Global Business Perspectives on Sustainability, Climate and Overall Competitiveness

(Illustrative Only)

Around here we live a little longer. 

79.8 vs. 79 years of life.
Is another .8 years worth
more fresh food?
Investing in one of
our small farms in 
Delta County?

Left: Localy produced 
vs.
Right: Food Inc.

Our environment is changing in many ways. Some developments are positive, such as improvements in fuel efficiency, renewable energy technologies, and innovation that can reduce resource consumption. At the same time, many regions are experiencing greater challenges, including more frequent wildfires, rising temperatures, and other impacts often associated with a changing climate. Food systems also present opportunities for improvement. Increasing access to fresh, locally produced foods and reducing reliance on highly processed foods can benefit both public health and local economies.

Sustainability continues to be an important topic for businesses, governments, and communities. The report below from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development provides a recent perspective on how business leaders view these issues. According to the report, 92% of business leaders believe sustainability will provide a competitive advantage over the next five to ten years. The study also found growing concern about climate-related risks and strong support for stable, predictable policies that encourage investment in clean energy and other sustainable technologies.

Regardless of your personal perspective on sustainability or climate policy, it is valuable to review current literature and understand the range of viewpoints and trends shaping business decision-making around the world.

Business Breakthrough Barometer 2026: Global Business Perspectives on Sustainability, Climate Transition, and Competitiveness

• Business leaders increasingly view sustainability as a competitive advantage, with 92% expecting it to strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and create long-term growth opportunities over the next 5–10 years.
• Nearly 89% of surveyed organizations maintained or increased investments in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty, demonstrating continued corporate commitment to sustainability.
• A majority (68%) of business leaders believe a disorderly climate transition is becoming more likely, citing policy instability, supply chain disruptions, rising climate-related costs, and geopolitical tensions as major risks.
• Business leaders strongly favor stable and predictable government policies, with 85% supporting strengthened climate policies rather than delayed action, emphasizing that policy certainty encourages long-term investment.
• Companies identified clean energy, electrification, regenerative agriculture, circular economy practices, and resilient infrastructure as the most promising strategies for improving competitiveness while reducing environmental and operational risks.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development. (2026). Business Breakthrough Barometer 2026. https://www.wbcsd.org

Why Social Inequality Persists-The Unwritten Standards

 Let us continue our discussion of injustice through the hypothetical philosophical thought experiment called the Allegory of the Clan, modeled after Plato's Allegory of the Cave. Like Plato's allegory, this story explores the process of recognizing injustice, questioning accepted beliefs, and moving toward greater understanding and enlightenment.

In this hypothetical allegory, religious and racial minorities are treated with contempt. They are marginalized, their rights are violated, and they are dehumanized. Meanwhile, many of those responsible for these injustices are rewarded or protected, while the consequences are shifted onto the victims and, ultimately, onto society as a whole. The story also suggests that these patterns can persist across generations when institutions fail to hold certain values in high regard.

Within the allegory, some judges and leaders are portrayed as rewarding those who are most similar to themselves, most closely connected to existing power structures, or most willing to manipulate the system for personal gain. i.e. in-group members. Corruption was protected while witnesses and whistleblowers retaliated against. As a result, in our story there is little institutional resistance to unethical behavior, allowing injustice to become normalized.

Most people genuinely try to do the right thing because cooperation, fairness, and mutual respect benefit society as a whole. However, the allegory recognizes that there are times when individuals or rogue institutional actors ignore those principles. Some become unwilling to acknowledge wrongdoing, regardless of how many people are harmed or how long the injustice continues. Over time, these attitudes can contribute to persistent inequality and growing public frustration.

The allegory ultimately emphasizes that the most effective response to injustice is not to abandon our shared values but to strengthen them. We should double down on kindness, understanding, education, and a commitment to learning. We should remind ourselves why societies establish constitutions, oaths of office, pledges, and ethical standards—to affirm principles that are greater than any individual and that protect the rights and dignity of everyone. Even when open misbehaviors ae normalized.

By promoting positive values and supporting those who act with integrity, we strengthen our institutions and our communities. At the same time, lawful accountability for unethical or unconstitutional behavior helps discourage misconduct and reinforces the rule of law. In doing so, each generation contributes to preserving and improving the principles of justice, equality, and respect that democratic societies strive to uphold.

*The Allegory of the Clan is for learning purposes so take with a grain of salt. 

This piece seems interesting and it is important to understand whether or not we agree or disagree with their premisis. 

Injustice: Why Social Inequality Persists

• The article reviews Danny Dorling's book Injustice: Why Social Inequality Persists, arguing that social inequality is not inevitable but is sustained by political, economic, and social beliefs that justify unequal outcomes.
• Dorling challenges five common beliefs that reinforce inequality: elitism is efficient, exclusion is necessary, prejudice is natural, greed is good, and despair is inevitable.
• The book draws on extensive research and statistical evidence to demonstrate that greater inequality harms individuals and societies by reducing opportunity, increasing division, and limiting social mobility.
• The review highlights the book's strengths in explaining how dominant social and economic ideas help maintain inequality across class, race, gender, and national boundaries, while noting that it offers fewer practical strategies for creating systemic change.
• Overall, the reviewer concludes that the book is a valuable resource for understanding the causes of social inequality and for challenging assumptions that unequal outcomes are either natural or deserved.

Parkyn-Smith, H. (2010, October 1). Injustice: Why social inequality persists. Counterfire. https://www.counterfire.org/article/injustice-why-social-inequality-persists/

Photos of UP Islands and The Tropical Great Lakes

 If you are interested in any of these photos just send me a message to the right or send $50 to PayPal. My friend did the raised canvas prints and they looked great. These two pictures were taken while traveling toward downstate. You can drive the coastline on US2.

UP Islands

The Tropical Great Lakes

I can print most pictures up to

poster size for $50

Frame or Unframed. I do

this as a hobby so 50% for charity

and 50% for me.

Send me a message to the right

or my email.

You may check out My Gallery

and Art Page

Helping Small Businesses, Downtowns, and Communities Thrive

(Representative Only)

A little funny picture.

The very same patterns of
exchange are at
work since barter & trade
to bitcoin. 

Economic development
is often about giving
pathways to motivated
people to achieve their
goals. Economic Needs

If you can 
attract such motivated people,
enhance them, 
and help them 
flourish locally
they will have a much
wider impact on 
local economies.

Economic and social
exchange are 
part of the micro
transactions that
lead to growth.

Let's continue to talk about community and economic development. As we continue exploring ways to strengthen and revitalize communities so they can compete in the global economy, research provides valuable insights into what works and why. There are many pathways to success but finding the path that is as unique as your local economy takes a little focused effort. 

Small businesses make up the vast majority of businesses in the United States, yet they are often underrepresented in economic policy discussions. This may be one reason many downtown areas have struggled over time, as economic development efforts have frequently focused on attracting large employers while giving less attention to the small businesses that form the backbone of local economies.

Successful community development requires a balance between large, medium-sized, and small businesses. Each plays a unique role in creating jobs, exchanging knowledge, adopting new technologies, and generating long-term economic value.

According to this Brookings study, many small business support programs are fragmented and difficult for entrepreneurs to navigate. The research suggests that local governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders can improve outcomes by coordinating resources and creating stronger support systems for entrepreneurs. These efforts can increase business growth, expand the local tax base, improve economies of scale for infrastructure and utilities, and make communities more attractive to residents, investors, and visitors.

From the perspective of economic cluster theory, the findings also reinforce the importance of collaboration. Whether clusters develop organically or through intentional planning, businesses that work together often achieve better outcomes than those operating independently. Collaborative business networks can increase survival rates, boost revenues, strengthen Main Streets, and improve the overall vitality of a community.

This also highlights the relationship between anchor businesses and small businesses. Large employers attract customers, workers, and investment, while small businesses provide specialized products, services, innovation, and local character. When these businesses support one another, they create a stronger and more resilient local economy. Finding the right balance between businesses of all sizes can help revitalize downtowns and position communities for long-term, sustainable growth.

Time to Level Up: How to Help America's Small Businesses Survive and Thrive in Tumultuous Times

• Small businesses account for 99.9% of U.S. businesses and employ more than 59 million people, making them essential to job creation, innovation, community development, and local economic resilience.
• The authors argue that traditional small business support programs are often fragmented and difficult to navigate, recommending coordinated local business ecosystems that provide entrepreneurs with easier access to capital, training, workforce development, affordable space, and customer networks.
• County governments can play a key leadership role by bringing together public, private, educational, and nonprofit organizations to coordinate resources and strengthen regional entrepreneurship ecosystems.
• Recent investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, domestic supply chains, and artificial intelligence present new opportunities for small businesses to expand by becoming suppliers and partners within growing regional industries.
• Communities that build collaborative, data-driven support systems for entrepreneurs are experiencing stronger business survival rates, increased local revenues, more resilient Main Streets, and broader economic growth than communities relying on disconnected assistance programs.

Brookings Institution. (2026, May 26). Johnson, C. C., & Briggs, X. de S. Time to level up: How to help America's small businesses survive and thrive in tumultuous times. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/level-up-small-businesses-survive-thrive/

Commodore's Dinner Escanaba Yacht Club 2026

The Escanaba Yacht Club recently hosted its Commodore's Dinner, bringing members together for an enjoyable evening of fellowship and community. Events like this strengthen local connections while providing opportunities for networking, friendship, and social engagement. Escanaba offers a wide variety of recreational and community activities that contribute to a high quality of life, making it an attractive place for residents, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking a vibrant community with plenty of opportunities to relax, connect, and enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Last Wednesday's sailboat races were challenged by rainy weather. Although I missed the event, a dedicated group of members still took to the water and kept the races going, demonstrating the enthusiasm and commitment that make the club such a great organization.

If you live in the Escanaba area, consider joining the Escanaba Yacht Club and getting involved. Whether you enjoy sailing, boating, or simply spending time with others who appreciate the waterfront, the club offers an excellent way to stay active, build friendships, and become part of a welcoming recreational community. Escanaba Yacht Club

Daily Press-Small Fleet and Big Hearts

What Makes a Great Manager According to Research?

 Management research helps us better understand what makes an effective manager. It's also important to recognize that leadership expectations evolve over time, so research should always be viewed within the context of the era in which it was conducted. While many leadership qualities have remained consistent for centuries, the emphasis placed on specific skills has changed as workplaces and technology have evolved.

Over the past two decades, Google's Project Oxygen examined what distinguishes highly effective managers. The research identified several key characteristics, including coaching employees, empowering team members, communicating clearly, supporting employee growth and career development, possessing the technical knowledge needed to guide the team, and making sound decisions.

These findings provide a useful framework for aspiring managers. As you develop your own leadership style, consider how you can strengthen these skills to better support your team, improve performance, and create a positive and productive work environment.

Following the Data: The Research Behind Great Managers

• Google's Project Oxygen analyzed employee feedback, performance data, interviews, and surveys to identify the behaviors that make managers most effective. The research demonstrated that great managers significantly improve employee engagement, team performance, and organizational success.
• The study identified key characteristics of strong managers, including being a good coach, empowering employees rather than micromanaging, expressing genuine concern for team members' success and well-being, and being productive and results-oriented.
• Effective managers communicate clearly, listen actively, share information openly, support career development, and provide regular, constructive feedback that helps employees improve and grow.
• Strong managers create a clear vision and strategy for their teams, make sound decisions, solve problems effectively, and encourage collaboration while fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment.
• Google's research showed that management skills can be developed through data-driven training, coaching, and continuous feedback, enabling organizations to improve leadership quality and overall business performance.

Characteristics of Strong Managers (Project Oxygen)

• Is a good coach.
• Empowers the team and avoids micromanaging.
• Creates an inclusive team environment and shows concern for employees' success and well-being.
• Is productive and results-oriented.
• Communicates effectively by listening and sharing information.
• Supports employees' career development and discusses performance regularly.
• Has a clear vision and strategy for the team.
• Possesses key technical skills that help guide and advise the team.
• Collaborates across teams and builds strong working relationships.
• Makes sound decisions and solves problems effectively.

Google re:Work. (n.d.). Following the data: The research behind great managers. Google. https://rework.withgoogle.com/intl/en/guides/following-the-data-the-research-behind-great-managers

FEMA Firefighter Fatalities and Home Fire Fatalities in 2026

Firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession, but it plays a vital role in building safer, more resilient communities. Unfortunately, many fire departments operate with limited budgets at a time when wildfire risks are increasing and recruiting volunteers—especially younger ones—has become more challenging.

One local department has successfully recruited 12 to 13 young firefighters, which is an impressive achievement. Preparing these volunteers for the demands of the job requires significant time, training, equipment, and financial support.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back, consider donating to your local fire department. Contributions help purchase life-saving equipment such as hydraulic rescue tools (often called the "Jaws of Life"), protective gear, training, and other essential resources. Whether you are an individual or a business, your support can make a real difference. If you're interested in contributing, send me a message and I'll help point you in the right direction.

The firefighter fatality statistics below for 2026—and the historical data from 2014 through 2023 linked beneath them—serve as an important reminder of the risks firefighters accept every time they respond to a call.

Most firefighters volunteer their time because they care deeply about their neighbors and want to make their communities safer. They are motivated by a strong sense of service and a willingness to help others, often putting themselves in harm's way. Encouraging more young people to pursue volunteer service and firefighting strengthens not only local departments but also the resilience and well-being of our communities as a whole.

Firefighter fatalities in 2026 34

Home fire fatalities in 2026 981

2026 Fire Stats

Overall Fire Deaths 2014-2023