Blood, Hair and Eyeballs

We all have that crazy uncle that we love to see come for dinner but are never sure what he will say.  That, is Alan Simpson, former Senator from Wyoming.  Simpson and Erskine Bowles were just appointed by the President to co-chair the deficit reduction panel. 

In a CNBC interview that was on today (Monday, Feb. 22) he was asked what it was going to take to address this country’s economic issues. He said, “A lot of blood, hair and eyeballs have to lay on the floor before we finish”.  Not exactly the Obama eloquence but the kind of straight forward, as he says, “No BS” approach we need to our current issues. (See full interview here - http://www.cnbc.com/id/35526010). As Tom Donahue, president of the U.S. Chamber said today in our meeting, “The President is not going to keep those two chained under the porch.”

I am currently at a meeting with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 and the U.S. Chamber Board of Directors.  I was invited to join this group that meets twice a year to discuss the “Big Issues” facing our nation.  The focus this time is on the budget, the deficit and how our international relations interact with those issues.  The numbers will really give you pause.

• The President’s 2010 budget proposes $500 billion in new taxes for companies and just under $1 trillion in new taxes for individuals and small businesses over the next 10 years. 
• The projection is that 10 years out, federal spending will reach $5.7 trillion dollars and debt to GDP would be 77 percent by 2019.
• The Federal Government borrows $1 dollar for every $2 it spends.     
• Pensions in America are underfunded by $50 to $60 billion.
• Households lost $14 trillion in wealth during the economic downturn. We’ve only made up $3 trillion to date.

In short, we are back to the “It’s about the Economy” era.  We asked one of the panelists what all this means to our mainstreet businesses.  His answer… more expensive credit, higher taxes, increased regulatory pressures and helping our Congress understand a relevant 4-letter word…math.

When I was interning in Washington, D.C. we had a series of speakers events.  I remember that Lloyd Benson came in and told us how wonderful public service is, what an honor it was to serve in the Congress, etc.  Senator Alan Simpson, came to the podium, looked out all of us eager faces and said, “You young people are getting screwed and will inherit our mistakes.  You better get active in the process”. 

Twenty years later, our crazy uncle is back and his prediction from that August day is coming true.  I think his straight forward, lay it on the line and tell it like it is attitude is exactly what we need in America right now.  Let’s hope he can break through the clutter.  Our economy and the future of our kids depend on it.

Keeping America Safe

As I hear reports about the Marines and Afghan forces fighting the Taliban in southern Afghanistan, I am paying more attention than in the past because our son is now a Marine.  He will complete his speciality school in March and be ready for his first deployment.  While not specifically a combat Marine, we have quickly learned that ”every Marine is a rifleman,” and is trained in the basic art of combat. If they are needed, they go. While not something a parent wants to think about, you soon realize your child has dedicated themself to that greater purpose of defending this country.     

While I have always had a healthy respect for our military men and women, being a parent of a Marine puts things in different perspective.  You reconsider that connection between those that dedicate themselves to standing guard and the daily freedom we enjoy.  Every day, I am free to work with a business community that is interested in progress.  In additon to paying salaries, taxes and growing a company, our businesses donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to community causes to make this a better place to live.  Our elected officials make policy decisions without fear of reprisal from an armed faction. Nasty letters or a heated phone call are normally about the extent of the discontent.   

Not long ago, I was at an American Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference and as part of our event, our professional organization sponsored business association representatives from other parts of the world.  During a break, I had a chance to talk with a young woman who lives in Kabul.  She is helping one of the non-governmental agencies assist businesses; similar to a chamber of commerce. 

What a different life.  The week before she came to the conference, a car bomb had exploded a couple blocks from her office.  She talked a bit about how the Taliban were taking control of many rural areas and the concern about America’s committment.  At one point in the conversation she made a rather startling statement about keeping a loaded AK-47 in her office.  Just in case.      

As you watch the events unfold in Afghanistan in the coming days, weeks and months, take a moment to thank those serving in our military.  They undertake a lifestyle and a committment to protect us that we take for granted because America has always produced brave men and women willing to protect our freedom.  Because of that, I don’t carry a loaded AK-47 to my office.  Semper Fi.

Monopoly and Life Lessons

On Saturday, the Junior Achievement program is hosting its 5th Annual Monopoly Tournament in Mandan.  This is a great event that will attract more than 100 people to come out to play in various age categories.  It’s fun to watch the competition and how some of the participants, “really get into it”.  You know what I mean.  That uncle or aunt at Christmas that dig out the Monopoly board and everyone hesitates to play because they know who will win. 

One of the issues the business community talks with us a lot is about teaching kids financial management skills.  From basic things such as counting back change to the more complex concepts such as what does your credit score mean.  There are many ways to teach these skills.  Some are more formal, such as the classroom.  Some are not such as Monopoly.  

When you think about it, Monopoly is a lot like life.  You roll the dice, move around the board, pay your utility bill and rent, and at some point, collect a paycheck. You try to acquire some assets while balancing a need for savings.  At some time during the game, there is more bills than paycheck.  So, you have to negotiate with the landlord that has two hotels on Park Place, take out a loan and pay some “interest”.  I think anyone over the age of 25 can probably relate. 

We are still looking for some bankers and players.  If you want to come out on Saturday and relate some life lessons,  you are certainly welcome.

Baby on Board

It’s not quite what you think…The Hullet’s do not have an announcement. 

In addition to all the activites we do a the Chamber, we also try to be a bit of an experiment tank for the business community.  We have an employee (Dot) who “telecommutes” with a flexible office schedule to accomodate taking care of her two children under five.  If you have employees that could make this model work, it is great andwe are more than happy to answer questions you might have about it.  And if that isn’t enough, we are starting a new experiment. 

As many of you know, Katie Moore Aitchinson, our Marketing and Communications Director recently had a baby girl, Tess.  As Katie and Dana were trying to figure out daycare plans, it became apparent there was a 6-month window they needed to accomodate before Tess could start with their chosen daycare.   I think we all know how stressful the first year of a child’s life is for the parents.  You have to develop an entire new routine, sleep less and attempt to balance your work with a new baby. Without question, it is a joyous but stressful time. 

In talking with Katie in November, I offered her an idea.  Bring Tess to work with her for the first six months.  Eric Hardmeyer at the Bank of North Dakota told me this has worked for them.  So, starting Monday, Tess became the newest face around the Chamber office. 

From a manager’s perspective, this appears to have some great upside.  It allows Katie  to relieve a bit of the day to day stress of having a new baby and 13-years old twins. Instead of jumping right into a new routine, it allows the family to “ease” into a new normal.  I think it will also benefit the Chamber.  Instead of worrying about what’s happening with that new bundle of joy, she is sleeping beside the desk.  I believe it will greatly enhance Katie’s ability to focus on work.

Are there times when it could be a distraction? Sure.  But probably no more than we encounter on a daily basis around the office.  As I considered this idea before I asked Katie about it, it really occured to me that it is a new day in the work world.  Today’s parents really do focus on the work-life balance.  If we can accomodate that focus and work with it instead of against it, there is a win-win scenario. 

Finally, I suppose I am getting old.  With a 13 year old son and 19 year old who is now a Marine, I have a better understanding… now… of how important those first months of life are, what it means to the new parent and how fast it goes.  We should all pause a bit to revel in the newness of life.  As we conduct our little “experiment” we’ll keep you up to date…and probably post a few photos along the way.