US GDP Rising For Q2, 2026

September 30th, 2026

ESCANABA, MI.-The economy continues to show signs of strength despite weaker consumer sentiment. Recent GDP data indicate solid economic growth, while investment and personal income have also increased.

The contrast raises an interesting question: Are negative consumer surveys capturing a level of uncertainty that is not yet reflected in broader economic activity? Economists sometimes describe this gap through the concept of “animal spirits,” where confidence and expectations influence economic behavior.

The distribution of rising personal income also matters. If gains are reaching middle- and working-class households, they could provide much-needed financial relief and support additional consumer spending.

Similarly, more small and medium businesses could also improve growth and appropriate shared benefits from growth. 

Overall, the latest numbers suggest an economy that continues to expand, even as consumers remain cautious about the future.

U.S. Economy Shows Stronger Q2 Growth

• Real GDP grew 2.2% in Q2 2026, up from the earlier 1.5% estimate.

• Consumer spending, investment, and government spending supported growth.

• Real GDI increased 2.6%, while private domestic demand rose 4.6%.

• Real estate, information, manufacturing, and finance contributed to growth.

• GDP increased in 44 states, while personal income increased in 49 states.

Reference: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2026, September 30). GDP (third estimate), industries, corporate profits, state GDP, and state personal income, 2nd quarter 2026. https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/gdp-third-estimate-industries-corporate-profits-state-gdp-and-state-personal-income-2nd

September 2026 ADP Employment Report-Positive Employment and Wage Growth

September 30th, 2026

ESCANABA, MI-The latest employment report provided a positive snapshot of the U.S. labor market, with job gains concentrated in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, and construction. Wage growth also remained positive, adding support to household incomes.

The report comes at a time when economic signals appear mixed. Consumer sentiment surveys have softened, suggesting that many households remain cautious about future economic conditions. At the same time, businesses continue to express optimism and report ongoing growth opportunities.

Viewed together, the employment data helps frame the broader economy from a labor-market perspective. While challenges remain, steady hiring and wage gains indicate that many employers are continuing to invest in workers, providing a degree of stability amid varying economic reports.

September 2026 ADP Employment Report

• Private employers added 90,000 jobs in September, up from 38,000 in August.
• Education and Health Service industries added 55,00 jobs, Leisure and Hospitality 22,000 Jobs.
• Manufacturing added 17,000 jobs and construction added 15,000.
• Wage growth remained positive, with base pay up 3.2% year over year.
• The report suggests some improvement in private-sector hiring, although ADP cautions that it is an independent measure and does not forecast the BLS employment report.

ADP Research Institute. (2026, September 30). ADP National Employment Report: Private-sector employment increased by 90,000 jobs in September. ADP. https://adpemploymentreport.com/

Swim Coaching: Technique, Visualize, and Constructive Positive Feedback with Immediate Practice (8 Traits of Effective Swim Coach)

 Working as an assistant and helping out with a swim team has been a good reminder that coaching involves a lot more than simply telling swimmers to “swim faster.”

We have been working on the technical side of swimming, including freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke. That means I have had to keep updating my own knowledge, too. I watch videos, study technique, and look at different ways to explain movements. Then, after practice, I often jump in and try some of the techniques myself. Part of that is exercise because I enjoy swimming, but it is also a way to make sure I understand what I am asking the swimmers to do. It is a little easier to explain something when you have actually tried it yourself.

(Illustrative only)
Doing it yourself
and demonstrating
helps in visualization.

Another thing I have noticed is how important it is to stay positive. Coaching involves giving constructive feedback, but it also means recognizing what swimmers are doing right. Some swimmers are more experienced than others, and everyone develops at a different pace. When someone does something correctly—or even gets noticeably closer to doing it correctly—it is worth pointing that out.

When I see something that needs work, I usually stop the swimmer when they return to my side of the pool, explain the adjustment, and then have them try it again. That gives them an opportunity to immediately put the feedback into practice rather than simply hearing it and hoping they remember it later.

We are also in the conditioning phase, so there is plenty of swimming, drills, and repetition. In other words, everyone gets a little better while becoming very familiar with the bottom of the pool.

Overall, I am finding that coaching has two important sides: understanding the technical aspects of swimming and understanding how to work with people. The first requires continuing to learn, while the second requires patience, encouragement, and occasionally reminding everyone—including myself—that swimming is supposed to be fun.

I also came across the article below about the traits of an excellent swim coach. I thought it was interesting because many of the ideas connect with what I have been seeing firsthand while helping with the team.

8 Traits of an Excellent Swim Coach

• Excellent coaches are observant and pay attention to both swimming technique and the individual needs of their athletes.
• Focus and engagement help coaches keep swimmers motivated, accountable, and mentally connected to the purpose of each practice.
• Empathy allows coaches to understand what swimmers are experiencing while still maintaining appropriate training expectations.
• Strong coaches communicate clearly, emphasize character development, remain confident, and continue learning throughout their careers.
• Humor and a positive attitude can make demanding training more enjoyable while helping swimmers remain connected to the sport.

Grevers, A. (2024). 8 traits that define an excellent swim coach and caring professional. Swimming World Magazine. https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/8-traits-that-define-an-excellent-swim-coach-and-caring-professional/ 

Labor Market Is Relatively Stable August 2026

September 29th, 2026

ESCANABA, MI.-The latest labor market data provide a relatively steady picture of the U.S. economy. Job turnover in August 2026 remained broadly consistent with previous months, suggesting that the labor market continues to function without a major increase or decline in employment activity.

The broader economic picture remains mixed. Consumer sentiment has weakened, while interest rates remain relatively high. At the same time, businesses and investors appear generally optimistic, and many organizations continue to anticipate reasonable economic growth this year.

Supply-chain risks remain an area to watch, but the overall labor market appears stable. The more important question may be whether workers are receiving a proportionate share of the economic benefits generated by their work. Wages, productivity, employment, and purchasing power will therefore remain important indicators to monitor as the year progresses.

U.S. Labor Market Remains Relatively Stable in August 2026

• Job openings were little changed at 7.1 million in August, with the job openings rate at 4.3%.
• Employers hired about 5.2 million workers, and the hiring rate was 3.3%, showing relatively little change from the previous month and year.
• Total separations remained at about 5.1 million, including 3.1 million quits and 1.6 million layoffs and discharges.
• The quits rate remained at 1.9%, suggesting that worker-initiated job changes were relatively stable during the month.
• Overall, the August data indicate a labor market that remains active but relatively steady, with little change in job openings, hiring, quits, or layoffs.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, September 29). Job openings and labor turnover summary—August 2026. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.nr0.htm

$15 Billion Steel Mill Likely Very Good for the Economy

September 29th, 2026

ESCANABA, MI.-National development requires both economic and social development. This discussion focuses on economic development and the proposed large steel mill in Iowa.

Steel is a foundational industry that supports many other industries, including mining, technology, construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Producing steel domestically can strengthen these supply chains and support greater economic security and development. It may also open new markets if competitive.

This is not an argument for or against a specific policy. Rather, it recognizes that producing certain essential materials domestically can provide long-term benefits. Over time, increased steel production could support other businesses, reduce supply-chain risks, and contribute to GDP growth as new plants become fully operational and compete more effectively with international producers.

Maybe it sparks other mills in the area as infrastructure improves (Maybe we should get one in MI.).

There is plenty of room to agree and disagree.

$15 Billion Steel Mill Planned for Iowa

• President Donald Trump announced plans for Mesabi Metallics to build a $15 billion steel mill in Lee County, Iowa, which the White House describes as potentially the largest steel plant in the United States.
• The project is expected to create about 1,750 permanent jobs paying approximately $49 per hour, along with roughly 6,000 construction jobs.
• Steelmaking is expected to begin in 2030, with the first phase projected to produce 7.5 million tons of steel annually using iron ore from a Minnesota mine owned by Mesabi Metallics.
• Trump connected the investment to his 50% tariffs on foreign steel, while critics have raised concerns that tariffs can increase costs, particularly for industries such as agriculture.
• Iowa lawmakers may consider an incentive package for the project. State officials have emphasized economic development and jobs, while some lawmakers have called for transparency and careful consideration of the costs to taxpayers.

Opsahl, R. (2026, September 28). President Donald Trump announces $15 billion steel mill in Iowa. Iowa Capital Dispatch. https://iowacapita

Consumer Confidence in US Economy Drops-Businesses and Investors Seem Optimistic

 September 29th, 2026

ESCANABA, MI.-Consumer confidence has declined significantly, suggesting that consumers are less optimistic about their future and their financial expectations. This is interesting because in other reports businesses and some economic indicators appear more optimistic.

If roughly 70% of the U.S. economy is driven by consumer spending, we have to ask whether there is a growing difference between how businesses view the economy and how average consumers experience it. Some other data show that wealthier consumers are making more purchases and driving more of the consumer market could support this possibility.

We may be seeing two different views of the economy. If more of the gains from GDP are going to investors and business owners while workers receive less of the benefit, that could help explain the divide. This is only a possible explanation, however, and we need more data before drawing conclusions. (Remember...we are theorizing.)

The larger question is whether our economic systems and decision-making processes are addressing these differences effectively. Another possibility is encouraging more small-business development, particularly in communities. A stronger base of small businesses could help rebuild local economies, keep more wealth in communities, and potentially encourage innovation and human-capital development. 

Perhaps we need to reorient some policies to maximize broad based development (broad based capitalism versus concentrated capitalism). (In theory...feel free to reject.)

This is simply one way of looking at the situation. It may not be correct, and tomorrow I might have a different opinion. Its ok if you do too because it means your thoughtful and have congnitive flexibility (related in some ways to strategic thinking). The important thing is to keep looking at the evidence and asking questions about what the numbers are really telling us. Eventually the economic story will be told. 

Consumer Confidence and the U.S. Economy

• The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey measures consumer attitudes about current business and labor-market conditions and expectations for the months ahead.
• In August 2026, the Consumer Confidence Index declined 0.8 points to 89.4, compared with 90.2 in July.
• The Present Situation Index increased 6.8 points to 121.2, indicating that consumers viewed current economic and labor-market conditions more favorably.
• The Expectations Index declined 5.8 points to 68.2, reflecting greater concern about future business conditions, employment opportunities, and household income.
• The survey provides useful information for businesses and policymakers because it tracks consumer buying intentions and expectations regarding inflation, interest rates, and other economic conditions across demographic and geographic groups.

The Conference Board. (2026, August 25). US consumer confidence edged down slightly in August. https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence/

Delta County MI Board of Commissioners Special Meeting (9/28/2026): Bathrooms, Laundry Grant

 A meeting on campgrouds. We like recreation around here. 

(Illustrative Only)
Laundry and bathrooms
are appreciated.

Meeting Call & Opening

• Special meeting held September 28, 2026, called by on September 23.

• Proceedings opened with prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call.

• Commissioners Maelner, Williams, and Jensen present; Commissioner Kelly excused.

• Agenda approved as written; no written communications, committee reports, or initial public comments.

MDNRTF Grant Revision (PTP Campground Bath House)

• Application score review was low (285 points); target score is around 350+ points.

• Design adjustments proposed: add 36 sq ft for ADA/Universal accessibility (laundry room & bathroom), add a rain garden, install interpretive signage, and include building demolition points.

• Local match increased from 25% to 30% ($172,000 local contribution, up $40,000, partly offset by in-kind maintenance labor).

• Total project cost is $572,000; grant request remains $400,000.

• Board voted unanimously to rescind the old resolution and adopt the revised resolution reflecting the 30% match.

Adjournment & Upcoming Dates

• Public and commissioner comment periods closed with no additions.

• Scheduled meetings: Finance (Oct 1 at 9:00 AM), Regular Board (Oct 6 at 5:15 PM), Statutory Meeting (Oct 13 at 5:15 PM).

• Meeting adjourned.