The Value of Friendship-Accomplish Your Goals and the Understand the Soft Side of Life

Achievement Matters, but So Does Enjoying Life

In a world that often measures success through accomplishments, income, and professional achievement, it can be easy to overlook the importance of friendship, laughter, and meaningful relationships.

Good friends provide more than companionship. They offer social connection, look out for one another, make phone calls, remember important occasions, and create opportunities to enjoy life together.

Sometimes I get a call from MI when I am in CA and I like to get them. Other times I might get a call from CA when I am in MI. Equally nice. It is these little things that make a difference when people ask, "When are you coming back?". We complicate life. It is about the social world in which we live while finding something worth pursuing.

Illustrative Only

A recent experience illustrated the value of those connections. While spending time with a couple of friends, I randomly stopped at a location where a band was performing. One of the musicians recognized me as we walked in, called my name on the mic, I raised my glass and exchanged a greeting (Ok actually just my hand.).

Small moments like these can make a difference. They demonstrate how friendships develop through shared experiences, familiarity, and genuine care.

The Balance Between Ambition and Enjoyment

Pursuing goals requires determination, purpose, and grit. I believe in working hard to accomplish my ambitions, helping others, and building a meaningful life. However, achievement does not have to come at the expense of enjoying the journey. Grit comes from enjoying the process. 

After accomplishing most of my goals, I can take time to reflect on what matters most. Professional success and personal accomplishments can provide satisfaction, but relationships and the ability to share experiences with others add another dimension to life. 👆

“Don’t forget the soft side of life,” I emphasize. “All that achievement amounts to nothing unless you do something good with it.”. A duty many leaders forgot.  You are there for society (i.e. the social side of economic development).

That perspective encourages me to use my accomplishments in constructive ways, including helping others, supporting my community, and spending time with the people who bring joy. Encouraging those who enjoy such joy to connect.

Staying Focused on What Matters

Not every problem deserves the same amount of attention. Learning to distinguish between what is important and what is not can help me maintain perspective while pursuing my goals.

Having a purpose does not mean ignoring life's enjoyable experiences. It means finding a balance between working hard, helping good people do good things, and making time for relaxation and friendship.

As someone who has spent much of my life pursuing achievement, I recognize the value of taking a step back. Enjoying a conversation, laughing with friends, attending a local event, or simply being present with others can provide a meaningful counterbalance to daily responsibilities.

A Life Worth Enjoying

Success is not limited to what I accomplish. It is also reflected in the relationships I build, the people I help, and the experiences I share.

When I remain focused on my purpose while appreciating the good things around me, I can find greater contentment in everyday life.

The lesson is straightforward: Work toward your goals. Develop grit. Maintain your honor through pro-social acts. Help others. But don't forget to enjoy the people and experiences that make the effort worthwhile.

Sometimes, being in the zone is not about achieving more. It is about being surrounded by good people, doing something one enjoys, and recognizing that life is meant to be lived as well as accomplished.You  may want to read this piece of friendship and its importance......

Friendship in America: Social Connections and Relationships

This summary examines friendship patterns in the United States, including how people form relationships, maintain social connections, and experience friendship in everyday life.

• Importance of friendship: 61% of U.S. adults say having close friends is extremely or very important for living a fulfilling life, exceeding the shares who say the same about marriage, children, or having a lot of money.

• Number of close friends: 53% of adults report having one to four close friends, while 38% have five or more. About 8% say they have no close friends. Older adults are more likely to report having five or more close friends than younger adults.

• Similarity among friends: 66% of adults say all or most of their close friends are the same gender, while 63% say all or most share their race or ethnicity. These patterns vary by age, gender, and racial or ethnic background.

• Friendship satisfaction: Among adults with at least one close friend, 72% report being completely or very satisfied with the quality of their friendships. Satisfaction is higher among those with five or more close friends (81%) than those with one to four (65%).

• Topics of conversation: Work and family life are the most frequently discussed subjects. Friendships also provide opportunities to discuss current events, physical health, and mental health, with differences in conversation topics across age and gender groups.

Pew Research Center. (2023, October 12). What does friendship look like in America? https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/10/12/what-does-friendship-look-like-in-america/ 

Escanaba City Council Meeting Thursday -September 17, 2026- (Start-Up Opportunities in Oddly Normal Places)

 Escanaba continues to grow, develop, and challenge the market. While many towns across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have experienced economic and population challenges, Escanaba has shown signs of renewed development in recent years. Improvements to infrastructure, downtown revitalization, beautification projects, community events, paved alleys, housing initiatives, and technological upgrades have helped create an environment with opportunities for new businesses.

The community is well positioned to attract entrepreneurs, particularly younger families with children or want to have children. New businesses, even those that do not succeed initially, can encourage entrepreneurship and lead to future ventures. Entrepreneurs who live locally are more likely to keep their spending, investments, and business activities connected to the community, helping circulate money within the local economy.

(Illustrative Only)
People beautifying their town
and engaged in technology
and other pursuits. 
Life is oddly normal
here and how it 
should have been.

There are also opportunities for retirees who want to start a part-time business, such as a gift shop or a small venture based on skills and interests developed throughout their careers. This allows people to remain active in business while maintaining time for family and personal pursuits.

Escanaba offers the potential to balance running a business, caring for your family, and enjoying life. If you have some startup capital and are considering opening a business, reach out to the local Chamber of Commerce, banks, city and county offices, and other community organizations. Ask questions, explore available resources, and begin developing your idea.

Escanaba is a community worth considering for your next business venture.

Escanaba City Council Meeting – Main Themes

Recent Meetings

(AI generated) 

Meeting Date: September 17, 2026

- Downtown Beautification and Grant Funding: The City Council approved renewing a $37,000 grant-match commitment to support flowers, pots, and hanging baskets along Ludington Street. Enhance Escanaba will seek at least $25,000 in additional grant funding, with the city potentially serving as the primary grant applicant. The initiative aims to improve the appearance of the downtown area through community and city partnerships.

- City Technology and Phone System Upgrade: Council approved a five-year hosted phone system lease with DS-Tech of Escanaba. The new system includes installation, setup, labor, training, and warranty support, replacing the existing system, which has experienced usability and operational problems.

- Alley Paving and Infrastructure Improvements: The city approved a $42,875 contract with Payne and Dolan to repave two alleys near Ludington Street. The alleys had been left gravel after lead service line replacement work and are scheduled to return to asphalt before winter. The water department will cover portions of the paving associated with the areas it disturbed.

- Housing Commission Appointments: Council approved two applicants, Linda Heitman and Christine Dalvo, to fill vacancies on the Housing Commission. Additional vacancies remain on the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

- Community Events and Local Engagement: Council members discussed the success of a recent Ludington Street celebration, which included cooperation with the local high school, a marching band, children participating in a countdown, and 600 cupcakes distributed to attendees. The event was described as a successful example of small-town community celebration.

Standing Up for What Is Right: The Courage to Defend Shared Values (Hypothetical Feather Party)

September 19th, 2026 

AXIS MUNDI-Many people claim to have strong values, and many seek leadership positions. However, when difficult choices arise, not everyone is willing to stand up for what is right. This is a human phenomenon found across societies, and the surrounding environment can make moral courage easier or more difficult.

In the hypothetical learning story, The Allegory of the Clan, individuals who reported corruption faced retaliation and intimidation (...even much much worse). Yet some continued to stand up, and others eventually joined them, gradually challenging a closed network of corruption and mistreatment.

What makes these individuals different? Research suggests that people who speak up may demonstrate stronger social responsibility, altruism, persistence, and emotional regulation. Rather than simply being complainers, they may be motivated by obligations to their communities, families, future or past generations, and personal values.

Moral courage involves placing principles above personal gain, refusing to abandon one's responsibilities under pressure, and recognizing that leadership requires more than holding a position. As the study below illustrates, some individuals are willing to accept personal risks to defend the values they believe matter.

Even when one is at risk. Thus when someone makes oaths, or pledges, or promises they must keep them even if it costs them much or everything. This is the moral conscious question; or lack thereof. 

What are your values you tell others? (Now think more deeply of what your real values are. This you don't have to tell anyone no matter which way you see it.)

Speaking Up for Shared Values

• The study examines why some people speak up against immoral, discriminatory, or uncivil behavior.

• People who confront wrongdoing tend to demonstrate altruism, social responsibility, persistence, and emotional regulation.

• Speaking up is not necessarily associated with aggression or low self-esteem.

• Individuals who challenge prejudice are also more likely to confront other forms of misconduct.

• The findings highlight the importance of social courage, ethical leadership, and defending shared values.

Moisuc, A., Brauer, M., Fonseca, A., Chaurand, N., & Greitemeyer, T. (2018). Individual differences in social control: Who ‘speaks up’ when witnessing uncivil, discriminatory, and immoral behaviours? British Journal of Social Psychology, 57(3), 524–546. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.12246 

Starting a Business in Escanaba-From Idea to Execution

September 18th, 2026

ESCANABA-Thinking about starting a business? Escanaba, Michigan, is worth a look.

(Illustrative Only)
Good ideas can
come from anywhere.
Maybe you run a
company maybe
you do it a day
or so a week. 

Located on Lake Michigan, Escanaba has a long history of shipping and industry, along with port, rail, highway, and air connections. Its location also provides access to markets and industries throughout the Upper Peninsula.

Downtown Escanaba offers another opportunity. Recent improvements have upgraded sidewalks, lighting, trees, and other public spaces, while commercial buildings remain available for entrepreneurs willing to invest.

For some, a downtown building could even provide both a business and a place to live.

Perhaps most importantly, Escanaba is a community where entrepreneurs can build personal relationships with local banks, businesses, organizations, and residents.

(Keep in mind the concept of transactions social, economic, physical, etc. for our innovative cluster concept.)

A business often starts with nothing more than an idea and a conversation. In Escanaba, that idea may have room to grow. Then room to scale. 

Sometimes, the best place to start isn't the biggest city. It's a community where you can become part of the local economy and help build something new. Persistence and grit wins. With its outdoors and rejuvenating outdoor environment good ideas can keep bubbling forward. You can focus. Namaste

From Idea to Execution: The Journey of an Entrepreneur

• Ideas: Entrepreneurs identify business opportunities by finding problems and customer needs.
• Planning: A business plan helps organize goals, costs, and business strategies.
• Starting a business: Entrepreneurs develop products, build a brand, and find funding to support their business.
• Growth: Marketing, customer service, and reaching new customers help businesses grow.
• Learning and adapting: Entrepreneurs must respond to challenges, learn from mistakes, and improve their businesses.

The article finds that starting a business requires more than a good idea. Entrepreneurs need to test their ideas, plan carefully, manage money, and respond to challenges. The study also finds that business growth depends on continuous learning, innovation, and the ability to adapt to changing customer needs.

Rekha, A. H., & Sobiya, S. L. (2025). From idea to execution: The journey of an entrepreneur. Journal of Marketing & Social Research, 2(4), 172–175. https://doi.org/10.61336/jmsr/25-04-23

U.S. Leading Economic Index Receeds a Little in August 2026

September 18th, 2026

ESCANABA-This report provides an overview of how The Conference Board views the current state of the U.S. economy. Based on its August data, economic growth appears to be slowing somewhat. The economy is expected to continue expanding, but not as quickly as previously projected.

Consumer sentiment remains a concern. Interestingly, some economic indicators suggest consumers are continuing to spend, while others point to weaker consumer confidence and enthusiasm. This difference is worth watching as we evaluate the broader economic outlook.

Building permits also declined, which could have implications for construction activity and future development. However, it is too early to determine the full impact. For now, this is something to monitor as additional economic data becomes available.

U.S. Leading Economic Index Edges Down in August 2026

The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index (LEI) provides insight into future economic activity by tracking indicators associated with business cycles, employment, consumer expectations, and financial conditions. The August 2026 release examines whether the U.S. economy is showing signs of continued growth or potential weakening.

• The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the United States decreased by 0.1% in August 2026, reaching 99.5 (2016 = 100), following a 0.2% increase in July.

• The LEI's six-month growth rate declined by 0.1% between February and August 2026, although this was a smaller decline than the 0.6% contraction during the previous six-month period.

• Four of the ten LEI components declined in August. Consumer expectations continued to weigh on the index, indicating concerns about future business and economic conditions.

• Building permits decreased across most regions and for both single-family and multifamily housing. The West was the only region to report a small increase in total permits.

• The Conference Board continues to expect the U.S. economy to expand, but forecasts slower growth. Real GDP growth is projected at 1.9% for 2026, while the 2027 forecast was revised downward from 1.9% to 1.8%.

The Conference Board. (2026, September 18). The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US edged down in August. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-conference-board-leading-economic-index-lei-for-the-us-edged-down-in-august-302883352.html 

Industrial Capacity Holds Steady August 2026, but Innovation May Be the Next Challenge

September 18th, 2026 

ESCANABA-Industrial utilization in August 2026 was relatively steady. There were no major increases or decreases, although manufacturing output did decline slightly following a seven-month period of growth. Utilities increased, reflecting continued strength in energy demand.

The relatively stable numbers also raise a broader economic-development question: Are we doing enough to encourage small and medium-sized businesses that can create new products, technologies, and manufacturing capacity?

(I keep thinking of Escanaba as a place for export oriented start-ups. They just redid their downtown and strong infrastructure. Nice place to bring your family, start a business, live upstairs, and give your dreams a chance. )

A more nimble economy may require broader support for businesses in the middle and at the beginning of the development pipeline—not simply continued investment and cater policies to the largest companies (One reason why we should think about balanced approaches and minimize the influence of large corporate donations to candidates that must make decisions even without personal benefit. The goal being to balance out the discussion and ensure large, small, medium, and micro can grow together for a balanced economy. They expand each other when in balance.That also helps reduce overall overconcentration and improve broader innovation that supports long-term growth.). Small businesses, startups, and new manufacturing ventures can contribute to innovation and create longer-term economic value.

For now, the overall economy appears reasonably stable, but that does not mean there are no headwinds. Geopolitical developments, changing costs, labor-market conditions, and other economic pressures could affect future growth.

Improving the economy over the longer term may therefore require more than simply increasing production. It may require continued development of human capital, better use of technology, and a stronger foundation for startups and emerging manufacturing businesses.

In other words, the numbers may be steady today, but building the capacity to innovate tomorrow could be just as important.

Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization: August 2026

1. Industrial production was unchanged in August 2026 after increasing 0.2% in July. Total industrial production was 1.4% higher than in August 2025.
2. Manufacturing output declined 0.3% in August after seven consecutive months of increases. Durable manufacturing fell 0.5%, while nondurable manufacturing was unchanged.
3. Mining production increased 0.1% in August, while utilities increased 1.8%. The increase in utilities was driven primarily by higher electric utility output.
4. Overall capacity utilization remained at 76.3%, which is 3.1 percentage points below its long-run 1972–2025 average. Manufacturing capacity utilization declined to 75.7%.
5. The data show a mixed industrial picture: business equipment production was 7.1% above its August 2025 level, while consumer goods were 1.1% lower. The Federal Reserve also announced that its annual revision of industrial production and capacity-utilization data is scheduled for November 24, 2026.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2026, September 18). Industrial production and capacity utilization—G.17. https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/current/default.htm

The Value of a Functioning Code of Conduct for Judges

The Allegory of the Clan is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment exploring what happens when justice fails. In this learning story, certain religions, races, and political perspectives are treated with disdain, even when their values align with constitutional principles, oaths, and important philosophical traditions. Minorities are targeted, friends are rewarded, and prejudice becomes normalized.

The judges disregard broader laws and allow partisanship, corruption, and unwritten rules to influence their decisions. Victims seeking to protect their families, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion are intentionally disregarded for political ideology, while those responsible for misconduct are protected.

The story raises an important question: What can we do to improve the system? One starting point is reducing political influence within the judiciary and ensuring that judges uphold the law impartially. When public trust declines and wrongdoing continues without accountability, institutions risk losing their legitimacy-trust. Trust cannot be easily restored once it has been broken. Justice requires doing what is right, consistently, even when it is difficult. Most judges want to do the right thing but when they wont or if they are afraid of doing the right thing we have a much bigger problem under the surface. The proof in pudding outcomes. Worse if they don't know what the right thing is and they are deciding over such principles. 

Code of Conduct for United States Judges

• The code establishes ethical standards for federal judges to promote integrity and public trust.
• Judges must perform their duties fairly, impartially, and independently.
• Ethical guidelines address conflicts of interest and outside activities.
• Judges are expected to maintain professional conduct in their personal and official roles.
• The code provides a framework for responsible judicial decision-making and public confidence.

Judicial Conference of the United States. (n.d.). Code of conduct for United States judges. United States Courts. https://www.uscourts.gov/administration-policies/judiciary-policies/ethics-policies/code-conduct-united-states-judges