International Trade Balance Sept. 2026: We Do More with Small and Medium Business?

 Import, export, and trade data reveal a narrowing of the trade gap. While this positive movement is beneficial, we still have a long way to go to resolve the overall deficit. Therefore as we read the news let us also think about ways to improve the overall system. That will help to ensure that a broader portion of society receives the benefits of growth as well as improve the overall deficit and future innovative capacity (In theory. Perpetual Sustainable Economic Systems)

*It is absolutely ok to disagree with everything said here as it is more or less for exploratory discussion and it could change, be tweaked, modified, or discarded. Its called cognitive flexibility. 

However, we face a structural challenge: an overconcentration of wealth and power as well as concentration of large corporations. This may be from years of access to law makers that small businesses and local communities do not have. Fortunately, we are seeing a recent emergence of small business development, which is critical for strengthening local economies. Research consistently shows that small businesses drive employment, foster innovation, and fuel community development.

Illustrative Only

Could local businesses
work together
to improve export
branding and
find ways to get
products online 
and overseas?

Because of this, we must critically evaluate public policy. When policy caters primarily to large corporations or the already wealthy (sometimes not earned by skill, values or ability alone)—often driven by large pots of money and campaign donations—we miss vital opportunities to invest in our hometowns and revitalize our downtowns.

We have a hungry generation seeking opportunities to succeed and innovate. Supporting them through downtown startups makes sense. Many young people want to own their means of production and chart their own course. When communities partner to train, mentor, and support these entrepreneurs, everyone grows.

For example, in Escanaba, interested stakeholders and local community members actively work to make downtown a hub for tourists, small businesses, startups, fun events, farmer's markets, social clubs, housing, and young families. A new lease on the life of the downtown that coincides with market trends and growing digital existence.

We need to think outside the box and ensure our economic policies focus on balance. This is not about being for or against large corporations; it is about addressing overconcentration and rebalancing our system toward a more broad-based, inclusive form of capitalism. A large corporation mixed with many many small and medium businesses can increase economic activity when structured properly (We can think of this as clusters but it is more of a theoretical idea that seems to have support in bits and pieces in science.)

*If you like these articles feel free to buy advertising space, buy a product, etc. 

U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: September 2026 Summary

• Exports grew by $5.8 billion to reach $321.5 billion, which outpaced the $5.2 billion increase in imports and caused the overall monthly trade deficit to decrease.
  
  
• Capital goods exports drove the expansion on the export side, rising by $3.8 billion due to increases in computers, computer accessories, and civilian aircraft.
  
  
• Agricultural exports contributed to the growth as foods, feeds, and beverages increased by $1.9 billion, largely propelled by higher soybean shipments.
  
  
• Services exports also grew, rising by $0.7 billion to reach a record $110.5 billion, led by increases in travel and intellectual property charges.
  
  
• Imports grew overall due to a $4.4 billion increase in goods imports—specifically higher volumes of capital goods and pharmaceutical preparations—alongside an increase in services imports.
  
  

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2026, November 4). U.S. international trade in goods and services, September 2026. https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/us-international-trade-goods-and-services-september-2026

A Microscope on Small Businesses: Spotting Opportunities to Boost Productivity

• Micro-, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) serve as the backbone of global economies, accounting for roughly two-thirds of business employment in advanced economies and nearly four-fifths in emerging economies.

• Small business productivity averages only half that of large companies in advanced economies and drops even lower in emerging markets, creating a massive economic opportunity if closed.

• Raising MSME productivity to top-quartile levels relative to large firms is estimated to be equivalent to 5 percent of GDP in advanced economies and 10 percent in emerging economies.

• Productivity growth in small and large businesses frequently moves in tandem within specific subsectors, demonstrating that supportive frameworks and symbiotic business relationships can create a win-win economic environment.

• Capturing this potential requires fine-grained, stakeholder-driven strategies that target infrastructure improvements, policy adjustments, and robust business networks tailored to specific subsectors and countries.

McKinsey Global Institute. (2024). A microscope on small businesses: Spotting opportunities to boost productivity. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/a-microscope-on-small-businesses-spotging-opportunities-to-boost-productivity

Field and Forest Fires in the Age of Global Warming: Thinking About a Corn Field Fire

Firefighting is growing increasingly critical. While debates surrounding climate change continue, the prevailing scientific consensus points to its reality. There has been more fires because of the environment and climate. They simply start easier as things become dryer or warmer. Certainly there could be other explanations but that one seems like the leading explanation at this time. Be open to possibilities.

(Illustrative Only)

Recent data confirms that environmental and forest fires are becoming both more frequent and more severe. These incidents often stem from small, localized events. For example, learning to respond to a recent corn field fire triggered by sparks from a combine that was quickly contained due to a rapid response; a delay of just 10 to 15 minutes could have led to a more difficult outcome.

Analyzing fire behavior videos provides valuable insights into how wildland and field fires spread, how they behave under different conditions, and how to approach suppression effectively. 

Two key concepts from the video stand out that were interesting:

Days-of-Fuel Model: Helps gauge how long organic material has been drying out and its potential to burn.

Fuel Moisture Thresholds: Explains why fires ignite and spread rapidly at specific moisture levels. High humidity and heavy air significantly reduce fire risk, whereas hot, dry, and windy conditions create high-risk environments.

*If you want to donate or contribute to a UP fire department that helps services a lot of land and supports two small towns consider sending me a message to the right. A lot of young people, the department is developing into a model, and people are taking notice. You can contribute to that process tax free! 

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (11/3/2026): Energy, Vets, Solar

 Delta County is showing us how small communities can thrive by combining smart infrastructure, forward-thinking energy plans, and strong community roots. Here is a clear look at how these pieces fit together to drive real growth.

The region's location and transit network—spanning port access, rail, a regional airport, and highways—make it a natural hub for business. Bringing in an Amazon distribution center has already sped up local deliveries and proven the area's potential for larger logistics investments. We can see how to get local products more systemically into these distribution and markeplace platforms (i.e. a downtown free class on how to get your products listed. Amazon themselves might want to be part of that and provide the class. You don't know until you ask. Likewise, something like the DDA could consider organizing businesses to export under a local brand. Just random ideas to think about.)

As local leaders explore solar power, one goal might be encouraging of building energy independence while protecting the community's natural beauty: (There is a cost to creating energy so let us consider maximizing the local benefit first.)

• Powering Local Needs First: Using locally generated solar energy keeps power consistent and costs manageable, with any extra energy sold back to the broader grid.

• Responsible Planning: Sustainable development means planning ahead for panel replacement and recycling, as well as using natural tree buffers to keep solar farms visually appealing (It also can make the land more appealing for the next people when solar is replace. Further, it reduces heating, protects against erosion, etc.).

Delta County's strong military community is one of its greatest assets. Expanding local career development programs—and partnering with groups like (VFW, AMVETS, etc.)—helps current veterans build rewarding careers while drawing new skilled talent to the area.

A active downtown naturally complements industry investment, making the community a place people want to live and visit:

• Building Diverse Opportunities: Welcoming new startups downtown creates fresh jobs, diversifies the local economy, and helps existing businesses thrive.

• Boosting Quality of Life: Combining four-season tourism, upgraded downtown spaces, and community events makes it easier to retain great talent and keep the local vibe welcoming.

• Finding Value Parity with Larger Businesses: Local larger companies may like start-ups, tourism, etc. by retaining and attracting talent. Young people often do leave the area but a robust small smart city changes that equation some. Likewise, attracting more start-up investment often leads to more larger investments. Further, larger companies could consider investing in start-ups that lead to innovation for their companies.)

By balancing solid financial management with intentional investment, Delta County is building a resilient, welcoming environment for families and future businesses alike.

*Above are some random ideas that sort of relate to the discussion on hand. If you want to watch the video and come up with some of your own ideas you can find a summary and video below. 

** If you like these free articles consider advertising space, buy some artwork, etc. :)

A Quick Summary of the Meeting

Call to Order & Opening: The regular meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. in the Delta County Service Center conference room by the County Clerk, followed by a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call of commissioners.
Administrative Approvals: The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting (October 13, 2026) and approved the agenda with the addition of an item regarding the Eastman/Terrace Group LLC property. Written communications and committee reports were placed on file.

Public Comment on Agenda Items:

A resident from Cornell Township raised concerns regarding specific wording in the solar ordinance amendment (Section 708-1), questioning regulations on screening, stormwater runoff, wildlife impact monitoring, and security bonds, and noted actions taken by Escanaba Township regarding the Public Service Commission.
Another member of the public spoke against the solar ordinance changes, arguing that they impose unnecessary regulations and delay development compared to successful projects already underway in the county.

Departmental & Committee Updates:

The administrator's report and finance committee minutes were placed on file, noting a condensed budget resolution.
A representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs provided updates on staff, upcoming Veterans Day ceremonies (November 11), holiday assistance baskets, expanded collaboration with the American Legion, service committee vacancies, and record emergency relief funds distributed in the previous fiscal year.
Unfinished Business (RFP Investor Award): Following discussion on whether to transition from MERS (Municipal Employees' Retirement System) or handle pensions in-house, the board accepted administrative recommendations to reject investor award RFPs, remain with MERS, and work with administration to improve current management status.

New Business & Contracts:

Approved payment of claims totaling $3,934,741.40 and commissioner expenses of $226.64.
Approved requests to fill a corrections officer position and accepted the MIDC contract.
Passed a resolution supporting Operation Green Light from November 4–11, 2026, lighting county buildings green to honor veterans.
Approved park rules and regulations, a Teamsters letter of agreement regarding insurance dates for transfers, and out-of-county travel for a MAC meeting.
Solar Ordinance Review: The board temporarily set aside Robert's Rules to discuss specific details and wildlife impact monitoring clauses within the proposed solar ordinance amendments.

Most Feel Justice is Unfair from Survey (Allegory of the Clan)

 In this next chapter of our clan allegory, we explore how justice breaks down when systemic corruption takes root. People knew about the ongoing abuse, forced suicides, and cover-ups for years, but conversations stayed private out of fear. Even when the courts learned the truth, they chose to protect the perpetrators, offer sweetheart deals, and target whistleblowers. The hate of different religions, races, and political perspectives louder then the bells of freedom. This gross misuse of authority prioritized self-interest, bias, and institutional liability over basic human rights and even our core purpose codified within the Constitution.

History shows us that when institutions protect themselves at the expense of justice, the social contract fractures. When people lose faith in fairness and accountability, public trust collapses, leading to inevitable social dissonance. Most public officials want to do the right thing, which is why upholding strict standards, removing corrupt actors, and electing ethical leaders is so essential to keeping the whole system from unraveling. If some of our judges and leaders have failed the good officers, officials, people, and victims then we as a broader society should not fail them. We can restore trust and performance around our core beliefs and around justice. We must stand for victims, stand for honorable officers, promote good officials and undo the harm of bad apples.

It is not just about how some groups and people may feel......

This breakdown also has a direct impact on economics. Because economics simply measures human behavior, altering fundamental assumptions of trust and fairness changes how people interact with the market on a macro level. Delaying necessary reforms weakens the entire structure. Failing to correct clear manipulation and misbehavior is a sign of a deeper process at play. While some data on these shifts must be viewed critically, the broader trend aligns across independent sources: when decision makers refuse to correct obvious wrongdoing, the broader long-term support is fundamentally compromised.

Are there ways to improve trust and are there things judges, officials, lawmakers and people can do to raise this trust? Are there things the general population can do to raise trust? (i.e. getting involved). If there is the will there is the way. As a people we should want the best system, take care of the people who support society within those systems and seek to remove those who misuse or undermine the system by failing to correct, adapt and improve. 

*The Allegory of the Clan is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment so take with a grain of salt and come to whatever conclusion you wish. Accept or reject various portions as long as you thought about it. 

Is it fair or is it unfair? What do you think? No right or wrong answer.

79% of Americans Say the Justice System is Unfair, New Survey Reveals

• Only 32% of survey respondents believe the legal system is fair to individuals who do not have legal representation.
• Exactly 50% of participants feel confident that they would receive fair treatment from the justice system and courts.
• 62% of people believe that personal income dictates whether courts provide fair justice, and 49% believe that race influences court outcomes.
• Widespread misconceptions exist regarding legal counsel, with many incorrectly assuming courts provide attorneys for civil matters like discrimination cases (41%), child custody matters (40%), and traffic court (35%).
• The survey was conducted online from January 14 to January 22, 2026, sampling 1,613 respondents with a 2% margin of error.

Equal Justice Works. (2026, April 14). 79% of Americans say the justice system is unfair, new survey reveals. https://www.equaljusticeworks.org/news/79-of-americans-say-the-justice-system-is-unfair-new-survey-reveals/