamber of Commerce. Question: What do you believe it is about your specific leadership style that is clearly gaining attention and praise locally and nationally? You recently opened the Ancor Automotive Software Innovation Hub within Ancor's headquarters in Troy. Tell me about the hub and what plans you have in store for the future relating to the kind of work being done inside the innovation hub? We in the automotive industry are at an inflection point. The technology behind automobiles has always been a catalyst for engineering progress, but we are now at a pivotal time where advances in autonomous driving and sustainable energy technology will redefine the role the automobile plays in our lives. How have you prepared your business to adjust for this rapid change and what business best practices and advice can you share? Talk about your team at Ancor Automotive. The company just celebrated its 40th year in business this summer. What unique qualities have made the company sustain over the years, and how as CEO are you going to assure Ancor Automotive continues to thrive another 40 years? Ancor just recently won “Best places to work”, explore that as why Ancor is such a great place to work. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Here's what to expect on the podcast:Why is it crucial for business owners to be familiar with their financial numbers?How does one determine when it's the right time to start delegating tasks?What factors should a business owner consider when deciding how much to pay themselves?How do you determine and calculate your current market margin?And much more! About Ciara:Ciara Stockeland, has owned and operated businesses since her early teens. As a serial entrepreneur, her business mindset and tenacity led her to opening her first store in 2006, which she then franchised. Her vast experience in both retail and wholesale industries led her to launch the first-to-market wholesale subscription box for boutique retailers, which she built and sold within 18 months. Most recently, Ciara has launched the Inventory Genius, a coaching program for inventory based business owners.She has twice had the opportunity to testify before two U.S. Senate Committees regarding the “joint employer” standard for businesses and its effect on small businesses and franchises. Additionally, in 2015, she represented small businesses at a White House Summit on Worker Voice and again in 2018 for a Summit on Economics.Ciara has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE, has held a seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, and is a Profit First Certified Coach. Through her coaching program, Ciara strives to motivate business owners to build profitability and peace of mind into their business.In her free time, Ciara enjoys training for endurance races and most recently completed her fourth Ironman at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She currently resides in Tennessee with her husband, Jim, and her Great Pyrenees Bentley. Connect with Ciara Stockeland!Website: https://www.ciarastockeland.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciarastockeland/Check out Ciara Stockeland's book, Inventory Genius: Use Your Inventory To Create More Profit And Keep More Cash, on Amazon! https://amzn.to/3TWEzCP Connect with Kamie Lehmann!Website: https://www.kamielehmann.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kamie.lehmann.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesinvinciblepodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamie-lehmann-04683473National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/Get your Podcast on IMDB: https://imdb.failureguy.com/submitpodcastkamieLearn more about how to minimize the emotional side effects of cancer: https://adventurefound.org/

Gear up, warriors! Join us in this exhilarating conversation with Ciara Stockeland as we tackle the intricacies of physical training and mental resilience as keys to a wholesome approach to life. Harness your inner strength and face life's challenges with unwavering resilience by tuning in!Key Takeaways To Listen ForThe role of physical training in advocating resilience, empathy, and gratitudeWhy it's important to enjoy the journey towards your desired destinationEssential questions to guide you in becoming a good stewardMyths surrounding the concept of work-life balance and why they aren't true3 useful tips to help you achieve your life goals quickerResources Mentioned In This EpisodeREO Speedwagon - Roll With the ChangesAbout Ciara StockelandCiara is an entrepreneur and the host of ‘The Inventory Genius Podcast.' As a Profit First Certified Coach, she collaborates with owners of inventory-based businesses to help them generate increased profit and preserve valuable cash resources. Her influence extends beyond business operations as she has been called to testify before two U.S. Senate Committees on the topic of the impact of the "joint employer" standard on small businesses and franchises.Ciara's commitment to advocacy was further demonstrated at the White House, where she represented small businesses at both the 2015 Summit on Worker Voice and the 2018 Summit on Economics. Recognized as a Small Business Champion by SCORE, Ciara is a respected member of the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. Ciara is a beacon in the entrepreneurial community, seamlessly blending advocacy, leadership, and strategic business acumen.Connect with Ciara Website: Ciara StockelandPodcast: The Inventory Genius Podcast | Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLinkedIn: Ciara Stockeland, Profit Strategist and Inventory GeniusInstagram: @ciarastockelandEmail: hello@ciarastockeland.com Connect With UsMaster your context with real results leadership training!To learn more, visit our website at www.greatsummit.com.For tax, bookkeeping, or accounting help, contact Dr. Nate's team at www.theincometaxcenter.com or send an email to info@theincometaxcenter.com.Follow Dr. Nate on His Social MediaLinkedin: Nate Salah, Ph.DInstagram: @natesalah Facebook: Nate SalahTikTok: @drnatesalahClubhouse: @natesalah

Ep 184 Profit First for Inventory Based Businesses with  Ciara Stockeland Ciara Stockeland, a seasoned entrepreneur whose journey began in her early teens. Her resolute entrepreneurial drive led her to establish her first store in 2006, which she later expanded into a successful franchise.  Ciara's latest venture, the Inventory Genius coaching program, empowers inventory-based business owners to elevate profitability and harmonize their operations. Beyond her business endeavors, Ciara's insights have resonated on a broader scale. She testified twice before U.S. Senate Committees, shedding light on the implications of the "joint employer" standard for small businesses and franchises. Notably, she represented the small business community at the 2015 White House Summit on Worker Voice and the 2018 Summit on Economics.  Acknowledged as a Small Business Champion by SCORE and holding a seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, Ciara's credentials are further amplified as a Profit First Certified Coach.  In this episode, you will learn the following:    ●        Strong comprehension of numbers and financial concepts is vital for attaining success in business endeavors. ●        How setting up an inventory account and tracking cost of goods sold can help improve cash flow and profitability. ●        Precisely compute and monitor the gross margin to guarantee that pricing adequately covers costs and yields profit. ●        Understanding how debt affects cash flow and profitability is essential for making informed financial decisions.  Links: https://www.ciarastockeland.com/ https://www.ciarastockeland.com/free-chapter   Hi, I'm the Profit Answer Man Rocky Lalvani! I help small business owners simplify their financial reports to make more informed business decisions with fewer hassles. We utilize the Profit First system created by Mike Michalowicz Our Q&A call on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 1 pm Eastern: https://bit.ly/PFcall Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Schedule your free, no-obligation intro call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes Check out our website: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Questions: questions@profitanswerman.com Email: rocky@profitcomesfirst.com Relay Bank (affiliate link) - https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst  Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Profit First Toolkit: click here to sign up This episode is part of the SMB Podcast Network. Find other great interviews from around the internet just like this one at https://www.SMBPodcastNetwork.com Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs. #profitfirst

Ciara Stockeland, the author of Inventory Genius, knows from experience that having the proper training is crucial for success, whether it's in athletics or in one's professional and personal life. Whether you're working with clients, training for an Ironman, or pursuing any other goal, investing in yourself and your skills is crucial for achieving your goals and being the best version of yourself.About the Guest:Returning to the podcast is Ciara Stockeland! Ciara is an author, speaker, and 2x Ironman. She has owned and operated businesses since her early teens. Most recently, Ciara has launched Inventory Genius, a coaching program for inventory-based business owners.She has twice had the opportunity to testify before two U.S. Senate Committees regarding the “joint employer” standard for businesses and its effect on small businesses and franchises. Additionally, in 2015 she represented small businesses at a White House Summit on Worker Voice and again in 2018 for a Summit on Economics.Ciara has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE, has held a seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, and is a Profit First Certified Coach. Through her coaching program, Ciara strives to motivate business owners to build profitability and peace of mind in their businesses.In her free time, Ciara enjoys training for endurance races and most recently completed her second Ironman in Juneau, Alaska.She currently resides in Tennessee with her husband, Jim, and her Great Pyrenees Bentley.https://www.ciarastockeland.com/https://www.instagram.com/ciarastockeland/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciarastockelandhttps://www.facebook.com/inventorygeniushttps://twitter.com/cstockelandhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwbo2Jvd_pznHK-NSoOndAhttps://www.pinterest.com/ciarastockeland/About the Host: Following the crumbs in the chaos is a full-time job as a Productivity Coach. As a busy mom of three and the founder of Chaos N' Cookies, keeping moms from crumbling is my main objective. After gaining 10+ years of experience as a Director of Marketing helping build multiple 6 & 7-figure businesses for other women I've created the Chaos Control System to equip moms to overcome their own objections so they can live the life they want to live and start that business they have always wanted. The Family Playbook, or standard operating procedure, is the tool every mama needs to save time and stress-less when chaos ensues at home. For new biz owners, I also help simplify systems on social media and other business platforms to automate processes to get their business up and running quickly and efficiently with how-tos and hands-on coaching. I have helped hundreds of women to be more productive and self-sufficient in their homes and businesses allowing them to reclaim control of the chaos. www.chaosncookies.comhttps://www.instagram.com/chaosncookies/https://www.instagram.com/theheathergreco/https://www.facebook.com/Chaos-n-Cookies-111324364538688https://chaosncookies.com/shophttps://linktr.ee/hsteinker Thanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you...

Dr. Wayne “The Mango Man” Pickering “THE AMBASSADOR for HEALTH” from Daytona Beach, Florida and this week his topic will be “Is Your Diet A Riot = The Science of Nutrition,”Dr. Wayne has his Ph.D. in Natural Science plus a Doctorate in Naturopathy with an additional Doctorate in Theology and a Master's Degree in Nutrition.   He's an Author of 29 Books which can be found on www.MangoManBooks.com, over 100 CD's, several DVD's, over 300 Articles on Fitness, Stress, Nutrition and overall Wellness PLUS 10 Health Systems that are now in 46 Countries!  He's an International Professional Motivational Speaker He shows you how to get Older and Better and NOT Old and Bitter while living a totally Disease-Free Lifestyle! His prognosis was death at age 30. Now, at 75 years young, Dr. Wayne is an award winning Triathlete of 32 of his 50 Triathlons he participated in.He's also a Double Nominee for the Healthy American Fitness Leader Award by the United States Chamber of Commerce.  He's a Florida State Licensed Nutrition Counselor and his nutrition programs are approved for Continuing Education Credits by the Florida and Alabama State Boards of Pharmacy and by the Florida Board of Dental Hygienists.His purpose is teaching you how to be the Healthiest Person on the Planet and not the Wealthiest Person in the Grave with a focus on Nutrition and a basic philosophy, “If you want to be tough, you have to eat good stuff!”  His website for this Interview – www.DefeatingBadEating.com

As public relations practitioners recognizing the value and how-to of public opinion research, understanding the data, and identifying the majority opinions, not just the loudest in the room is the key to strategic success. Adam Probolsky from Probolsky Research is a public opinion researcher with thirty years of experience with local government, nonprofit, corporate, association, and campaign clients. He shares his insights on what every communicator needs to know before a campaign even begins! GUEST: Adam Probolsky, President of Probolsky Research Adam has acted as pollster and strategic advisor on hundreds of successful crisis communications and public affairs projects, local, county and statewide initiatives and candidate campaigns as well as citizen outreach and education efforts. Additionally, Adam has been a key advisor to the firm's clients on matters of public policy, legislation and business strategy. Adam was both a planning and finance commissioner for the City of Irvine where he oversaw and approved billions of dollars in private development and public infrastructure projects. As a past chairman of the Irvine Valley College Foundation, he has overseen the fundraising and the award of hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students and funding for college police. He was also a member of the Orange County Waste & Recycling Commission where he oversaw landfills, recycling programs, waste hauling companies and power generating facilities. As a member of the Orange County Transportation Authority's Environmental Mitigation and Oversight Committee, he oversaw the expenditure of over $175 million dollars in public transportation funds. He previously served as a board member and development committee chairman for Jewish Family Service of Orange County, a non-profit organization that serves families in need, and volunteered for nearly eight years with the Orange County Sheriff's Department as a spokesperson. Adam formerly served as a member of the Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment of the United States Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Probolsky's research and commentary has been published in numerous media outlets including The New York Times, Riverside Press Enterprise, The Chicago Sun Times, the Orange County Register and Politico and the San Francisco Chronicle. Adam earned his master's degree in data analytics and visualization from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore Maryland, a historic urban college founded in 1826. FIND ADAM ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Insta: @probolskyresearch Facebook: facebook.com/ProbolskyRsrch LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adamprobolsky linkedin.com/company/probolsky-research-llc WEBSITE: probolskyresearch.com

Recruitment and retention are difficult in a labor-driven market, but here are five kinds of hires who fix these problems and are valuable employees. Find us at https://www.bernieportal.com/hr-party-of-one/BerniePortal: The all-in-one HRIS that makes building a business & managing its people easy. http://bit.ly/2NEQ5QbWhat is an HRIS?https://bit.ly/what-is-an-hrisBernieU: Your free one-stop shop for compelling, convenient, and comprehensive HR training and courses that will keep you up-to-date on all things human resources. Approved for SHRM & HRCI recertification credit hours. Enroll today!https://university.bernieportal.com/The HR Party of One Bloghttps://blog.bernieportal.com/en/hr-party-of-one?hsCtaTracking=b3b92578-8739-4cfd-b1ca-97b75053c111%7Cfc88f7d2-eafe-4e2f-b269-3cd9d1d6950cJoin the HR Party of One LinkedIn Group!https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12527070/▬ Episode Resources & Links ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Strategies for Employee Retention https://www.bernieportal.com/strategies-for-employee-retention/BernieU's HR Hiring Guide: Recruiting Tips, Trends, and Practices https://university.bernieportal.com/offers/sSLfzYaV/checkout BernieU's Retention Essentials: How to Keep Your People https://university.bernieportal.com/offers/cdu22JFd/checkout Your Guide to Applicant Tracking Systems https://www.bernieportal.com/guide-to-applicant-tracking-systems/ United States Chamber of Commerce Veteran Hiring Resources https://www.hiringourheroes.org/ United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Resources https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers ▬ Social Media ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal▬ Podcast▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-party-of-one/id1495233115► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ViQkKdatT40DPLJkY2pgA► Google Podcast:

Hour 3 -  Nick Reed is live at Scramblers Diner for the Friday Road Show. Here's what he covers: The United States Chamber of Commerce's influence in the beltway of Washington, D.C., has dwindled considerably as Democrats they endorsed continue voting for President Joe Biden's legislative agenda despite opposition from the big business group. Democrats' massive spending package currently making its way through Congress would ramp up IRS audits targeting the American people — audits which, according to recent studies, would likely impact lower-income and middle-class taxpayers the most.

Senator Joe Manchin has been Congress's largest recipient of money from natural gas pipeline companies. He just reciprocated by gaining Senate support for the Mountain Valley pipeline in West Virginia and expedited approval for pipelines nationwide. Senator Krysten Sinema is among Congress's largest recipients of money from the private-equity industry. She just reciprocated by preserving private-equity's tax loophole in the Inflation Reduction Act. We almost take for granted big corporate money in American politics. But it started with the Powell memo. In 1971, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce asked Lewis Powell, then an attorney in Richmond, Virginia (and future Supreme Court justice) to report on the political activities of the Left. Richard Nixon was still president, but the Chamber (along with some prominent Republicans like Powell) worried about the Left's effects on “free enterprise.” Powell's memo — distributed widely to Chamber members — argued that the American economic system was “under broad attack” from consumer, labor, and environmental groups. In reality, these groups were doing nothing more than enforcing the implicit social contract that had emerged at the end of World War II — ensuring that corporations were responsive to all their stakeholders, not just their shareholders but also their workers, their consumers, and the environment on which everyone depends. But Powell and the Chamber saw it differently. Powell urged businesses to mobilize for political combat.Business must learn the lesson . . . that political power is necessary; that such power must be assiduously cultivated; and that when necessary, it must be used aggressively and with determination—without embarrassment and without the reluctance which has been so characteristic of American business.He stressed that the critical ingredients for success were organization and funding. Strength lies in … the scale of financing available only through joint effort, and in the political power available only through united action and national organizations.On August 23, 1971, the Chamber distributed Powell's memo to leading CEOs, large businesses, and trade associations. It had exactly the impact the Chamber sought — galvanizing corporate American into action and releasing a tidal wave of corporate money into American politics. An entire corporate-political industry was born — including tens of thousands of corporate lobbyists, lawyers, political operatives, and public relations flaks. Within a few decades, big corporations would become the largest political force in Washington and most state capitals. Washington went from being a rather sleepy if not seedy town to the glittering center of corporate America — replete with elegant office buildings, fancy restaurants, pricy bistros, five-star hotels, conference centers, beautiful townhouses, and a booming real estate market that pushed Washington's poor out to the margins of the district and made two of Washington's surrounding counties among the wealthiest in the nation. I saw it and lived it. In 1976, I began working at the Federal Trade Commission. Jimmy Carter had appointed consumer advocates to some regulatory positions (several of them influenced by Ralph Nader). My boss at the FTC was Michael Pertschuk, an energetic and charismatic chairman. Joan Claybrook chaired the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission. Other Naderites were spread throughout the Carter administration. All were ready to battle big corporations that for years had been deluding or injuring consumers. Yet almost everything we initiated at the FTC, and just about everything undertaken by these activists elsewhere in the administration, was met by unexpectedly fierce political resistance from Congress. At one point, when the FTC began examining advertising directed at children, Congress stopped funding the FTC altogether, shutting it down for weeks. I was dumbfounded. What had happened? In two words, the Powell memo. The number of corporations with public affairs offices in Washington had ballooned from one hundred in 1968 to over five hundred by the time I joined the FTC in 1976. In 1971, only 175 firms had registered lobbyists in the nation's capital. By 1982, nearly 2,500 had them. The number of corporate Political Action Committees mushroomed from under three hundred in 1976 to over 1,200 by 1980. Between 1974 and 1980, the Chamber of Commerce doubled its membership. (And remember, this was still thirty years before the Supreme Court's infamous Citizen's United decision.) It didn't matter whether a Democrat or Republican occupied the White House. Even after George H.W. Bush became president, the corporate-political industry continued to balloon. By the 1990s, when I was secretary of labor, corporations employed some 61,000 people to lobby for them, including registered lobbyists and lawyers. That came to more than 100 lobbyists for each member of Congress. Corporate money also supported platoons of lawyers who represented corporations and the very rich in court, often outgunning the Justice Department and state attorneys general. Most importantly, corporations began inundating politicians with money for their campaigns. Between the late 1970s and the late 1980s, corporate Political Action Committees increased their expenditures on congressional races nearly fivefold. Labor union PAC spending rose only about half as fast. By the 2106 campaign cycle, corporations and Wall Street contributed $34 for every $1 donated by labor unions and all public interest organizations combined. Wealthy individuals also accounted for a growing share. In 1980, the richest one-hundredth of 1 percent of Americans provided 10 percent of contributions to federal elections. By 2012, they provided 40 percent. Although Republicans mostly benefited from a few large donors and Democrats from a much larger number of small donors (more on this to come), both political parties transformed themselves from state and local organizations that channeled the views of members upward into giant fundraising machines that sucked in money from the top. Never in the history of American politics has one document — the Powell memo — had such nefarious consequences. *****For those of you who'd like to read it — and I recommend doing so, to get a full sense of its scope — I've included it here in its entirety:**CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUMAttack on American Free Enterprise SystemDATE: August 23, 1971TO: Mr. Eugene B. Sydnor, Jr., Chairman, Education Committee, U.S. Chamber of CommerceFROM: Lewis F. Powell, Jr.This memorandum is submitted at your request as a basis for the discussion on August 24 with Mr. Booth (executive vice president) and others at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The purpose is to identify the problem, and suggest possible avenues of action for further consideration.Dimensions of the AttackNo thoughtful person can question that the American economic system is under broad attack. This varies in scope, intensity, in the techniques employed, and in the level of visibility.There always have been some who opposed the American system, and preferred socialism or some form of statism (communism or fascism). Also, there always have been critics of the system, whose criticism has been wholesome and constructive so long as the objective was to improve rather than to subvert or destroy.But what now concerns us is quite new in the history of America. We are not dealing with sporadic or isolated attacks from a relatively few extremists or even from the minority socialist cadre. Rather, the assault on the enterprise system is broadly based and consistently pursued. It is gaining momentum and converts.Sources of the AttackThe sources are varied and diffused. They include, not unexpectedly, the Communists, New Leftists and other revolutionaries who would destroy the entire system, both political and economic. These extremists of the left are far more numerous, better financed, and increasingly are more welcomed and encouraged by other elements of society, than ever before in our history. But they remain a small minority, and are not yet the principal cause for concern.The most disquieting voices joining the chorus of criticism come from perfectly respectable elements of society: from the college campus, the pulpit, the media, the intellectual and literary journals, the arts and sciences, and from politicians. In most of these groups the movement against the system is participated in only by minorities. Yet, these often are the most articulate, the most vocal, the most prolific in their writing and speaking.Moreover, much of the media — for varying motives and in varying degrees — either voluntarily accords unique publicity to these “attackers,” or at least allows them to exploit the media for their purposes. This is especially true of television, which now plays such a predominant role in shaping the thinking, attitudes and emotions of our people.One of the bewildering paradoxes of our time is the extent to which the enterprise system tolerates, if not participates in, its own destruction.The campuses from which much of the criticism emanates are supported by (i) tax funds generated largely from American business, and (ii) contributions from capital funds controlled or generated by American business. The boards of trustees of our universities overwhelmingly are composed of men and women who are leaders in the system.Most of the media, including the national TV systems, are owned and theoretically controlled by corporations which depend upon profits, and the enterprise system to survive.Tone of the AttackThis memorandum is not the place to document in detail the tone, character, or intensity of the attack. The following quotations will suffice to give one a general idea:William Kunstler, warmly welcomed on campuses and listed in a recent student poll as the “American lawyer most admired,” incites audiences as follows:“You must learn to fight in the streets, to revolt, to shoot guns. We will learn to do all of the things that property owners fear.” The New Leftists who heed Kunstler's advice increasingly are beginning to act — not just against military recruiting offices and manufacturers of munitions, but against a variety of businesses: “Since February, 1970, branches (of Bank of America) have been attacked 39 times, 22 times with explosive devices and 17 times with fire bombs or by arsonists.” Although New Leftist spokesmen are succeeding in radicalizing thousands of the young, the greater cause for concern is the hostility of respectable liberals and social reformers. It is the sum total of their views and influence which could indeed fatally weaken or destroy the system.A chilling description of what is being taught on many of our campuses was written by Stewart Alsop:“Yale, like every other major college, is graduating scores of bright young men who are practitioners of ‘the politics of despair.' These young men despise the American political and economic system . . . (their) minds seem to be wholly closed. They live, not by rational discussion, but by mindless slogans.” A recent poll of students on 12 representative campuses reported that: “Almost half the students favored socialization of basic U.S. industries.”A visiting professor from England at Rockford College gave a series of lectures entitled “The Ideological War Against Western Society,” in which he documents the extent to which members of the intellectual community are waging ideological warfare against the enterprise system and the values of western society. In a foreword to these lectures, famed Dr. Milton Friedman of Chicago warned: “It (is) crystal clear that the foundations of our free society are under wide-ranging and powerful attack — not by Communist or any other conspiracy but by misguided individuals parroting one another and unwittingly serving ends they would never intentionally promote.”Perhaps the single most effective antagonist of American business is Ralph Nader, who — thanks largely to the media — has become a legend in his own time and an idol of millions of Americans. A recent article in Fortune speaks of Nader as follows:“The passion that rules in him — and he is a passionate man — is aimed at smashing utterly the target of his hatred, which is corporate power. He thinks, and says quite bluntly, that a great many corporate executives belong in prison — for defrauding the consumer with shoddy merchandise, poisoning the food supply with chemical additives, and willfully manufacturing unsafe products that will maim or kill the buyer. He emphasizes that he is not talking just about ‘fly-by-night hucksters' but the top management of blue chip business.”A frontal assault was made on our government, our system of justice, and the free enterprise system by Yale Professor Charles Reich in his widely publicized book: “The Greening of America,” published last winter.The foregoing references illustrate the broad, shotgun attack on the system itself. There are countless examples of rifle shots which undermine confidence and confuse the public. Favorite current targets are proposals for tax incentives through changes in depreciation rates and investment credits. These are usually described in the media as “tax breaks,” “loop holes” or “tax benefits” for the benefit of business. * As viewed by a columnist in the Post, such tax measures would benefit “only the rich, the owners of big companies.”It is dismaying that many politicians make the same argument that tax measures of this kind benefit only “business,” without benefit to “the poor.” The fact that this is either political demagoguery or economic illiteracy is of slight comfort. This setting of the “rich” against the “poor,” of business against the people, is the cheapest and most dangerous kind of politics.The Apathy and Default of BusinessWhat has been the response of business to this massive assault upon its fundamental economics, upon its philosophy, upon its right to continue to manage its own affairs, and indeed upon its integrity?The painfully sad truth is that business, including the boards of directors' and the top executives of corporations great and small and business organizations at all levels, often have responded — if at all — by appeasement, ineptitude and ignoring the problem. There are, of course, many exceptions to this sweeping generalization. But the net effect of such response as has been made is scarcely visible.In all fairness, it must be recognized that businessmen have not been trained or equipped to conduct guerrilla warfare with those who propagandize against the system, seeking insidiously and constantly to sabotage it. The traditional role of business executives has been to manage, to produce, to sell, to create jobs, to make profits, to improve the standard of living, to be community leaders, to serve on charitable and educational boards, and generally to be good citizens. They have performed these tasks very well indeed.But they have shown little stomach for hard-nose contest with their critics, and little skill in effective intellectual and philosophical debate.A column recently carried by the Wall Street Journal was entitled: “Memo to GM: Why Not Fight Back?” Although addressed to GM by name, the article was a warning to all American business. Columnist St. John said:“General Motors, like American business in general, is ‘plainly in trouble' because intellectual bromides have been substituted for a sound intellectual exposition of its point of view.” Mr. St. John then commented on the tendency of business leaders to compromise with and appease critics. He cited the concessions which Nader wins from management, and spoke of “the fallacious view many businessmen take toward their critics.” He drew a parallel to the mistaken tactics of many college administrators: “College administrators learned too late that such appeasement serves to destroy free speech, academic freedom and genuine scholarship. One campus radical demand was conceded by university heads only to be followed by a fresh crop which soon escalated to what amounted to a demand for outright surrender.”One need not agree entirely with Mr. St. John's analysis. But most observers of the American scene will agree that the essence of his message is sound. American business “plainly in trouble”; the response to the wide range of critics has been ineffective, and has included appeasement; the time has come — indeed, it is long overdue — for the wisdom, ingenuity and resources of American business to be marshaled against those who would destroy it.Responsibility of Business ExecutivesWhat specifically should be done? The first essential — a prerequisite to any effective action — is for businessmen to confront this problem as a primary responsibility of corporate management.The overriding first need is for businessmen to recognize that the ultimate issue may be survival — survival of what we call the free enterprise system, and all that this means for the strength and prosperity of America and the freedom of our people.The day is long past when the chief executive officer of a major corporation discharges his responsibility by maintaining a satisfactory growth of profits, with due regard to the corporation's public and social responsibilities. If our system is to survive, top management must be equally concerned with protecting and preserving the system itself. This involves far more than an increased emphasis on “public relations” or “governmental affairs” — two areas in which corporations long have invested substantial sums.A significant first step by individual corporations could well be the designation of an executive vice president (ranking with other executive VP's) whose responsibility is to counter-on the broadest front-the attack on the enterprise system. The public relations department could be one of the foundations assigned to this executive, but his responsibilities should encompass some of the types of activities referred to subsequently in this memorandum. His budget and staff should be adequate to the task.Possible Role of the Chamber of CommerceBut independent and uncoordinated activity by individual corporations, as important as this is, will not be sufficient. Strength lies in organization, in careful long-range planning and implementation, in consistency of action over an indefinite period of years, in the scale of financing available only through joint effort, and in the political power available only through united action and national organizations.Moreover, there is the quite understandable reluctance on the part of any one corporation to get too far out in front and to make itself too visible a target.The role of the National Chamber of Commerce is therefore vital. Other national organizations (especially those of various industrial and commercial groups) should join in the effort, but no other organizations appear to be as well situated as the Chamber. It enjoys a strategic position, with a fine reputation and a broad base of support. Also — and this is of immeasurable merit — there are hundreds of local Chambers of Commerce which can play a vital supportive role.It hardly need be said that before embarking upon any program, the Chamber should study and analyze possible courses of action and activities, weighing risks against probable effectiveness and feasibility of each. Considerations of cost, the assurance of financial and other support from members, adequacy of staffing and similar problems will all require the most thoughtful consideration.The CampusThe assault on the enterprise system was not mounted in a few months. It has gradually evolved over the past two decades, barely perceptible in its origins and benefiting (sic) from a gradualism that provoked little awareness much less any real reaction.Although origins, sources and causes are complex and interrelated, and obviously difficult to identify without careful qualification, there is reason to believe that the campus is the single most dynamic source. The social science faculties usually include members who are unsympathetic to the enterprise system. They may range from a Herbert Marcuse, Marxist faculty member at the University of California at San Diego, and convinced socialists, to the ambivalent liberal critic who finds more to condemn than to commend. Such faculty members need not be in a majority. They are often personally attractive and magnetic; they are stimulating teachers, and their controversy attracts student following; they are prolific writers and lecturers; they author many of the textbooks, and they exert enormous influence — far out of proportion to their numbers — on their colleagues and in the academic world.Social science faculties (the political scientist, economist, sociologist and many of the historians) tend to be liberally oriented, even when leftists are not present. This is not a criticism per se, as the need for liberal thought is essential to a balanced viewpoint. The difficulty is that “balance” is conspicuous by its absence on many campuses, with relatively few members being of conservatives or moderate persuasion and even the relatively few often being less articulate and aggressive than their crusading colleagues.This situation extending back many years and with the imbalance gradually worsening, has had an enormous impact on millions of young American students. In an article in Barron's Weekly, seeking an answer to why so many young people are disaffected even to the point of being revolutionaries, it was said: “Because they were taught that way.” Or, as noted by columnist Stewart Alsop, writing about his alma mater: “Yale, like every other major college, is graduating scores' of bright young men … who despise the American political and economic system.”As these “bright young men,” from campuses across the country, seek opportunities to change a system which they have been taught to distrust — if not, indeed “despise” — they seek employment in the centers of the real power and influence in our country, namely: (i) with the news media, especially television; (ii) in government, as “staffers” and consultants at various levels; (iii) in elective politics; (iv) as lecturers and writers, and (v) on the faculties at various levels of education.Many do enter the enterprise system — in business and the professions — and for the most part they quickly discover the fallacies of what they have been taught. But those who eschew the mainstream of the system often remain in key positions of influence where they mold public opinion and often shape governmental action. In many instances, these “intellectuals” end up in regulatory agencies or governmental departments with large authority over the business system they do not believe in.If the foregoing analysis is approximately sound, a priority task of business — and organizations such as the Chamber — is to address the campus origin of this hostility. Few things are more sanctified in American life than academic freedom. It would be fatal to attack this as a principle. But if academic freedom is to retain the qualities of “openness,” “fairness” and “balance” — which are essential to its intellectual significance — there is a great opportunity for constructive action. The thrust of such action must be to restore the qualities just mentioned to the academic communities.What Can Be Done About the CampusThe ultimate responsibility for intellectual integrity on the campus must remain on the administrations and faculties of our colleges and universities. But organizations such as the Chamber can assist and activate constructive change in many ways, including the following:Staff of ScholarsThe Chamber should consider establishing a staff of highly qualified scholars in the social sciences who do believe in the system. It should include several of national reputation whose authorship would be widely respected — even when disagreed with.Staff of SpeakersThere also should be a staff of speakers of the highest competency. These might include the scholars, and certainly those who speak for the Chamber would have to articulate the product of the scholars.Speaker's BureauIn addition to full-time staff personnel, the Chamber should have a Speaker's Bureau which should include the ablest and most effective advocates from the top echelons of American business.Evaluation of TextbooksThe staff of scholars (or preferably a panel of independent scholars) should evaluate social science textbooks, especially in economics, political science and sociology. This should be a continuing program.The objective of such evaluation should be oriented toward restoring the balance essential to genuine academic freedom. This would include assurance of fair and factual treatment of our system of government and our enterprise system, its accomplishments, its basic relationship to individual rights and freedoms, and comparisons with the systems of socialism, fascism and communism. Most of the existing textbooks have some sort of comparisons, but many are superficial, biased and unfair.We have seen the civil rights movement insist on re-writing many of the textbooks in our universities and schools. The labor unions likewise insist that textbooks be fair to the viewpoints of organized labor. Other interested citizens groups have not hesitated to review, analyze and criticize textbooks and teaching materials. In a democratic society, this can be a constructive process and should be regarded as an aid to genuine academic freedom and not as an intrusion upon it.If the authors, publishers and users of textbooks know that they will be subjected — honestly, fairly and thoroughly — to review and critique by eminent scholars who believe in the American system, a return to a more rational balance can be expected.Equal Time on the CampusThe Chamber should insist upon equal time on the college speaking circuit. The FBI publishes each year a list of speeches made on college campuses by avowed Communists. The number in 1970 exceeded 100. There were, of course, many hundreds of appearances by leftists and ultra liberals who urge the types of viewpoints indicated earlier in this memorandum. There was no corresponding representation of American business, or indeed by individuals or organizations who appeared in support of the American system of government and business.Every campus has its formal and informal groups which invite speakers. Each law school does the same thing. Many universities and colleges officially sponsor lecture and speaking programs. We all know the inadequacy of the representation of business in the programs.It will be said that few invitations would be extended to Chamber speakers. This undoubtedly would be true unless the Chamber aggressively insisted upon the right to be heard — in effect, insisted upon “equal time.” University administrators and the great majority of student groups and committees would not welcome being put in the position publicly of refusing a forum to diverse views, indeed, this is the classic excuse for allowing Communists to speak.The two essential ingredients are (i) to have attractive, articulate and well-informed speakers; and (ii) to exert whatever degree of pressure — publicly and privately — may be necessary to assure opportunities to speak. The objective always must be to inform and enlighten, and not merely to propagandize.Balancing of FacultiesPerhaps the most fundamental problem is the imbalance of many faculties. Correcting this is indeed a long-range and difficult project. Yet, it should be undertaken as a part of an overall program. This would mean the urging of the need for faculty balance upon university administrators and boards of trustees.The methods to be employed require careful thought, and the obvious pitfalls must be avoided. Improper pressure would be counterproductive. But the basic concepts of balance, fairness and truth are difficult to resist, if properly presented to boards of trustees, by writing and speaking, and by appeals to alumni associations and groups.This is a long road and not one for the fainthearted. But if pursued with integrity and conviction it could lead to a strengthening of both academic freedom on the campus and of the values which have made America the most productive of all societies.Graduate Schools of BusinessThe Chamber should enjoy a particular rapport with the increasingly influential graduate schools of business. Much that has been suggested above applies to such schools.Should not the Chamber also request specific courses in such schools dealing with the entire scope of the problem addressed by this memorandum? This is now essential training for the executives of the future.Secondary EducationWhile the first priority should be at the college level, the trends mentioned above are increasingly evidenced in the high schools. Action programs, tailored to the high schools and similar to those mentioned, should be considered. The implementation thereof could become a major program for local chambers of commerce, although the control and direction — especially the quality control — should be retained by the National Chamber.What Can Be Done About the Public?Reaching the campus and the secondary schools is vital for the long-term. Reaching the public generally may be more important for the shorter term. The first essential is to establish the staffs of eminent scholars, writers and speakers, who will do the thinking, the analysis, the writing and the speaking. It will also be essential to have staff personnel who are thoroughly familiar with the media, and how most effectively to communicate with the public. Among the more obvious means are the following:TelevisionThe national television networks should be monitored in the same way that textbooks should be kept under constant surveillance. This applies not merely to so-called educational programs (such as “Selling of the Pentagon”), but to the daily “news analysis” which so often includes the most insidious type of criticism of the enterprise system. Whether this criticism results from hostility or economic ignorance, the result is the gradual erosion of confidence in “business” and free enterprise.This monitoring, to be effective, would require constant examination of the texts of adequate samples of programs. Complaints — to the media and to the Federal Communications Commission — should be made promptly and strongly when programs are unfair or inaccurate.Equal time should be demanded when appropriate. Effort should be made to see that the forum-type programs (the Today Show, Meet the Press, etc.) afford at least as much opportunity for supporters of the American system to participate as these programs do for those who attack it.Other MediaRadio and the press are also important, and every available means should be employed to challenge and refute unfair attacks, as well as to present the affirmative case through these media.The Scholarly JournalsIt is especially important for the Chamber's “faculty of scholars” to publish. One of the keys to the success of the liberal and leftist faculty members has been their passion for “publication” and “lecturing.” A similar passion must exist among the Chamber's scholars.Incentives might be devised to induce more “publishing” by independent scholars who do believe in the system.There should be a fairly steady flow of scholarly articles presented to a broad spectrum of magazines and periodicals — ranging from the popular magazines (Life, Look, Reader's Digest, etc.) to the more intellectual ones (Atlantic, Harper's, Saturday Review, New York, etc.) and to the various professional journals.Books, Paperbacks and PamphletsThe news stands — at airports, drugstores, and elsewhere — are filled with paperbacks and pamphlets advocating everything from revolution to erotic free love. One finds almost no attractive, well-written paperbacks or pamphlets on “our side.” It will be difficult to compete with an Eldridge Cleaver or even a Charles Reich for reader attention, but unless the effort is made — on a large enough scale and with appropriate imagination to assure some success — this opportunity for educating the public will be irretrievably lost.Paid AdvertisementsBusiness pays hundreds of millions of dollars to the media for advertisements. Most of this supports specific products; much of it supports institutional image making; and some fraction of it does support the system. But the latter has been more or less tangential, and rarely part of a sustained, major effort to inform and enlighten the American people.If American business devoted only 10% of its total annual advertising budget to this overall purpose, it would be a statesman-like expenditure.The Neglected Political ArenaIn the final analysis, the payoff — short-of revolution — is what government does. Business has been the favorite whipping-boy of many politicians for many years. But the measure of how far this has gone is perhaps best found in the anti-business views now being expressed by several leading candidates for President of the United States.It is still Marxist doctrine that the “capitalist” countries are controlled by big business. This doctrine, consistently a part of leftist propaganda all over the world, has a wide public following among Americans.Yet, as every business executive knows, few elements of American society today have as little influence in government as the American businessman, the corporation, or even the millions of corporate stockholders. If one doubts this, let him undertake the role of “lobbyist” for the business point of view before Congressional committees. The same situation obtains in the legislative halls of most states and major cities. One does not exaggerate to say that, in terms of political influence with respect to the course of legislation and government action, the American business executive is truly the “forgotten man.”Current examples of the impotency of business, and of the near-contempt with which businessmen's views are held, are the stampedes by politicians to support almost any legislation related to “consumerism” or to the “environment.”Politicians reflect what they believe to be majority views of their constituents. It is thus evident that most politicians are making the judgment that the public has little sympathy for the businessman or his viewpoint.The educational programs suggested above would be designed to enlighten public thinking — not so much about the businessman and his individual role as about the system which he administers, and which provides the goods, services and jobs on which our country depends.But one should not postpone more direct political action, while awaiting the gradual change in public opinion to be effected through education and information. Business must learn the lesson, long ago learned by labor and other self-interest groups. This is the lesson that political power is necessary; that such power must be assidously (sic) cultivated; and that when necessary, it must be used aggressively and with determination — without embarrassment and without the reluctance which has been so characteristic of American business.As unwelcome as it may be to the Chamber, it should consider assuming a broader and more vigorous role in the political arena.Neglected Opportunity in the CourtsAmerican business and the enterprise system have been affected as much by the courts as by the executive and legislative branches of government. Under our constitutional system, especially with an activist-minded Supreme Court, the judiciary may be the most important instrument for social, economic and political change.Other organizations and groups, recognizing this, have been far more astute in exploiting judicial action than American business. Perhaps the most active exploiters of the judicial system have been groups ranging in political orientation from “liberal” to the far left.The American Civil Liberties Union is one example. It initiates or intervenes in scores of cases each year, and it files briefs amicus curiae in the Supreme Court in a number of cases during each term of that court. Labor unions, civil rights groups and now the public interest law firms are extremely active in the judicial arena. Their success, often at business' expense, has not been inconsequential.This is a vast area of opportunity for the Chamber, if it is willing to undertake the role of spokesman for American business and if, in turn, business is willing to provide the funds.As with respect to scholars and speakers, the Chamber would need a highly competent staff of lawyers. In special situations it should be authorized to engage, to appear as counsel amicus in the Supreme Court, lawyers of national standing and reputation. The greatest care should be exercised in selecting the cases in which to participate, or the suits to institute. But the opportunity merits the necessary effort.Neglected Stockholder PowerThe average member of the public thinks of “business” as an impersonal corporate entity, owned by the very rich and managed by over-paid executives. There is an almost total failure to appreciate that “business” actually embraces — in one way or another — most Americans. Those for whom business provides jobs, constitute a fairly obvious class. But the 20 million stockholders — most of whom are of modest means — are the real owners, the real entrepreneurs, the real capitalists under our system. They provide the capital which fuels the economic system which has produced the highest standard of living in all history. Yet, stockholders have been as ineffectual as business executives in promoting a genuine understanding of our system or in exercising political influence.The question which merits the most thorough examination is how can the weight and influence of stockholders — 20 million voters — be mobilized to support (i) an educational program and (ii) a political action program.Individual corporations are now required to make numerous reports to shareholders. Many corporations also have expensive “news” magazines which go to employees and stockholders. These opportunities to communicate can be used far more effectively as educational media.The corporation itself must exercise restraint in undertaking political action and must, of course, comply with applicable laws. But is it not feasible — through an affiliate of the Chamber or otherwise — to establish a national organization of American stockholders and give it enough muscle to be influential?A More Aggressive AttitudeBusiness interests — especially big business and their national trade organizations — have tried to maintain low profiles, especially with respect to political action.As suggested in the Wall Street Journal article, it has been fairly characteristic of the average business executive to be tolerant — at least in public — of those who attack his corporation and the system. Very few businessmen or business organizations respond in kind. There has been a disposition to appease; to regard the opposition as willing to compromise, or as likely to fade away in due time.Business has shunted confrontation politics. Business, quite understandably, has been repelled by the multiplicity of non-negotiable “demands” made constantly by self-interest groups of all kinds.While neither responsible business interests, nor the United States Chamber of Commerce, would engage in the irresponsible tactics of some pressure groups, it is essential that spokesmen for the enterprise system — at all levels and at every opportunity — be far more aggressive than in the past.There should be no hesitation to attack the Naders, the Marcuses and others who openly seek destruction of the system. There should not be the slightest hesitation to press vigorously in all political arenas for support of the enterprise system. Nor should there be reluctance to penalize politically those who oppose it.Lessons can be learned from organized labor in this respect. The head of the AFL-CIO may not appeal to businessmen as the most endearing or public-minded of citizens. Yet, over many years the heads of national labor organizations have done what they were paid to do very effectively. They may not have been beloved, but they have been respected — where it counts the most — by politicians, on the campus, and among the media.It is time for American business — which has demonstrated the greatest capacity in all history to produce and to influence consumer decisions — to apply their great talents vigorously to the preservation of the system itself.The CostThe type of program described above (which includes a broadly based combination of education and political action), if undertaken long term and adequately staffed, would require far more generous financial support from American corporations than the Chamber has ever received in the past. High level management participation in Chamber affairs also would be required.The staff of the Chamber would have to be significantly increased, with the highest quality established and maintained. Salaries would have to be at levels fully comparable to those paid key business executives and the most prestigious faculty members. Professionals of the great skill in advertising and in working with the media, speakers, lawyers and other specialists would have to be recruited.It is possible that the organization of the Chamber itself would benefit from restructuring. For example, as suggested by union experience, the office of President of the Chamber might well be a full-time career position. To assure maximum effectiveness and continuity, the chief executive officer of the Chamber should not be changed each year. The functions now largely performed by the President could be transferred to a Chairman of the Board, annually elected by the membership. The Board, of course, would continue to exercise policy control.Quality Control is EssentialEssential ingredients of the entire program must be responsibility and “quality control.” The publications, the articles, the speeches, the media programs, the advertising, the briefs filed in courts, and the appearances before legislative committees — all must meet the most exacting standards of accuracy and professional excellence. They must merit respect for their level of public responsibility and scholarship, whether one agrees with the viewpoints expressed or not.Relationship to FreedomThe threat to the enterprise system is not merely a matter of economics. It also is a threat to individual freedom.It is this great truth — now so submerged by the rhetoric of the New Left and of many liberals — that must be re-affirmed if this program is to be meaningful.There seems to be little awareness that the only alternatives to free enterprise are varying degrees of bureaucratic regulation of individual freedom — ranging from that under moderate socialism to the iron heel of the leftist or rightist dictatorship.We in America already have moved very far indeed toward some aspects of state socialism, as the needs and complexities of a vast urban society require types of regulation and control that were quite unnecessary in earlier times. In some areas, such regulation and control already have seriously impaired the freedom of both business and labor, and indeed of the public generally. But most of the essential freedoms remain: private ownership, private profit, labor unions, collective bargaining, consumer choice, and a market economy in which competition largely determines price, quality and variety of the goods and services provided the consumer.In addition to the ideological attack on the system itself (discussed in this memorandum), its essentials also are threatened by inequitable taxation, and — more recently — by an inflation which has seemed uncontrollable. But whatever the causes of diminishing economic freedom may be, the truth is that freedom as a concept is indivisible. As the experience of the socialist and totalitarian states demonstrates, the contraction and denial of economic freedom is followed inevitably by governmental restrictions on other cherished rights. It is this message, above all others, that must be carried home to the American people.ConclusionIt hardly need be said that the views expressed above are tentative and suggestive. The first step should be a thorough study. But this would be an exercise in futility unless the Board of Directors of the Chamber accepts the fundamental premise of this paper, namely, that business and the enterprise system are in deep trouble, and the hour is late. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

The GOP's war on the United States Chamber of Commerce escalated this week as Republican House members welcomed a new, upstart chamber called The American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce to push back on “woke” Capitalism. Could this DC gamesmanship eventually put corporate leaders in a political tug of war with Republicans? We'll take a look. And the California FAST Act advanced out of its first committee stop - and not unexpectedly - but the restaurant industry performed admirably. We discuss whether the industry showed well enough to dampen legislative enthusiasm for the bill. And Starbucks hit another milestone this week surpassing 150 units that have voted for union representation. We'll update with the latest and greatest from the coffee giant. We'll discuss those issues and wrap it up with the legislative scorecard.

Dr. Dan talks with Richard Rahn, an American economist, syndicated columnist, and entrepreneur. He is chairman of Improbable Success Productions and the Institute for Global Economic Growth. Rahn writes a syndicated weekly economic column which is published in The Washington Times, Real Clear Markets, and elsewhere. He was the vice president and chief economist of the United States Chamber of Commerce during the Reagan administration and remains a staunch advocate of supply-side economics, small government, and classical liberalism.Discussions will include private property ownership and individual rights.

Ciara Stockeland, has owned and operated businesses since her early teens. As a serial entrepreneur, her business mindset and tenacity led her to opening her first store in 2006 which she then franchised. Her vast experience in both retail and wholesale industries led her to launch the first to market wholesale subscription box for boutique retailers, which she built and sold within 18 months. Most recently Ciara has launched the Boutique Workshop, a coaching program for retailers. She has twice had the opportunity to testify before two U.S. Senate Committees regarding the “joint employer” standard for businesses and its effect on small businesses and franchises. Additionally, in 2015 she represented small businesses at a White House Summit on Worker Voice and again in 2018 for a Summit on Economics. Ciara has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE, has held a seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council and is a Profit First Certified Coach. Through her coaching program, the Boutique Workshop, Ciara strives to motivate boutique owners to dream big and build simply. In her free time Ciara enjoys training for endurance races and most recently completed her first Ironman in Houston, Texas. She currently resides in Franklin, TN with her husband Jim, their two amazing children Harrison and Isabella and her Great Pyrenees Bentley. Learn more... https://ciarastockeland.com/ https://www.theboutiqueworkshop.com/ Instagram @cstockeland, @joinboutiqueworkshop https://www.linkedin.com/in/cstockeland/

Tax the Rich: Teachers' Fight to Fund Public Schools with Kelly Goodman Education is among the largest public expenditures in the United States. How is school funding determined, and by whom? Between 1930 and 1980, teachers organized with allies to create new streams of funding to support public education, while their opponents counter-organized to reduce the ability of state governments to collect taxes and fund public services. By the end of the era, anti-tax interests have gained the ascendant, divided the pro-tax coalition, and put teachers on their back heel. Kelly Goodman, adjunct professor at West Chester University, uncovers this tale as it unfolded in California and Michigan with innovative archival research and original analysis. Using the National Association of Manufacturers and the United States Chamber of Commerce collections held at the Hagley Library, Dr. Goodman did real detective work to piece together the reaction against progressive taxation organized by business interests. The pro-business, anti-tax community organized systems to develop and promote model legislation, which enabled it to assume leadership over public policy decisions. For more Hagley History Hangouts, and more information on the Center for the History of Business, Technology, & Society at the Hagley Museum & Library, visit us online at www.hagley.org.

Mr. Probolsky is President of Probolsky Research, a full service opinion research firm specializing in market research and opinion research on elections and public policy, working on behalf of business, government, non-profit, special interest and media clients.Mr. Probolsky has acted as pollster and strategic advisor on hundreds of successful crisis communications and public affairs projects, local, county and statewide initiatives and candidate campaigns as well as citizen outreach and education efforts. Additionally, Mr. Probolsky has been a key advisor to the firm's clients on matters of public policy, legislation and business strategy.Probolsky was both a planning and finance commissioner for the City of Irvine where he oversaw and approved billions of dollars in private development and public infrastructure projects. As a past chairman of the Irvine Valley College Foundation, he has overseen the fundraising and the award of hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students and funding for college police. He was also a member of the Orange County Waste & Recycling Commission where he oversaw landfills, recycling programs, waste hauling companies and power generating facilities. As a member of the Orange County Transportation Authority's Environmental Mitigation and Oversight Committee, he oversaw the expenditure of over $175 million dollars in public transportation funds.He previously served as a board member and development committee chairman for Jewish Family Service of Orange County, a non-profit organization that serves families in need, and volunteered for nearly eight years with the Orange County Sheriff's Department as a spokesperson.Probolsky formerly served as a member of the Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment of the United States Chamber of Commerce.Mr. Probolsky's research and commentary has been published in numerous media outlets including The New York Times, Riverside Press-Enterprise, The Chicago Sun-Times, the Orange County Register, and Politico, and the San Francisco Chronicle.Website  - Probolksy ResearchAdam's Twitter - @AdamProbolskySales Bluebird for leaders and go-to-market teams at cyber security startupsTips, tricks, ideas and inspiration from legendary cyber security CEOs and CROsListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Having the right people in your corner can make a huge difference in accomplishing a goal! Ciara Stockeland, The Boutique Workshop founder and owner, has taken the knowledge and experience that she has gained from owning a small business and is helping others achieve their goals. From inventory to numbers, she helps boutiques and small business owners analyze all the things they need to be successful. About the Guest: Ciara Stockeland, has owned and operated businesses since her early teens. As a serial entrepreneur, her business mindset and tenacity led her to open her first store, Mama Mia, a high-end maternity store located in Fargo, ND in 2006. Shortly after, she developed and opened MODE, a designer outlet store located next to Mama Mia. In 2008, Ciara chose to merge her two concepts into MODE and developed the concept into a franchise. Her vast experience in both retail and wholesale industries led her to launch the first to market wholesale subscription box for boutique retailers, which she built and sold within 18 months. Most recently Ciara has launched the Boutique Workshop, a coaching program for retailers. She currently resides in Franklin, TN with her husband Jim, their two amazing children Harrison and Isabella, and her Great Pyrenees Bentley. Ciara has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE and most recently was awarded the Outstanding Franchise Small Business Award. She is active with SCORE, an organization that is the largest network of expert business mentors across the nation. Additionally, Ciara has been an active member of the International Franchise Association and an advocate for small businesses with her seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. She has twice had the opportunity to testify before two U.S. Senate Committees regarding the “joint employer” standard for businesses and its effect on small businesses and franchises. Additionally, in 2015 she represented small businesses at a White House Summit on Worker Voice and again in 2018 for a Summit on Economics. Through her coaching program, the Boutique Workshop, Ciara strives to motivate boutique owners to dream big and build simply. She was recognized by Prairie Business Magazine in 2015 as a recipient of the 40 under 40 for her leadership in business and its 2016 40 Under 40 Women in Business. Website: https://ciarastockeland.com/ Workshop: https://www.theboutiqueworkshop.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cstockeland/ https://www.instagram.com/joinboutiqueworkshop/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cstockeland/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/boutiqueworkshop About the Host: Following the crumbs in the chaos is a full time job. As a busy mom of three, a wife to a traveling hubby, and keeping it weird in Austin, Texas, it's safe to say that my life is never boring. In addition to running my coaching business as C'N'C's CEO, I'm a certified coach for a premier virtual fitness and nutrition program helping others feel better while sustaining a healthy lifestyle. My mom and dad are thrilled that I'm putting my Exercise Science degree to good use. Along with my experience training pro athletes, S.W.A.T. members, and a high school football team, I gained 10+ years experience as the Director of Marketing building multiple court reporting companies. Lastly, I am a published writer, Content Coordinator, and Account Executive for a publication by Best Version Media. They even gave me a monthly “How to” column where I teach others how to be more self-sufficient with common household tasks. Every woman should know how their home functions and what to do if something malfunctions, man or no man. With my husband on the road, searching “How To” on the internet has transformed me into a “Mommy MacGyver”. “I don't know how you have the time.” “You're like a Supermom!” These are common things that people say, but the truth is that life hasn't always been easy or pretty....

Welcome to the Conscious Millionaire Show for entrepreneurs,  who want to create an abundant future for themselves and humanity. Heard by millions in 190 countries.  Do you want to put more money in the bank, create a powerful impact, and enjoy a purposeful life? This is the podcast for you! Join host, JV Crum III, as he goes inside the minds of Millionaire Entrepreneurs and World-Class Business Experts. Today's featured episode... Connie Pheiff: Create Emotional Engagement with Your Audience Connie Pheiff began her exploration of making her mark as the former CEO of Girl Scouts, and Director at the United States Chamber of Commerce. Today, she is a primetime radio host, speaker, coach, and author of multiple books, released in six countries. Connie has been featured in print, radio and television, regularly introducing features on big ideas, and making your mark. Like this Podcast? Get every episode delivered to you free!  Subscribe in iTunes Download Your Free Money-Making Gift Now... "Born to Make Millions" Hypnotic Audio - Click Here Now! Please help spread the word. Subscribing and leaving a review helps others find our podcast. Thanks so much! Inc Magazine "Top 13 Business Podcasts." Conscious Millionaire Network has over 3,000 episodes and millions of listeners in 190 countries. Join us as a regular listener to get money-making secrets on how you can grow your business and profits faster! 

Welcome to the Conscious Millionaire Show for entrepreneurs,  who want to create an abundant future for themselves and humanity. Heard by millions in 190 countries.  Do you want to put more money in the bank, create a powerful impact, and enjoy a purposeful life? This is the podcast for you! Join host, JV Crum III, as he goes inside the minds of Millionaire Entrepreneurs and World-Class Business Experts. Today's featured episode... Connie Pheiff: Create Emotional Engagement with Your Audience Connie Pheiff began her exploration of making her mark as the former CEO of Girl Scouts, and Director at the United States Chamber of Commerce. Today, she is a primetime radio host, speaker, coach, and author of multiple books, released in six countries. Connie has been featured in print, radio and television, regularly introducing features on big ideas, and making your mark. Like this Podcast? Get every episode delivered to you free!  Subscribe in iTunes Download Your Free Money-Making Gift Now... "Born to Make Millions" Hypnotic Audio - Click Here Now! Please help spread the word. Subscribing and leaving a review helps others find our podcast. Thanks so much! Inc Magazine "Top 13 Business Podcasts." Conscious Millionaire Network has over 3,000 episodes and millions of listeners in 190 countries. Join us as a regular listener to get money-making secrets on how you can grow your business and profits faster! 

Hour 2 -  Nick Reed talks about a variety of topics in the news, including: The cop who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt was never interviewed by investigators, and is now back in charge of House security. The Wall Street Journal has an opinion piece about Hillary Clinton's 2024 Election comeback. House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy says the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has no place in the modern Republican Party and that the big business lobby is not going to be welcome back if and when Republicans are back in power. The United States Chamber of Commerce CEO Suzanne Clark says the U.S. ought to import twice as many foreign workers and provide amnesty to illegal aliens for the purpose of inflating the labor market, providing business with an endless flow of cheap labor and more consumers.

Allie Williams & Russell Lacey – The Truman Charities Podcast: A Community of Caring with Jamie Truman Episode 32 Allie Williams & Russell Lacey. President of Electric Advisors, Russell Lacey has been an active part of the business community for over 20 years. Before starting Electric Advisors, he managed the production offices for bank-owned mortgage operations for CitiBank, Chase Manhattan, and Washington Mutual.  During those years he was, and continues to be, involved in business community activity through various chambers of commerce and professional organizations related to his field of employment. Russell has a strong commitment to the growth of the company, the retention of the customer base, and the continuation of excellent customer service. With a strong commitment to the community as well, Russell is also active in his local Rotary Club and is the incoming President of the Greater Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce.  Allie Williams brings more than 20 years' experience as an association executive spending time at the helm of the Title VII Administrators Association, and Corporate Responsibility Association. He was the Director of Organizational Development at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and Director of the Office of Chamber of Commerce Relations at the United States Chamber of Commerce. During his years in the Chamber of Commerce community, Allie developed and implemented first-class products and services related to membership structures, event management, leadership training, advocacy, and economic development. He built rapport and strong relationships with leaders from thousands of State, Metropolitan and Local Chambers across the United States and Canada. Listen to this uplifting Truman Charities episode with Allie Williams & Russell Lacey about the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce and its contributions to the local community.  Here is what to expect on this week's show: Why Allie decided to become the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce's President and CEO. Information on Allie's monthly Educational Seminar Series. Why Russell decided to become the Chair of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce. Information on Russell's Business After Hours Networking events this fall. Social Media Links: Website- https://www.greaterbethesdachamber.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 3 -  Nick Reed talks about a variety of topics in the news, including: Nick shares a piece from The Federalist on how 31 Republicans helped Democrats take over the country. You can read that piece by clicking here. A total of 32 House and Senate Republicans helped push President Joe Biden's $1.2 trillion infrastructure package over the finish line, most of whom have been showered with campaign cash from the leading lobbying group behind the bill — the United States Chamber of Commerce. ALSO -  Wes Scroggins joins Nick Reed this morning: Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 20th, for a Vaccine Mandate Rally in Jefferson City. The rally will take place at 10 a.m. at the state capitol in the Rotunda. This rally is being organized by Mike Moon.

Welcome back to the podcast, y'all. I am super excited today to be speaking with Ciara Stockeland, a serial entrepreneur and a Profit First certified coach. If you haven't heard of Profit First, I am a big believer in it and can't wait to dive into this conversation. Through her coaching program called The Boutique Workshop, Ciara strives to motivate boutique owners to dream big and build simply.   If you're wondering why we are talking about boutiques on an interior design podcast and what that has to do with you, believe me, you'll want to tune in and listen because there are some great nuggets of information in this episode that I know will help you in your entrepreneurial journey.   Ciara has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE and most recently was awarded the Outstanding Franchise Small Business Award. She is active with SCORE, an organization that is the largest network of expert business mentors across the nation. Additionally, Ciara has been an active member of the International Franchise Association and an advocate for small businesses with her seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. She has twice had the opportunity to testify before two U.S. Senate Committees regarding the “joint employer” standard for businesses and its effect on small businesses and franchises. Additionally, in 2015 she represented small businesses at a White House Summit on Worker Voice and again in 2018 for a Summit on Economics.   You can follow Ciara on Instagram @Cstockeland and check out her websites www.theboutiqueworkshop.com and www.ciarastockeland.com   Thank you to our sponsors for their support!  Satanoff Insurance is focused on face-to-face connections and customized coverage … Be sure to tell them we sent you!  Foyr Interior Design Software helps you create 3D floor plans & Interior Designs … Check them out!  To stay in touch with Michelle, please follow her on Instagram and join our Free Facebook Community!   Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show?  Email me!

Welcome back to the podcast, y'all. I am super excited today to be speaking with Ciara Stockeland, a serial entrepreneur and a Profit First certified coach. If you haven't heard of Profit First, I am a big believer in it and can't wait to dive into this conversation. Through her coaching program called The Boutique Workshop, Ciara strives to motivate boutique owners to dream big and build simply.   If you're wondering why we are talking about boutiques on an interior design podcast and what that has to do with you, believe me, you'll want to tune in and listen because there are some great nuggets of information in this episode that I know will help you in your entrepreneurial journey.   Ciara has been recognized as a Small Business Champion through SCORE and most recently was awarded the Outstanding Franchise Small Business Award. She is active with SCORE, an organization that is the largest network of expert business mentors across the nation. Additionally, Ciara has been an active member of the International Franchise Association and an advocate for small businesses with her seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. She has twice had the opportunity to testify before two U.S. Senate Committees regarding the “joint employer” standard for businesses and its effect on small businesses and franchises. Additionally, in 2015 she represented small businesses at a White House Summit on Worker Voice and again in 2018 for a Summit on Economics.   You can follow Ciara on Instagram @Cstockeland and check out her websites www.theboutiqueworkshop.com and www.ciarastockeland.com   Thank you to our sponsors for their support!  Satanoff Insurance is focused on face-to-face connections and customized coverage … Be sure to tell them we sent you!  Foyr Interior Design Software helps you create 3D floor plans & Interior Designs … Check them out!  To stay in touch with Michelle, please follow her on Instagram and join our Free Facebook Community!   Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show?  Email me!

Ravi Kumar S., President, Infosys, in conversation with Thomas J. Donohue as they discuss the synergy needed between government & businesses for rapid development of digital skills of the future.

With excitement, allow me to introduce to you today's guest, President of Rapoport Restaruant Group, Inc, Burt Rapoport. A visionary, third-generation restaurant aficionado, award-winning restaurateur Burt Rapoport has led an impressive legacy in the South Florida restaurant scene for over three decades. Rapoport started his career in New York City, where his family owned and operated a successful kosher dairy restaurant for fifty years. President of Rapoport’s Restaurant Group in Boca Raton, Florida, he is recognized for his dedication to providing high-quality cuisine for a good value, a warm and welcoming ambiance, and truly attentive service at all of his restaurants. An industry leader revered for his progressive vision, management style, and hospitality expertise, he was on the board of the South Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) and he served on the advisory board for Johnson & Wales, the largest culinary university in the United States, for over ten years. He is also a Trustee for the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. A Boca Raton, Florida, resident, Burt enjoys traveling, swimming, and surfing. He holds the title of 2017 Power Leader in Hospitality and 2016 South Florida Ultimate CEO by the South Florida Business Journal, 2008 “Business Leader of the Year” by Boca Raton’s Chamber of Commerce, 2007 “Restaurateur of the Year” by Gold Life Boca, Gold Coast and Palm Beacher Magazines, and has won numerous Readers’ Choice Awards from Boca Raton Magazine for each of his restaurant concepts including Favorite Restaurant, Best Service, Best Business Lunch, Best Dining Entertainment, Best Fine Dining and Best Outdoor Dining. Not only recognized locally but on a national level, Rapoport’s Restaurant Group won the 2013 Southeast DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award and the national Community Excellence Award, recognizing a small business’ community commitment, presented by the United States Chamber of Commerce. He was also honored by his alma mater, Arizona State University, when he was inducted in their Sun Devil 100 program in 2016, which honors university alumni business leaders and entrepreneurs. Rapoport’s Restaurant Group was also recognized by Restaurant Hospitality magazine in 2018 as one of the RH 25: Coolest Multi Concept Companies. Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: The answer is yes. Now, what's the question? In today's episode with Burt Rapaport we will discuss: Third generation restaurateur Standards Discipline Scaling Don't grow too fast Advice about HR Educational speakers for your staff Dissolving a partnership Today's sponsor: At Popmenu, we know that in today’s world, a great hospitality experience usually begins online. Keeping the conversation with guests going beyond the meal also requires simple, powerful, fun technology capable of expression through all kinds of channels. Our team takes pride in helping restaurants put their best foot forward digitally so they can focus on what they do best. We think PDF menus are super boring, we believe 3rd party platforms have had too much say in how consumers find their next dining experience and we deeply feel that sharing your beautiful menu doesn’t have to be so difficult, time-consuming and expensive. As a listener of the Restaurant Unstoppable, you'll receive $100 off your first month of Popmenu! 7shifts is a modern labor management platform, designed by restaurateurs, for restaurateurs. Effectively labor management is more important than ever to ensure profitability and restaurant success. Trusted by over 400,000 restaurant professionals, 7shifts gives you the tools you need to streamline labor operations, communicate with your team, and retain your talent. Best of all 7shifts integrates with the POS and Payroll systems you already use and trust (like Toast!) turning labor into a competitive advantage for your business. Restaurant Unstoppable members get 3 months, absolutely free. P&G ProfessionalTM offers innovative total foodservice solutions featuring trusted brands such as Dawn® Professional, Cascade® Professional, Spic and Span® and Comet®. We are unique in that our total solutions are founded in customer and patron understanding, superior products that help save time and cut overall costs, and a five-star service group that is compensated based on customer satisfaction, not commissions. Visit www.pgpro.com for the latest information about P&G Professional's solutions and services.     Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Self-discipline What is your biggest weakness? Too optimistic What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Do I like them? What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Finding enough good team members to staff our restaurants Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. If I have to do your job, what do I need you for? What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? "Drink through it." If the power goes out at 8pm, have a party. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Setting the Table by Danny Meyer 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey  GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM  What's one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Give back to the community Name one service you've hired. Scott Berger - Food Safety and Sanitation Inspections What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations? Spot On-POS If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be? Life is short so enjoy it Treat people how you want to be treated Be honest Contact info: Rapaport's Restaurant Group website Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Burt Rapaport for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!   Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

This is part two of our two-part series where we'll continue our conversation about plumbing resiliency with Dave Viola, CEO of IAPMO, Billy Smith, executive director and CEO of ASPE, and Kerry Stackpole, executive director and CEO of PMI. If you missed part one, we suggest you go back and listen to that episode before continuing here.Viola has more than 30 years' experience as an international executive with an emphasis on water, resilience, safety and efficiency. He took over as IAPMO's chief executive officer on Jan. 1 after serving as chief operating officer for more than six years. He has been with IAPMO since 2007. Prior to joining IAPMO, he served as the technical director for PMI, where he oversaw education, code and product standard development, product certification, and water efficiency.To learn more about IAPMO, visit https://www.iapmo.org. Viola is also on LinkedIn and Twitter. He's happy to have listeners reach out at dave.viola@iapmo.org. Smith has served ASPE as the executive director and chief executive officer since Feb. 1, 2015. ASPE is an international organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems. In 2012, Smith was bestowed the society's highest honor by being inducted into the college of fellows and received ASPE's Distinguished Service Award. As executive director and CEO, he is responsible for the administration, management and financial operations of ASPE, as well as implementing the policies and procedures established by its board of directors. Smith continues to build and maintain relationships with other industry organizations to ensure that the public's health and safety are kept at the forefront of legislation and regulations.To learn more about ASPE, visit https://www.aspe.org. ASPE also has Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook accounts, all of which are shown on ASPE's  website. Everyone is welcome to reach out to Smith at bsmith@aspe.org.Stackpole is executive director and CEO of PMI, a trade association for manufacturers providing 90% of plumbing fixtures and fittings in North America, and representing more than 150 different brands. Previously, he was an advanced lead for the Executive Office of the President of the United States in Washington, D.C. He is a certified association executive and Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives. Stackpole is a graduate of the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organization Management and he earned a master's degree in education from Cambridge College.To learn more about PMI, visit https://www.safeplumbing.org. You can find PMI on Twitter at @safeplumbing. Stackpole is always happy to respond to email and enjoys conversation. He can be reached at kstackpole@safeplumbing.org.  To learn more about “The Authority Podcast” and to subscribe on your podcast app of choice, visit https://www.iapmo.org/theauthoritypodcast.

This is part one of a two-part episode in which we'll be speaking about plumbing resiliency with Dave Viola, CEO of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Billy Smith, executive director and CEO of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE); and Kerry Stackpole, executive director and CEO of Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI).This week, we'll continue our conversation on plumbing resiliency and take a look at the big-picture impact that plumbing has on public health and safety.Viola has more than 30 years' experience as an international executive with an emphasis on water, resilience, safety and efficiency. He took over as IAPMO's chief executive officer on Jan. 1 after serving as chief operating officer for more than six years. He has been with IAPMO since 2007. Prior to joining IAPMO, he served as the technical director for PMI, where he oversaw education, code and product standard development, product certification, and water efficiency.To learn more about IAPMO, visit https://www.iapmo.org.Smith has served ASPE as the executive director and chief executive officer since Feb. 1, 2015. ASPE is an international organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems. In 2012, Smith was bestowed the society's highest honor by being inducted into the college of fellows and received ASPE's Distinguished Service Award. As executive director and CEO, he is responsible for the administration, management and financial operations of ASPE, as well as implementing the policies and procedures established by its board of directors. Smith continues to build and maintain relationships with other industry organizations to ensure that the public's health and safety are kept at the forefront of legislation and regulations.To learn more about ASPE, visit https://www.aspe.org.Stackpole is executive director and CEO of PMI, a trade association for manufacturers providing 90% of plumbing fixtures and fittings in North America, and representing more than 150 different brands. Previously, he was an advanced lead for the Executive Office of the President of the United States in Washington, D.C. He is a certified association executive and Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives. Stackpole is a graduate of the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organization Management and he earned a master's degree in education from Cambridge College.To learn more about PMI, visit https://www.safeplumbing.org.To learn more about “The Authority Podcast” and to subscribe on your podcast app of choice, visit https://www.iapmo.org/theauthoritypodcast.

In this episode, Adam Roseman interviews Marc Freedman. Marc discusses his role as the Vice President of Employment Policy for the United States Chamber of Commerce, how the Chamber supports its members with workplace safety and health issues, OSHA under the new administration, whether OSHA will issue an emergency temporary standard (ETS) related to COVID-19, and, if it does, what requirements the ETS is likely going to include.

ABOUT: Bryan Starr is president and CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber, one of the largest chambers of commerce in California, overseeing economic development, and tourism for the organization as well as the Irvine Chamber Education Foundation. Each of these areas has resulted in a significant economic impact for greater Irvine and Irvine area businesses. Under Starr’s leadership, the Chamber has earned numerous honors, including a Five-Star Accreditation, the highest rating awarded by the United States Chamber of Commerce; the President’s E-Award for Export Service; and the US Small Business Administration’s Community Excellence Chamber Award. He has led the Chamber in its role as a key steward of the Irvine Master Plan, by convening business, community, civic, non-profit, and education partners to sustain the economic health of the city. Starr was elected to serve on the 2019-2020 Board of Directors for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an association of more than 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce nationally. He also serves on the Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, a group of chamber executives that represents their members to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Major Cities Council; and the Board of Directors of Los Angeles Chargers player Melvin Gordon’s Beyond the Flash Foundation, which provides economically challenged students with educational opportunities and resources to succeed. In 2019, Starr was named Executive of the Year by the Western Association of Chamber Executives, and among Orange County’s most influential people by the Orange County Business Journal. Prior to leading the Chamber, Starr served as senior vice president to Orange County Business Council, and earlier as CEO of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, Orange County Chapter. Starr has served on numerous public boards including Orange County Council of Governments, OC Waste, and Recycling, the City of Irvine’s Green Ribbon Commission, and was a founding board member of the Irvine Community Land Trust. Starr received his Bachelor of Arts in political science, with honors, from San Diego State University, and is a Veteran of the United States Coast Guard. STAY CONNECTED: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-s-66494810/ __________________ Thank you again for joining us today! If you know anybody that would benefit from this episode please share it with them and help spread the knowledge and motivation. Don’t forget to show your support for the Rise Up For You Podcast by writing a review on iTunes. Your feedback helps the success of our show and pushes us to continuously be better! Check out www.riseupforyou.com for more podcast episodes, webinars, events, and more to help you get to the next level in your personal and professional life! You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Youtube @riseupforyou Looking for more support? Grab your free coaching call with our team completely FREE! Bring your questions about Confidence, Leadership or Business and we will assign you the best coach to provide customizable support. SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL HERE calendly.com/riseupforyou/coaching

Did you know that a Spanish company makes the systems that guide 90% of the airplanes in the world? This week's guest, we have Juan Carlos Pereira, Executive Director of the Spain-United States Chamber of Commerce. They are celebrating 40 years anniversary of operating here in Miami. This chamber is one of the most active chambers we have in Miami. Juan Carlos will talk to us about some of history, the services they provide, and how they help companies. He will also explain the benefits of becoming a member. Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://forms.gle/LnjkteyU5SxvaVnu9 Direct contact with guest & Other Qs: miamiglobalnet@gmail.com Guest Contact & links: Spain-United States Chamber of Commerce https://spainuschamber.com

As a Foreign Service Officer, Mark Van Fleet learned about international trade and made life-long friendships that have advanced the aspirations of Indiana businesses. He served in Thailand, then 20 years in senior positions at The United States Chamber of Commerce. Why do some businesses grow internationally, while others do not?  The answer is here.     

Susie Carder is a globally recognized profitability coach and inventor of the Predictable Success Method™. Her radical business strategies have helped thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve exponential growth and triple their profits. As a private consultant, Carder coaches small business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs in professional management and efficiency to streamline channels of profit for companies. She is the former president and COO of Motivating the Masses, Inc., an international transformation and training company for small business owners led by Lisa Nichols. She and her business have been featured in The New York Times, the Associated Press, the United States Chamber of Commerce, and NBC News, and more. Episode Highlights: Susie talks about growing up with 9 siblings, and the economic hardships that pushed her to be an entrepreneur as a young child. Hear how being a “rebel” has helped her in business. Susie shares the fascinating story of going from cosmetology school to making a quarter of a million dollars as a hairdresser. Discover the importance of building something your customers need. Learn why you need to choose your tribe carefully. Get a behind the scenes of the new Power Your Profits book. 3 Key Points: Let clients direct what products you release Don’t be so egotistical to think you know everything. Always try to create win-wins. Tweetable Quotes: “15% of your financial success is the technical ability, the other 85% is the sales, the marketing, the operations, and the finance.” “Sometimes our best learning lessons come wrapped in sand paper.” Resources Mentioned: poweryourprofitsbook.com (poweryourprofitsbook.com@susiecarder) susiecarder.com (https://www.susiecarder.com/) instagram.com/SusieCarder (https://www.instagram.com/SusieCarder/) facebook.com/SusieCarder (https://www.facebook.com/SusieCarder/) twitter.com/susiecarder (https://twitter.com/susiecarder) linkedin.com/in/susiecarder (linkedin.com/in/susiecarder) Visit Travis’ website at travischappell.com (https://create.acast.com/episodes/3b48e6da-a672-4e83-9897-ddefc4e88bc7/travischappell.com) Join the Build Your Network Facebook group travischappell.com/group (https://create.acast.com/episodes/3b48e6da-a672-4e83-9897-ddefc4e88bc7/travischappell.com/group)

Welcome to episode #710 of Six Pixels of Separation. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #710 - Host: Mitch Joel. I had the opportunity to speak for the largest newspaper and media association a few years back, just as they were repositioning and changing their brand name to the News Media Alliance. The President and CEO of the association was (and still is) David Chavern. We had a great discussion (debate) about the current state of media and journalism side-stage before my keynote. When the opportunity presented itself to record a conversation with David, I jumped at it. Fake news, the distrust of media, Twitter account raging heads of state, printing the news, finding facts over editorializing, the impact of social media on news and distribution, and much more. News Media Alliance is the new industry's largest trade association. David joined the Alliance as president and CEO in October 2015. In addition to developing an entirely new brand and identity for the organization, David has been intensely focused on telling the powerful – and optimistic – story of the news industry. David built a career spanning thirty years in executive, strategic and operational roles, and most recently completed a decade-long tenure at the United States Chamber of Commerce. From 2014 to 2015, he served as the President of the Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation at the Chamber. From 2007 through 2014, David was the Chamber’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. As you can imagine, we have a lot of ground to cover. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 58:14. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at iTunes. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with David Chavern. News Media Alliance. United States Chamber of Commerce. Follow David on Instagram. Follow David on Twitter. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Rod Arquette Show Daily Rundown - Wednesday, January 15, 20204:20 pm: John Bresnahan of Politico joins the program to discuss how Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is strategizing with other Senators and the White House ahead of the impeachment trial4:35 pm: Tyler O’Neil, Assistant Editor at PJ Media, joins the program for a recap of last night’s Democratic Presidential debate6:05 pm: Boyd Matheson, Opinion Editor for the Deseret News, joins Rod for their weekly conversation about the world of politics6:20 pm: Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce President Derek Miller joins Rod to discuss a report for the United States Chamber that says Utah is facing a worker shortage with fewer than three workers available for every four open jobs

The CSIS Technology Policy Program invites you to a discussion and release of a new report on the state of China's AI innovation ecosystem.  Around the world policymakers have recognized the critical importance of AI to economic growth and competitiveness, as well as national power. Few countries have embraced this view as fervently as China. China sees an opportunity to catapult itself into a position of global leadership in the AI age. The world has taken notice. AI has taken center stage in the “technology cold war” between the United States and China, and the “AI race” between them has become a central theme in global debates around the future of emerging technologies. Please join us for an interactive discussion with senior experts on the state of the Chinese AI ecosystem, and how the U.S. should respond to China’s progress in AI.  This report launch is part of the China Innovation Policy Series, and made possible by support from our partners: Microsoft Corporation, the General Electric Foundation, the United States Chamber of Commerce, the Semiconductor Industry Association, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

Ravi Kumar S., President, Infosys, in conversation with Thomas J. Donohue as they discuss the synergy needed between government & businesses for rapid development of digital skills of the future.

In the 2nd week of the West Virginia Legislative Session, Mark Curtis talks to policymakers and influencers about the legalization of marijuana, creating an intermediate Court of Appeals, and West Virginia sending $10 million to help fund the border wall. In Segment 1, Delegate Caleb Hanna (R-Webster) speaks about his idea to give President Trump $10,000,000 of West Virginia's almost $200,000,000 surplus for the border wall. In Segment 2, Delegate Shawn Fluharty (D-Ohio) speaks against border wall funding and also about fixes for medical marijuana law. In Segment 3, Danielle Waltz, of the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform, speaks in favor of West Virginia creating an intermediate Court of Appeals. In Segment 4, State Senator Mike Romano (D-Harrison) speaks against creating an intermediate Court of Appeals and in support of legalizing recreational cannabis. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

US Chamber of Commerce State of American Business @SutherlandFox : Rachel Sutherland is Fox News Radio's Washington DC correspondent with insight into the annual "State of American Business" address by US Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue. Donohue is President and CEO of the United States Chamber of Commerce, located in Washington, D.C. The Chamber of Commerce supports pro-business causes and is the largest and oldest trade association in the United States.

People in power tell us constantly that China is a threat but... Why? In this episode, we explore the big picture reasons why China poses a threat to those in power in the United States and what our Congress is doing to combat that threat. Spoiler alert: There's a another U.S. military build-up involved. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Click here to contribute monthly or a lump sum via PayPal Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North, Number 4576, Crestview, FL 32536 Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD116: TPP - The Environment Chapter CD115: TPP - Access to Medicine CD114: Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Investment Chapter CD095: Secret International Regulations (TPA & TPP) CD060: Fast Track for TPP CD053: TPP - The Leaked Chapter CD052: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Bills/Laws H.R. 5105: BUILD Act of 2018 Became law as a part of H.R. 302: FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 BUILD Act text from FAA law Purposes for which support may be provided The new bank “may designate private, nonprofit organizations as eligible to receive support… to promote development of economic freedom and private sectors” and “to complement the work of the United States Agency for International Development and other donors to improve the overall business enabling environment, financing the creation and expansion of the private business sector.”  Powers of the new development bank The bank “shall have such other powers as may be necessary and incident to carrying out the functions of the Corporation” S. 2736: Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018 Sec. 101: Policy “Promotes American prosperity and economic interests by advancing economic growth and development of a rules-based Indo-Pacific economic community”  Sec 102: Diplomatic Strategy To support the “Association of Southeast Asian Nations”, “Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation”, and the “East Asia Summit” #1: Emphasize our commitment to “freedom of navigation under international law”  #7 : "Develop and grow the economy through private sector partnerships between the United States and Indo-Pacific partners" #8: “To pursue multilateral and bilateral trade agreements … and build a network of partners in the Indo-Pacific committee to free markets”  #9: To work with Indo-Pacific countries to pursue infrastructure projects and “to maintain unimpeded commerce, open sea lines or air ways, and communications”  Sec. 201: Authorization of Appropriations Authorizes $1.5 billion for each fiscal year 2019 through 2023 to be divided among the State Dept., USAID, and the Defense Dept.  Congressional Budget Office: The total authorization is almost $8.6 billion The money is allowed to be used for “foreign military financing and international military education and training programs”  The money is allowed to be used “to help partner countries strengthen their democratic systems”  The money is allowed to be used to “encourage responsible natural resource management in partner countries, which is closely associated with economic growth”  Sec. 205: United States-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Sense of Congress expressing the value of “strategic economic initiatives, such as activities under the United States-ASEAN Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement and the United States-ASEAN Connect, which demonstrate a commitment to ASEAN and the ASEAN Economic Community and build upon economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific region." Sec. 209: Commitment to Taiwan “The President should conduct regular transfers of defense articles to Taiwan”  Sec 213 Freedom of Navigation and Overflight; Promotion of International Law “It is the sense of Congress that the President should develop a diplomatic strategy that includes working with United States allies and partners to conduct joint maritime training and freedom of navigation operations in the Indo-Pacific region, including the East China Sea and the South China Sea, in support of a rules-based international system benefitting all countries.”  Sec. 215: Cybersecurity Cooperation Authorizes $100 million for each year (2019-2023) to “enhance cooperation between the United States and Indo-Pacific nations for the purposes of combatting cybersecurity threats.”  Sec. 301: Findings; Sense of Congress Free trade agreements between the United States and three nations in the Indo-Pacific region have entered into force: Australia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea  According to the National Security Strategy, the United States will “work with partners to build a network of stated dedicated to free markets and protected from forces that would subvert their sovereignty.”  Sec. 304: Trade Capacity Building and Trade Facilitation (a) “The President is encouraged to produce a robust and comprehensive trade capacity building and trade facilitation strategy, including leveling the playing field for American companies competing in the Indo-Pacific region.”  Authorization of Appropriations:“There are authorized to be appropriated such amounts as many be necessaryto carry out subsection (a)."  Sec. 305: Intellectual Property Protection The President “should” take “all appropriate action to deter and punish commercial cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property” and orders a report on the government’s efforts to do so.  Authorization of Appropriations: “There are authorized to be appropriated to the United States Trade Representative such amounts as may be necessary  to sponsor bilateral and multilateral activities designed to build capacity in the identified priority areas” in the report  Sec. 306: Energy Programs and Initiatives Orders the President to create a strategy, updated every 5 years, to “encourage” Indo-Pacific countries to “implement national power strategies and cooperation with United States energy companies and the Department of Energy national laboratories”  Authorization of Appropriations: $1 million per year from 2019 through 2023 Sense of Congress: “the United States should explore opportunities to partner with the private sector and multilateral institutions, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, to promote universal access to reliable electricity in the Indo-Pacific region, including Myanmar (Burma)" Sec. 409: Authorization of Appropriations $210 million each year (2019-2023) to “promote democracy” and the money can be given to “universities, civil society, and multilateral institutions that are focusing on education awareness, training, and capacity building.” This money can be spent to “promote democracy” in China.  Sec. 411: Young Leaders People-to-People Initiatives Authorizes $25 million per year (2019-2023) to support the “Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, the ASEAN Youth Volunteers program, and other people-to-people exchange programs that focus on building the capacity of democracy, human rights, and good governance activities in the Indo-Pacific region.”  Sec. 412: Savings Program “Nothing in this Act may be construed as authorizing the use of military force.”  HR 5515: John S. McCain National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2019 Sec. 1252 Amends the NDAA for 2016, which authorized the South China Sea Initiative providing military equipment and training to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, to change the name of the program to the “Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative” and expands the authorization to include the Indian Ocean in addition to the South China Sea and the countries of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Adds India to the list of countries allowed to be paid for expenses, along with Brunei, Singapore, and Taiwan. Extends the expiration date from September 30, 2020 to December 31, 2025.  Sec. 1253 Changes the name of the military build-up authorized in NDAA 2018 from the “Indo-Asia-Pacific Stability Initiative” to the “Indo-Pacific Stability Initiative”. Changes the activities authorized to include an increase in “rotational and forward presence” of the US Armed Forces and adds the prepositioning of “munitions” in addition to equipment. Expands the options for funding by removing the requirement that funding come “only” from a section 1001 transfer authority. Requires a 5 year plan be submitted to Congress by the Secretary of Defense by March 1, 2019.  Public Law 115-91: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 Sec 1251  Authorized the “Indo-Asia-Pacific Stability Initiative” to “increase the presence and capabilities” of the United States Armed Forces in the region by building new infrastructure, “enhance the storage and pre-positioning in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region of equipment of the United States Forces”, and with military training and exercises with allies.    Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Democracy Promotion in a Challenging World Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, June 14, 2018. Transcript Watch on YouTube Witnesses: Carl Gershman - National Endowment for Democracy: President Daniel Twining - International Republican Institute: President Kenneth Wollack - National Democratic Institute: President Timestamps & Transcripts  1:43:38 Representative Michael McCaul (TX): I had a briefing yesterday in a classified setting on ZTE and Huawei, and their efforts to conduct espionage in this country. I’ve also seen them in Sri Lanka where they have burdened them with so much debt that they had to turn over a strategic port to the Chinese. We see the Chinese now in Djibouti for the first time, and we see them leveraging the continent of Africa into so much debt that they will be able to eventually take over these countries. They exploit them. They bring in their own workers—they don’t even hire the host countries’ workers—and they export their natural resources in what is this One Belt, One Road policy. 1:45:00 Carl Gershman: In March, The Economist magazine had a cover story on China, and the bottom line of the cover story was—and this is a direct quote—‘‘The West’s 25-year bet on China has failed.’’ The bet was that if China was brought into the World Trade Organization, was encouraged to grow economically, it would become a more liberal society and be part of the liberal world order. 1:46:26 Carl Gershman: It’s a problem with the Belt and Road Initiative, which is not just an economic expansion. This is intimately tied to China’s geopolitical and military strategy precisely to get strategic ports in Sri Lanka or in Maldives because countries fall into the debt trap and pay back by leasing their ports. 1:58:05 Representative Ted Yoho (FL): They’re a form of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and, as we all know, that’s communism. Our form of government empowers the people. Empowered people reach their full potential. China empowers the government where the people are suppressed for the benefit of the government. 2:00:10 Daniel Twining: It’s the surveillance architecture. This Orwellian total surveillance state they’re building with artificial intelligence and facial recognition and all this stuff. It’s very attractive, as you say, not to people but to leaders. 2:07:52 Representative Ted Poe (TX): Globally, what do you personally see is the number-one entity that is a threat to democracy worldwide? Is it China? Is it Russia? Is it North Korea? Is it ISIS? Is it Iran? Pick one. Pick the one you think is the threat. Carl Gershman: China. Rep. Poe: China. Gershman: China. Rep. Poe: Mr. Twining. Daniel Twining: China. Rep. Poe: Mr. Wollack. Kenneth Wollack: Russia. Rep. Poe: Russia. Russia and China. Hearing: The China Challenge, Part 1: Economic Coercion as Statecraft, Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity, July 24, 2018. Witnesses: Dan Blumenthal: Director of Asian Studies and Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Ely Ratner: Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security Timestamps and Transcripts  33:49 Chairman Senator Cory Gardner (CO): This hearing will be the first hearing in a three-part series of hearings titled The China Challenge and will examine how the United States should respond to the challenge of a rising China that seeks to upend and supplant the U.S.-led liberal world order. 34:12 Chairman Senator Cory Gardner (CO): According to the National Security Strategy, for decades U.S. policy was rooted in the belief that support for China’s rise and for its integration into the post-war international order would liberalize China. Contrary to our hopes, China expanded its power at the expense of the sovereignty of others. According to the National Defense Strategy, the central challenge to U.S. prosperity and security is the reemergence of long-term strategic competition by what the National Security Strategy classifies as revisionist powers. It is increasingly clear that China and Russia want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model: gaining veto authority over other nations’ economic, diplomatic, and security decisions. 35:28 Chairman Senator Cory Gardner (CO): The question before us now is identifying the tools the United States has at its disposal to counter the disturbing developments posed by China’s less-than-peaceful rise. This is why Senator Markey and I and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors in the Senate joined in introducing the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, or ARIA, on April 24. The legislation sets a comprehensive policy framework to demonstrate U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and the rules-based international order. ARIA provides a comprehensive set of national security and economic policies to advance U.S. interests and goals in the Indo-Pacific region, including providing substantive U.S. resource commitments for these goals. I’m joined in this legislation on the committee by Senator Kaine, Senator Coons, Senator Cardin, Senator Markey, by Senator Rubio, and Senator Young, as well as Senators Sullivan and Perdue and Graham. 38:12 Chairman Senator Cory Gardner (CO): Our first witness is Senator—is Dan Blumenthal—I almost gave you a demotion there, Dan—who serves as director of Asian studies and resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Mr. Blumenthal has both served in and advised the U.S. government on China issues for nearly two decades. From 2001 to 2004 he served as senior director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia at the Department of Defense. Additionally, from 2006, 2012 he served as a commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, including holding the position of vice chair in 2007. 38:54 Chairman Senator Cory Gardner (CO): Our second witness today is Ely Ratner, who serves as the vice president and director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security. Mr. Ratner served from 2015 to 2017 as the deputy national security advisor to Vice President Joe Biden, and from 2011 to 2012 in the Office of Chinese and Mongolian Affairs at the State Department. He also previously worked in the U.S. Senate as a professional staff member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and in the office of Senator Joe Biden. 42:01 Dan Blumenthal: I have to state that the era of reform and opening in China is over. It’s been long over. It’s been over, probably for 10 years. And China is back to being run by state-owned enterprises that are related to the party. The private sector is diminishing. That provides the Chinese state with a lot more control over economic coercive policies. 49:27 Ely Ratner: First, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should hold hearings on the cost and benefits of rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Rejoining TPP is among the most important things we can do to advance our economic position in Asia and erode the effectiveness of China’s economic coercion. By contrast, U.S. withdrawal has done substantial damage to our standing in the region and is facilitating the development of a Chinese sphere of influence in Asia and beyond. Rejoining TPP would renew confidence in the credibility and commitment of the United States, help to re-route supply chains in the region, open new markets for U.S. companies, and ultimately reduce China’s economic leverage. 56:28 Senator Ed Markey (MA): And through its Belt and Road Initiative, BRI, China is burdening countries receiving infrastructure loans with debts so extreme that they begin to undermine their own very sovereignty. According to a recent New York Times report, this Belt and Road Initiative amounts to a debt trap for vulnerable countries around the world, fueling corruption and autocratic behavior in struggling democracies. 59:30 Senator Cory Gardner (CO): Mr. Blumenthal, you mentioned in your opening statement, you talked about the economic opening in China being over. Could you go into a little bit more detail of what you mean by that? Dan Blumenthal: So, the period of reform and opening, which Deng Xiaoping began in 1978 and allowed for the great growth of China, the great growth of the private sector, private-sector entrepreneurs and brought so many Chinese out of poverty and benefitted the world, ended, probably 10 years ago, the Chinese we now know. The Chinese have gone back to the state sector dominating, taking out room for entrepreneurs to grow. They’ve gone back to things like price controls. They’ve gone back to things like lending on the basis of non-market, non-profitable lending but rather through patronage from the party to state-owned enterprises. They certainly haven’t moved any further than they were 10, 12 years ago on market access, things that we’ve been pressing for. They haven’t stopped subsidizing. In fact, they’ve doubled down on subsidizing their state-owned enterprises, which is probably the single biggest cause of probably the WTO stalling as much as it has. And Xi Jinping is certainly not taking China down the road of another round of market reforms—quite the contrary. He’s a statist and favoring state-owned enterprises and the subsidization of state-owned enterprises over the private sector. 1:11:42 Ely Ratner: China is going to use its economic clout to try to achieve its geopolitical aims, which include dividing American alliances and eroding the influence of the United States in the region. So I think that was a very important episode. It was very revealing. I think we can talk about trying to incorporate China into a rules-based order. I don’t think that’s where we’re going to be in the next several years. I think what we have to do is pull up our socks, get more competitive, slow down Chinese momentum in its efforts to develop this sphere of influence. That’s a much more urgent task than a long-term goal of developing a rules-based order. 1:13:44 Senator Todd Young (IN): Mr. Ratner, thanks for your testimony. As I reviewed your written statement, you seem to be making a pretty simple argument with very serious implications. In short, you seem to be saying we’re in a high-stakes competition with China, that China does not accept this rules-based international order we had hoped to welcome them into back in 2000. The legitimacy of that order and the institutions that were stood up to oversee that order are not respected by China. China, instead, respects power. And we as a nation have insufficient leverage, it seems, to be able to affect the sort of change we want with respect to intellectual-property theft, joint-licensing requirements, dumping, and so many other things. What we lack—and this is language you employed—is a comprehensive strategy. Is that a fair summary of your viewpoint, Mr. Ratner? Ely Ratner: Yes, sir. 1:21:05 Ely Ratner: When it looked like the United States was going to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership and that agreement was going to pass, the Chinese were starting to ask questions quietly at senior levels, with American officials about what they would need to do down the road to improve their practices to join that agreement, and obviously, those conversations are no longer happening today. 1:22:30 Senator Jeff Merkley (OR): Mr. Ratner, under WTO, is China allowed to offer subsidies to its businesses? Ely Ratner: Senator, I’m not a trade lawyer, so I can’t get into the weeds of WTO law, but I think the answer is no, and there’re several other dimensions in which they’re not in compliance with the agreement. Sen. Merkley: Under the WTO, China is required to do an annual report of all of its subsidies to different enterprises. Does it do that report? Ratner: I believe not, Senator. Sen. Merkley: So, when it fails to do the report, we are, under the WTO, allowed to do a report on their subsidies. I did an amendment a few years ago that said if China doesn’t produce a report, our trade representative will be directed to produce our report. And before that amendment, the ink could dry on it, our trade rep under President Obama produced a list of 200 Chinese subsidies, subsidies we’re well aware of but rarely kind of articulated. So that’s—so we certainly have an understanding of massive Chinese subsidies that are not allowed under WTO. How about to offer loans at non-market rates? Ratner: I believe not, sir. Sen. Merkley: Or to provide land for free as a form of subsidy? Ratner: I think that’s right, as well as forced technology transfer and a number of other practices. Sen. Merkley: And how about being required—for our companies to be required to locate in a particular part of China where the infrastructure is inferior to other locations? Ratner: Correct. Sen. Merkley: A couple years ago, when I was a part of a delegation to China, we were at a meeting of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in which many of these practices were highlighted, but one company in particular stood up and said, and I won’t name the exact company because they probably didn’t want it too much publicized at the time, but they said they were basically told, we have to put our manufacturing center in this far-western city, far from the port infrastructure; we are told we cannot build any size of item that is in direct competition with the Chinese items; they were told they only could build larger versions that the Chinese weren’t yet building, or they would be shut down and shut out of the country. Is that type of activity by the Chinese legal under the WTO? Ratner: No, sir. Sen. Merkley: And what about requiring American companies to do joint-venture arrangements in order to be able to locate in China? Ratner: Also, not part of the agreement. Sen. Merkley: So, and you’re familiar with how these joint-venture agreements are often used as a way to drain U.S. technology? Ratner: Yes, sir. Sen. Merkley: So, what does one say to the American citizen who says, “China is violating all of these rules, and the WTO has no mechanism by which we appear to be able to hold them accountable. Why shouldn’t we work intensely to create an ability to hold China accountable to the structure of the WTO?” Ratner: I think that was the intention of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. 1:45:22 Senator Cory Gardner (CO): In recent writings in the Wall Street Journal, quotes from President Xi, China has its own ideas about how the world should be run, and as he put it, “to lead in the reform of global governance.” Another quote, or another statement, “in at least eight African countries, as well as some in Southeast Asia, Chinese officials are training their counterparts in how to manage political stability through propaganda and how to control media and the Internet,” and that the China model provides “a new option for other countries who want to speed up their development while preserving their independence.” And finally this: China has committed to train 10,000 political elites in Latin America by 2020. All of this speaks to the need for what you have described, Mr. Ratner, what you have described, Mr. Blumenthal, is U.S. leadership and U.S. response, whether it’s the BUILD Act, whether it’s legislation that Senator Young has described, the legislation that we have co-sponsored together—the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act. This is a time for U.S. leadership, and it’s a time to stand boldly for our values that have empowered the world to be a better place, that has lifted up hundreds of millions of people around the globe up and out of poverty through a system of rules and standards that don’t favor one country over another but that give people a chance to participate in global governance and that global rise. Hearing: The China Challenge, Part 2: Security and Military Developments, Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity, Septemer 5, 2018. Witnesses: Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro: American Enterprise Institute Abraham Denmark: Director of the Asia Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Timestamps and Transcripts  27:50 Chairman Cory Gardner (CO): Our first witness is Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro, who is the Jeane Kirkpatrick visiting scholar at the American Enterprise Institute where she focuses on Chinese military and security policy in the Asia Pacific. She is also assistant professor of Security Studies at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and serves in the United States Air Force Reserve as a political-military affairs strategist at Pacific air forces. Previously, Dr. Mastro was a fellow in the Asia-Pacific security program at the Center for a New American Security. 28:25 Chairman Cory Gardner (CO): Also joined on the panel by Abraham Denmark, who is director of the Asia program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Prior to joining the Wilson Center, Mr. Denmark served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, where he supported the secretary of defense and other U.S. senior government leaders in the formulation and implementation of national security strategies and defense policies toward the region. Mr. Denmark also previously worked as senior vice president for political and security affairs at the National Bureau of Asian Research, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security, and held several positions in the U.S. intelligence community. 42:40 Oriana Skylar Mastro: What China is doing is they’re exploiting gaps in the order. So, we talk about the U.S.-led international order and whether China is challenging it or not. But in reality, there’s many areas of the order that lacks certainty, or ambiguous, don’t have consensus. So I would label cybersecurity as one of these areas. And so what China does is it’s trying to build consensus or work on the periphery of the order. So, for example, when they did One Belt, One Road, and they initially moved to the central Asia, they weren’t challenging the United States, because the United States was not there. And so I would say that in addition to strengthening our relationship with traditional partners and allies, the United States needs to think more broadly about its relationships with countries around the globe. Also, in terms of the security initiative, I would recommend that we think more about demand not supply, in kind of business terms. You often, at least in my experience, you think about what the United States has to offer in terms of security assistance, and then we try to put together packages, whether it’s visits, port visits, or a rotation of a squadron or what have you, instead of looking at what those countries actually demand. And so we should move away from this model of increasing advertising and hoping that countries around the world will decide they want what we have to offer, and instead try to look at what they actually want and start supplying that. 1:05:45 Senator Ed Markey (MA): Should the United States abandon the rules-based international system, and what would the concessions be that we would try to extract in order to take such a step? Dr. Mastro. Oriana Skylar Mastro: So, sir, I don’t think we should abandon it. Instead, what I’m arguing for is an expansion of that system. I think that actually the international, is very limited. If you look at the definition, the party to that order, the amount of countries that actually might be involved in certain treaties, it’s not every country possible. For example, India has very different views on things like cybersecurity than the United States does. And so I think if we could manage to build consensus in these areas of uncertainty, we could actually shape China’s choices. And to that end, that gives the United States a lot of political power because the bottom line is one of the main differences between today and maybe 10 years ago is for the United States, the security benefits that we give to our partners, allies, in the region are no longer enough to outweigh the economic benefits that they get from interacting with China. And so we need a security-benefits-plus type of strategy in which we think also about the economic benefits, which is difficult under the current administration, given the trade policy, but also those political benefits by building new international institutions and building new norms and consensus around areas where that consensus has failed to date. 1:07:08 Chairman Cory Gardner (CO): Going back to the question I started to talk about, just the investments that China has made in South America, the investments China is making in Central America. If you look at investments in Panama, El Salvador, and at least apparently in El Salvador, as perhaps part of an agreement as it relates to the decision El Salvador made on Taiwan. Look at the sale of submarines to countries—Thailand—do we see that as continued opportunity for China’s military expansion? Will we see military basing affecting U.S. operations in Thailand? Will we see, perhaps, an opportunity for military entrance into Central America, into South America, China, basing, even, perhaps? Mr. Denmark. Abraham Denmark: Well, I think there’s a lot that remains to be seen. I don’t think there’s a definitive yes or no answer to that question, but I do expect that Djibouti be the first overseas base that China has established. I fully expect that that will not be the last. Where additional facilities may pop up remains to be seen. I personally would expect more facilities to be established along the trade routes from the Western Pacific, through the Indian Ocean, into the Middle East. I would expect to see more there than before I’d expect to see them in Latin America, primarily because of China’s economic interests, but it remains to be seen. 1:20:00 Senator Ed Markey (MA): In September of 2013, China began a concerted effort to build artificial islands in the South China Sea by crushing coral reefs into sand. It built land features where none previously existed. On top of that, China expanded small outposts into military bases capable of conducting operations. Admiral Philip Davidson, the commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, stated this year that China’s militarization of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea means “China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios, short of a war with the United States.” Ms. Mastro, what considerations or challenges do these bases pose for other claimants and the United States in peacetime, in the gray zone, or in conflict? In other words, what are the implications of China’s military bases in the South China Sea? Oriana Skylar Mastro: So, militarily, sir, they expand the range of Chinese capabilities. And so I think I made the point previously that it’s difficult for us to conceive of fighting a war with China using our bases in Korea and Japan, and that’s primarily because of the range of conventional precision-guided munitions that China has that can reach those bases and render them inoperable. In the South China Sea, which is about the size of the United States, China’s power-projection capabilities historically have been quite limited. And in the report, for example, one thing that was highlighted was the H-6K, when it has ______(01:37), now China can extend its range to 3,300 kilometers. But if you actually have bases there, coupled with carriers, then China’s able to sustain combat sorties, for example, for longer periods of time and at farther ranges than it was before. And this is what allows it to be able to control, as the quote suggested, large areas of the South China Sea, the air, and the sea. I would just mention on the gray-zone side, that China can engage in gray-zone activities only because the United States allows it to. There’s nothing that, as far as I understand it, there’s nothing that tells us that, for example, if China says, “Well, this is a Coast Guard,” that we can’t respond with the use of the U.S. Navy. We are too concerned about escalation, and China knows this. They don’t believe in miscalculation and in inadvertent escalation, and so they use this to their advantage. And we should start being very clear about what our redlines are and, obviously, being then able to follow through with that. 1:42:30 Senator Ed Markey (MA): I just have one final area of questioning, if I may, and that just goes back to the Belt and Road Initiative which has resulted in a very generous policy by China of loaning money to countries, which they then can’t pay back, which then results in China being able to extract huge long-term concessions from those countries. Sri Lanka, just a perfect example where they’ve now had to give up a 99-year lease to the Chinese company, which is partially owned by the Chinese government, 15,000 acres of land. And now it appears there are more countries that are deciding to reconsider how far in debt they want their countries or companies to be to a Chinese entity. But at the same time, President Xi, just in the last few days has announced a new $60 billion program—grants, loans—around the world, on top of the $60 billion program that they’ve had in the past that now has these consequences. So, what are the implications for the United States, for global security, of these Chinese strategies in country after country to gain access, or control over, ports in countries? And what would you recommend to the United States that we do to try to make sure that we minimize the ability of this Belt and Road program to build economic and security relationships with companies in a way almost giving them offers they can’t refuse so they become deeper indebted and more entangled into Chinese foreign policy objectives? 1:48:09 Abraham Denmark: The initiative announced several weeks ago by Secretary of State Pompeo in this vein to enhance U.S. engagement, economic engagement, in these areas I thought was a good indication of seeing the problem and trying to address it, not trying to copy the Chinese system, but playing to American strengths of the free market and American corporations. Hearing: The China Challenge, Part 3: Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law, Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity, December 4, 2018. Watch on C-SPAN Witnesses: Laura Stone: Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the US Department of State Scott Busby: Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Rights and Labor at the US Department of State Gloria Steele: Acting Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia at USAID Timestamps and Transcripts  01:23:05 Senator Ed Markey (MA): Around the world, all countries, including the United States, rely on the rules-based international order to underpin security and prosperity to help provide a level playing field, to provide the maximum opportunity for the greatest number of people, and to defend and protect certain fundamental rights. So it is of the utmost importance that we do everything in our power to ensure that this system remains. 01:30:00 Senator Cory Gardner (CO): Our first witness is Scott Busby, who serves as deputy assistant secretary of state at the Bureau of the Human Right, Democracy, and Labor. Previously, he served as director for human rights on the National Security Council in the White House from 2009 to 2011, where he managed a wide range of human rights and refugee issues. 01:36:20 Scott Busby: My bureau, DRL, is implementing $10 million of FY 2018 economic support funds to support human rights in China, just as we have done for the past several years. Nevertheless, such programs are increasingly challenged by the difficult operating environment in China, including the new and highly restrictive foreign NGO management law. 1:59:58 Senator Marco Rubio (FL): And then you see sort of what the global reaction has been to it, and there’s reason to be concerned that this post-World War II, pro-democracy, pro-human rights, global norms are being eroded and reshaped and that China is using its geopolitical heft and its economic power to push it in that direction. Meeting: Press availability at the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings, August 4, 2018. Speaker: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Timestamps and Transcripts  1:15 Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: "Throughout my ASEAN-centered engagements these past days I’ve conveyed President Trump’s commitment to this vital part of the world that continues to grow in importance. Security has been a major focus of our conversations. As part of our commitment to advancing regional security in the Indo-Pacific, the United States is excited to announce nearly $300 million in new funding to reinforce security cooperation throughout the entire region.” 4:50 - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: "As I said earlier this week, the United States practices partnership economics; we seek partnership, not dominance. Earlier this week at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce, I outlined the Trump administration’s economic strategy for advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific, and I talked about why U.S. businesses’ engagement in the region is crucial to our mission of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. There is no better force for prosperity in the world than American businesses. When nations partner with American firms, they can have confidence they are working with the most scrupulous, well-run, and transparent companies in the world. As a down payment on a new era in American economic commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, I announced at the forum $113 million in new U.S. Government resources to support foundational areas of the future: the digital economy, energy, and infrastructure. In addition, the Trump administration is working with Congress to encourage the passage of the BUILD Act. It recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now before the United States Senate. Under this bill, the government’s development finance capacity would more than double to $60 billion to support U.S. private investment in strategic opportunities abroad." Meeting: Beyond NAFTA and GATT, National Association Southern Center, April 20, 1994. Speaker: Arthur Dunkel - Director of the UN Wrote the “Dunkel Draft” in 1991, a 500 page general outline of what became the WTO 3 years later - it’s basically the WTO’s Constitution “Retired” from GATT in 1993, became a “trade consultant”, and served on the board of Nestle Is a registered WTO dispute panelist Transcript  Arthur Dunkel: If I look back at the last 25 years, what did we have? We had two worlds: The so-called Market Economy world and the sadly planned world; the sadly planned world disappeared. One of the main challenges of the Uruguay round has been to create a world wide system. I think we have to think of that. Secondly, why a world wide system? Because, basically, I consider that if governments cooperate in trade policy field, you reduce the risks of tension - political tension and even worse than that." Additional Reading Article: Disney sets out international leadership team post-Fox deal by Stewart Clarke, Variety, December 13, 2018. Article: IMF delays Sri Lanka's loan discussion on political crisis, Reuters, November 20, 2018. Annual Report: U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, USCC.gov, November 14, 2018. Article: Sri Lanka's political shake-up is a win for China by Bharath Gopalaswamy, Foreign Policy, October 29, 2018. Article: Sri Lanka to secure sixth tranche of $250 million IMF's EFF, Press Reader, Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) October 14, 2018. Article: The BUILD Act has passed: What's next? CSIS, October 12, 2018. Article: Power play: Addressing China's belt and road strategy by Daniel Kliman and Abigail Grace, CNAS, September 20, 2018. Article: Taiwan's monthly minimum wage to increase by 5% in 2019 by Keoni Everington, Taiwan News, September 6, 2018. Fact Sheet: U.S. security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. Department of State, August 4, 2018. Article: Treasury weakens donor disclosure requirements for some nonprofits by Michael Wyland, Nonprofit Quarterly, July 18, 2018. Article: China is doing the same things to Sri Lanka that Great Britain did to China after the opium wars by Panos Mourdoukoutas, Forbes, June 28, 2018. Article: Chinese firm pays $584 million to secure 99-year lease of Sri Lanka port by Reuters, GCaptain, June 26, 2018. Article: How China go Sri Lanka to cough up a port by Maria Abi-Habib, The New York Times, June 25, 2018. Article: China's use of cercive economic measures by Peter Harrell, Elizabeth Rosenberg, and Edoardo Saravalle, CNAS, June 11, 2018. Article: China's military escalation by The Editorial Board, WSJ, June 4, 2018. Article: China owns US debt, but how much? by Investopedia, April 6, 2018. Article: China's military facilities in South China Sea 'almost ready' by Raul Dancel, The Straits Times, February 6, 2018. Report: China's economic rise: History, trends, challenges, and implications for the United States by Wayne M. Morrison, Congressional Research Service, February 5, 2018. Article: U.S. leadership needed in the Asia-Pacific by James W. Fatheree, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, November 17, 2017. Article: China's new island-building ship raises the stakes in South China Sea by Dan Southerland, Radio Free Asia, November 10, 2017. Report: Taiwan: Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, October 30, 2017. Article: Inside the fight for OPIC reauthorization by Adva Saldinger, devex, February 21, 2017. News Release: Charles A Kupchan and Ely Ratner join CFR as Senior Fellows, Council on Foreign Relations, February 15, 2017. News Report: PG&E receives maximum sentence for 2010 San Bruno explosion by Kate Larsen, ABC 7 News, January 26, 2017. Article: Lockheed Martin scores $395M DHS security operations center contract by Billy Mitchell, Fed Scoop, September 9, 2016. Article: Terror in Little Saigon by A.C. Thompson, ProPublica, November 3, 2015. Article: Taiwan multinationals serving a broader role by Molly Reiner, Taiwan Business TOPICS, October 28, 2015. Article: China's island factory by Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, BBC News, September 9, 2014. Article: Why was the Dalai Lama hanging out with the right-wing American Enterprise Institute? by David Rose, Vanity Fair, February 26, 2014. Article: The secret foreign donor behind the American Enterprise Institute by Eli Clifton, The Nation, June 25, 2013. Article: Inside the secretive dark-money organization that's keeping the lights on for conservative groups by Walt Hickey, Business Insider, February 12, 2013. Article: How Beijing won Sri Lanka's civil war, Independent, May 23, 2010. Article: The one-year review: Obama's Asia policies by Daniel Blumenthal, Foreign Policy, November 3, 2009. Article: Former high-ranking Bush officials enjoy war profits by Tim Shorrock, Salon, May 29, 2008. Report: ChoicePoint sold to LexisNexis parent, Atlanta Business Chronicle, February 21, 2008. Article: Scientists offered cash to dispute climate study by Ian Sample, The Guardian, February 2, 2007. Article: The man who said to much by Michael Isikoff, Newsweek, September 3, 2006. Article: Put a tiger in your think tank, Mother Jones, May/June 2005 Article: What I didn't find in Africa by Joseph C. Wilson, The New York Times, July 6, 2003. Article: Armitage is ready to step into ring by Steven Mufson, The Washington Post, February 14, 2001. Article: Advocacy and lobbying without fear: what is allowed within a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by Thomas Raffa, Nonprofit Quarterly, September 21, 2000. Resources About Page: The CNA Coporation About Page: Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP About Page: The National Bureau of Asian Research About Page: Oriana Skylar Mastro AEI Scholar List: Dan Blumenthal AEI Scholar List: Oriana Skylar Mastro Alexander Hamilton Society: Our Principles American Enterprise Institute: Annual Report 2017 American Enterprise Institute: Board of Trustees American Enterprise Institute: Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellowship and Scholars Program American Enterprise Institute: Leadership American Enterprise Institute: Scholars Armitage International: Our Team Biography: Scott Busby, Deputy Asst. Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Cambridge University Press: Think Tanks, Public Policy, and the Politics of Expertise Center for New American Security: About CNAS Center for New American Security: Victoria Nuland, CEO CRS Report: U.S. Security Assistance and Security Cooperation Programs Center for Strategic & International Studies: Richard L. Armitage, Trustee Interactive Map: China Belt and Road Initiative IRS: Exemption Requirements - 501 (c)(3) Organizations LinkedIn Account: Oriana Skylar Mastro LinkedIn Account: Scott Busby LinkedIn Account: U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Lockheed Martin: Board Members - Daniel F. Akerson OpenSecrets: American Enterprise Institute Park Hotels & Resorts: Board of Directors ManTech: Mission, Vision, and Values Report to Congress: U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, November 2018 Right Web: American Enterprise Institute Search Results: Paul | Weiss Professionals Security Cooperation Programs: Fiscal Year 2017 Handbook Special Emergency Authorities Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative SourceWatch: American Enterprise Institute Ties to the Koch Brothers SourceWatch Infographic: Donors Trust Infographic Tesla Investors: James Murdoch Biography Website: American Enterprise Institute Website: Chartwell Strategy Group Website: CNAS Website: U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Website: Wilson Center Whitehouse Publication: National Security Strategy of the United States of America, December 2017 Wilson Center: Abraham Denmark Wilson Center: Corporate Council World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction, updated Nov 29, 2018 Community Suggestions See more Community Suggestions HERE. Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio)

Connie Pheiff is a primetime radio host of Masters Chambers with Connie Pheiff. She is a global business celebrity, speaker, author, trainer, and executive coach that have worked for nearly two decades to inspire and equip business leaders in every realm to unlock organizational and individual potential to achieve ORGANIZATIONAL HAPPINESS. Former CEO of Girl Scouts North Pennsylvania, United Way, and Director at the United States Chamber of Commerce. Connie knows from experience the impact of creating a culture of emotional engagement and achieving organizational happiness.

We must be the light in a world of darkness where 75% of employees steal according to the United States Chamber of Commerce and CBS News and over 80% of employees lie on their resumes according to Inc. Magazine. Clay breaks down the importance of being the change that you want to see in the world.

This episode is underwritten by HealthIQ, and we couldn't be happier to have them! See, one of the things I'm so passionate about when I talk about how I use my ADHD to my advantage is exercise, right? It's obvious that a workout in the morning greatly boosts my brainpower and lets me use my faster brain to do great things. But here's the other benefit of exercise: Engagement in high-intensity exercise once per week decreases risk for cardiovascular mortality by 39% for men and 51% for women, and according to a 2009 Study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, men who did high-intensity exercise have a 35% lower risk of all-cause mortality. For women the risk reduction is 44%. THAT'S HUGE. If you're exercising to improve how you manage your ADHD, AND you're getting the extra benefits of a much healthier body, then guess what: You should be paying less for your life insurance! That's where Health IQ comes in. Health IQ uses science & data to secure lower rates on life insurance for health conscious people including runners, cyclists, strength trainers, vegans, and more. 56% of Health IQ customers save between 4-33% on their life insurance, and these savings are exclusive to Health IQ. They save their customers up to 33% because physically active people have a 56% lower risk of heart disease, 20% lower risk of cancer and a 58% lower risk of diabetes compared to people who are inactive. Like saving money on your car insurance for being a good driver, Health IQ saves you money on your life insurance for living a health conscious lifestyle. Learn more and get a free quote at healthiq.com/FTN Hey gang!  So this week we get to visit with Keith Lemer, Chief Executive Officer of WellNet Healthcare Plan. Keith has lobbied extensively on Capitol Hill for healthcare reform and frequently provides strategic counsel to the Employee Benefits Committee of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation. He is a member of The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. and The Young Presidents Organization's (YPO) Washington, D.C. chapter, was named 2011's 40 under 40 by The Washington Business Journal and 2013's InTheCapital's 50 On Fire. He is also Chairman of the Board of Unsung Heroes, a national non-profit that focuses on promoting awareness & appreciation for the workforce on the nation's college campuses who keep the university running behind-the-scenes but often go unrecognized and unappreciated. People like Keith make me want to work even harder- he's crazy-successful!!  Quick Fun Fact: After attending a 6 month, intensive Italian cooking school, Keith dreams of opening a restaurant one day. Ok, let's dig right in- Enjoy! In this episode, Peter and Keith discuss:   3:30  How did a young entrepreneur like yourself begin to harness your ADHD diagnosis? 4:43  How not reading a 700 page book yielded “The Greek Telephone Directory”, a passing grade & ultimately Keith's first post-collegiate job. 8:58  Acknowledging & owning your strengths. 11:00  Stirring the pot to find what works, and then better finessing our strengths will take some trial & error, stay positive. 11:48  Johan Wiklund's research at Syracuse University about ADHD  and entrepreneurship. https://www.wi.tum.de/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-promotes-entrepreneurial-skills/  12:32  ADHD Kids who were not loving school, making strides via https://www.specializedfoundation.org “Riding for Focus, with The Specialized Foundation's Ted Theocheung and Dr. Kimberly Price” https://www.fasterthannormal.com/ftn-76-riding-for-focus-with-the-specialized-foundations-ted-theocheung-and-dr-kimberly-price/ 13:20  “The Quest for Dopamine”. How do you stay focused daily? 15:15  How Wellnet.com is lobbying for healthcare reform on Capitol   versus their end user customers.  17:25  With this superpower, there is no option for failure.  18:00  KLemer@wellnet.com  800-808-1014 18:58  Faster Than Normal Podcast info and Credits. As always, leave us a comment below, drop us a review on iTunes (PLEASE!) and of course, subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already! Know of anyone you think should be on the FTN podcast? Shoot us a note – We'd love to hear from you!

Connie Pheiff  the Unstoppable Speaker, former Director of the United States Chamber of Commerce, Chair and CEO of the Girl Scouts & former President of the National Speakers Associate explains how to GET IT DONE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to being a brilliant legal thinker, Justice Scalia was widely regarded as a masterful legal writer, perhaps the best of his generation. His gifted prose and frequent use of humor and sarcasm made Justice Scalia's opinions -- whether majority or dissent -- must-reads for lawyers, judges, professors, and law students alike. Commentators from across the philosophical spectrum admired Justice Scalia's writing skill. Just a year before his passing, for example, the New Republic, dubbed Scalia “the foremost living practitioner of performative legal prose." This panel discussion will examine the impact Justice Scalia's writing had on American jurisprudence. Aside from the force of his arguments, what impact did his writing style have on the opinions written by his colleagues on the Supreme Court and judges on lower courts, the briefs filed by practicing lawyers, and even the way law students learned the law? Our panelists will bring a variety of perspectives to this question: former clerk, judge, professors, and critics. -- This panel was held on November 17, 2016, during the 2016 National Lawyers Convention in Washington, DC. -- Featuring: Prof. Brian T. Fitzpatrick, Professor of Law, Vanderbilt Law School; Prof. Toni M. Massaro, Regents' Professor, Milton O. Riepe Chair in Constitutional Law and Dean Emerita, University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law; Mr. Kannon Shanmugam, Partner, Williams & Connolly LLP; and Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. Moderator: Hon. Joan L. Larsen, Michigan Supreme Court. Introduction: Hon. Rachel Brand, Member, Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board and Senior Advisor to the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center, United States Chamber of Commerce.

JP Moery is founder of The Moery Company in Washington, DC. He has 25-years of experience in the association industry, having built a track record of success at the nation’s most influential associations. JP previously served as Senior Vice President at the United States Chamber of Commerce where he oversaw the Association Committee of 100, the most prestigious group of association CEOs and executives in the country. During his tenure at the chamber, JP developed and launched a program that added more than 250,000 companies to the organization’s membership. JP also has experience in the digital media world, having served as Executive Vice President of Association Relations for SmartBrief: a corporation that produces co-branded electronic publications with leading associations for 3 million subscribers. Under his leadership, the number of partnering associations for SmartBrief doubled in less than 3 years. Secret – timesaving technique JP looks at his year-long goals every single day, looks at his six action items he must achieve each day, and fills his schedule around it -- do what you have to do to get the important things done. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Take care of yesterday's emails before you hit today's -- JP uses Yesterbox to put this into practice. Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience JP realized nobody cares if you're doing good or bad -- and JP tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful "You're the number one sales person -- learn how to sell." Most influential lesson learned from a mentor "If you don't have the cash, you're not going to make the dash."   Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success” What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success? Burn the boats behind you -- go absolutely all in Price you product or service the right way Get ready to work your fanny off How best to connect with JP: Website: moerycompany.com   You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

Connie began her exploration of making her mark as the former CEO of Girl Scouts, and Director at the United States Chamber of Commerce. Today, she is a primetime radio host, speaker, coach, and author of multiple books, released in six countries. Connie has been featured in print, radio and television, regularly introducing features on big ideas, and making your mark. Inside this FREE “First Millionaire Manifesto”, J V reveals the seven steps to seven figures and how to put more money in the bank, enjoy a richly rewarding life, and make a big difference. Subscribe in ITunes Like this Podcast? Help spread the word. Subscribing and leaving a review helps other business owners and entrepreneurs find our podcast…and make their big difference. They will thank you for it.   Watch this FREE Video to discover the Secrets to getting in your zone, achieving fast results, and building a high-profit conscious business.  Conscious Millionaire Podcast: On his free podcast, Monday through Friday, J V interviews top successful entrepreneurs and business owners who reveal their business solutions and business opportunities on topics such as: conscious business, social entrepreneurship, business online marketing, internet business solutions, internet marketing, team building and culture, goal setting, how to become a wealthy entrepreneur, and developing a high-profit business plan that will change lives and the world.

Connie began her exploration of making her mark as the former CEO of Girl Scouts, and Director at the United States Chamber of Commerce. Today, she is a primetime radio host, speaker, coach, and author of multiple books, released in six countries. Connie has been featured in print, radio and television, regularly introducing features on big ideas, and making your mark. Inside this FREE “First Millionaire Manifesto”, J V reveals the seven steps to seven figures and how to put more money in the bank, enjoy a richly rewarding life, and make a big difference. Subscribe in ITunes Like this Podcast? Help spread the word. Subscribing and leaving a review helps other business owners and entrepreneurs find our podcast…and make their big difference. They will thank you for it.   Watch this FREE Video to discover the Secrets to getting in your zone, achieving fast results, and building a high-profit conscious business.  Conscious Millionaire Podcast: On his free podcast, Monday through Friday, J V interviews top successful entrepreneurs and business owners who reveal their business solutions and business opportunities on topics such as: conscious business, social entrepreneurship, business online marketing, internet business solutions, internet marketing, team building and culture, goal setting, how to become a wealthy entrepreneur, and developing a high-profit business plan that will change lives and the world.

It has been ten years since John Roberts was appointed as the 17th Chief Justice of the United States. During his confirmation hearing, Chief Justice Roberts promised to be a Justice who would "call balls and strikes." In his first decade on the Court, he has written for the Court in some of most consequential cases in recent history and dissented in others. He has been both applauded and criticized by both ends of the political spectrum. He also has begun to craft his legacy as Chief Justice and leader not only of the Supreme Court but of the entire federal judiciary. This panel will present a range of views on the first ten years of the Roberts Court. The panelists bring a variety of perspectives: practitioner, journalist, academic, and Senate staff at the time of his confirmation. They will discuss the substance of the Roberts Court's opinions, what legacy the Chief Justice is crafting, whether he is succeeding in shaping the Court into a "Roberts Court," and whether his jurisprudence is consistent with what was expected at the time he was appointed. -- This panel was presented at the 2015 National Lawyers Convention on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. -- Featuring: Mr. Michael A. Carvin, Partner, Jones Day; Ms. Jan Crawford, Political Correspondent and Chief Legal Correspondent, CBS News; Mr. Steven J. Duffield, Former Chief Counsel, Senator Jon Kyl; and Prof. Michael S. Paulsen, Distinguished University Chair and Professor, University of St. Thomas School of Law. Moderator: Hon. Carlos T. Bea, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Introduction: Hon. Rachel Brand, Member, Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board and Senior Advisor to the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center, United States Chamber of Commerce.

David Horsager, MA, CSP, business strategist, entrepreneur, and author of national bestseller The Trust Edge.  His new book, THE DAILY EDGE:  Simple Strategies To Increase Efficiency And Make An Impact Every Day, will be published this October 2015 Connie Pheiff is best known as the Queen…Queen of Marketing, Queen of the Ask, and Queen of Emotional Engagement and driving Organizational Happiness. She is a primetime radio host, author, business coach, and professional speaker. Connie began her exploration as the former CEO of Girl Scouts, United Way, Director at the United States Chamber of Commerce Kenya Moses Well-Being and Business Coach, Corporate Wellness Facilitator and Holistic Fitness Practitioner. She is the Founder & President of Be A Fit Mama, Inc., the prestigious San Francisco Bay Area wellness company for women For more information go to MoneyForLunch.com. Connect with Bert Martinez on Facebook. Connect with Bert Martinez on Twitter. Need help with your business? Contact Bert Martinez. Have Bert Martinez speak at your event!

Joyce's honored guest will be Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) of the United States Senate. Senator Harkin will discuss his April 2011 speech to the United States Chamber of Commerce in which he discusses the current state of employment of people with disabilities, and his challenge to U.S. businesses to improve that employment outlook. He will also reflect on the impact that President Obama's signing of the executive order last year to increase the hiring of people with disabilities in the Federal government will have on the lives of people with disabilities.

Anthony Saladino is the co-founder and CEO of Kitchen Cabinet Kings, one of the nation's largest distributors of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry on the Internet. He is the visionary behind the custom online-shopping system, which has revolutionized the industry. KitchenCabinetKings.com not only provides high-quality products, but it is an excellent resource for information related to the kitchen and bath industry and boasts one of the most active home-improvement blogs.   Anthony is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Better Business Bureau of NY, Better Business Bureau Online, and United States Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, Anthony can be found playing poker, lifting weights, and watching NBA action.   On this segment of Kevin and the Giant Peach, Kevin Mastaw we find out about Anthony, his poker playing career and how he started Kitchen Cabinet Kings.   Make sure to isten for Anthony's Special Offer for our listeners.

Joyce's honored guest will be Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) of the United States Senate. As we approach July 26th, the anniversary of the signing of the ADA, Senator Harkin will discuss his April 2011 speech to the United States Chamber of Commerce in which he discusses the current state of employment of people with disabilities, and his challenge to U.S. businesses to improve that employment outlook. He will also reflect on the impact that President Obama's signing of the executive order last year to increase the hiring of people with disabilities in the Federal government will have on the lives of people with disabilities.

How Will You Measure Success?June 1, 2009 http://goodies.wizardacademypress.com/MMM090601-HowMeasureSuccess.mp3 (Listen) http://mondaymemo.wpengine.com/?ShowMe=Happiness1 (A) The keeper of my calendar told me a few weeks ago that David Rehr had called to schedule a day with me in Austin. I scratched my head and wondered why. David served as a congessonal aide on Capitol Hill when he was young, then he took a broken-down trade group, The National Beer Wholesalers Association, and turned it into one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington. So dramatic was his sucess that the National Association of Broadcasters, the trade group for every radio and television station in America, asked David to come and take the helm in 2005. On May 6, 2009, shortly after scheduling his appointment with me, David Rehr resigned as President and CEO of the NAB. Then he showed up at Wizard Academy, right on schedule. We had never met or corresponded. I was curious what he knew of me and why he had come. “Roy,” he said, “a lot of people really like you and a lot of people really don't but I usually agree with what I read in your books and magazine columns.”  Curiosity made me ask what David had been told by the people who dislike me. Most of the stories he'd heard were true. Guilty as charged.  Thirty years as a consultant give me deep respect for an observation made by Mark Twain, “I can teach anybody how to get what they want out of life. The problem is that I can't find anybody who can tell me what they want.” “David, what do you plan to do with the rest of your life?”  I never suspected he might have an answer. “I want to be President of the United States Chamber of Commerce.”  The clarity of that answer told me:  1. how David Rehr became successful.2. that he and I were going to be friends.3. why he'll someday be President of the United States Chamber of Commerce.We spent the rest of the day discussing David's ideas for stimulating the economy of the United States and then I got him to agree to teach a class at Wizard Academy. David Rehr was able to state his goal in a single sentence of just 12 words. Can you? 1. What are you trying to make happen? 2. How will you measure success?  3. What's the first thing you need to do to get started? I'd like you to answer each question using no more than 12 words per answer. This means the email you send me cannot exceed 36 total words, plus your name and contact information. Yes, there will be prizes. The biggest prizes will be the ones received by every participant: clarity of thought and purpose. There will be other prizes sent by my office. All Participants will receive advance notice of David Rehr's class as soon as dates and a course description are available. This gives you first shot at the 14 rooms in Engelbrecht House. Craft your 36 words. Send them to Tamara@WizardAcademy.org. Don't put it off. Do it now. You're at a turning point. Which way will you turn? Roy H. Williams

The United States Business Leadership Network and the NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, in conjunction with the United States Chamber of Commerce, gave its CEO Leadership 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Jay Van Vechten, past president and founder of Van Vechten & Company. The award was presented in recognition of Van Vechten's efforts to raise awareness about the special needs of people with disabilities.