Under Pressure: Japan's Startups Want to Raise More Money and Go Global

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Total investment in Japanese startups increased 25% between 2013 and 2023, reaching $5.4bn in 2023, according to Initial, a Japanese VC data provider.   

But Japan’s venture capital sector is still small. VC investment is about half that of South Korea’s, for example, and only 3% of the US market.

Historically Japan’s startups have focused on serving the domestic market, a barrier to attracting foreign VC investment. The government is pushing its startups to plan for global expansion through accelerators and mentorship programs.

Japanese corporate VCs are thinking more globally, some from day one.  Find out why.

Would US Tariffs End or Even Reverse the Era of Trade Liberalization?

©iStock/MikeVanSchoonderwait

Would US tariffs end or even reverse the era of trade liberalization begun in the 1980s? Perhaps not, according to Walter Frick for Bloomberg.

Bloomberg Economics’ model of Trump’s proposed tariffs expects that other countries will offset most of their lost trade with the US simply by trading more with each other. That points to the possibility that globalization could keep on humming — just without the US at its center.

To explore this and more, visit here.

Today in Global Small Business: Will New Tariffs Help or Hurt Global Small Businesses?

©iStock/Iskandar Zulkarnaen

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Will tariffs help or hurt global small businesses?
• Global small business owners are worried about Trump tariffs.
• Quote of the week: “Smoot and Hawley ginned up The Tariff Act of 1930 to get America back to work after the Stock Market Crash of '29. Instead, it destroyed trade so effectively that by 1932, American exports to Europe were just a third of what they had been in 1929. World trade fell two-thirds as other nations retaliated. Jobs evaporated." – Elaine Chao
• What proposed tariffs could mean for American manufacturing.
• Tariffs didn't make American manufacturing great again.
• Is it a good idea for US manufacturing on Trump's proposed tariffs?

Let Things Go

©Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go." – Unknown author

Unlocking Opportunities for Small Businesses in Cambodia

©iStock/catshiles

Despite their importance, small businesses often struggle to access international markets due to the high costs of infrastructure, marketing, distribution, compounded by complex compliance and regulatory barriers.

However, technological advances, especially in online shopping, are alleviating some of these barriers by providing affordable digital storefronts and access to global customers without needing a physical presence.

Over the past decade, the Cambodian government has made significant strides to enhance the export potential of its small enterprises.  

Learn what those strides are here and a lot of it is digital support.

It's Complicated: How to Mitigate the Coming Tariff Increases

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The following was authored by Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg pre-election.

"The Biden administration has not only determined to maintain all existing Section 301 tariffs on imports from China but is expected to increase some of them in the near future. Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg goes on to say – and this was written pre-election:

Further, former president Donald Trump is threatening to more than double those tariffs and impose duties of 10-20 percent on all U.S. imports if he is elected [as of 11/5/24 Trump was re-elected] this November. 

However, there are a number of proven and legitimate ways for importers, exporters, and manufacturers to effectively escape or limit the impact of these tariffs."

Let's figure this out.

What DTC Brands and Retailers Need to Know to Stay Ahead

©iStock/Nadezhda Kozhedub

With discussions heating up around new tariffs on imports—particularly from China—U.S. brands face a critical question:  how to adapt supply chains without squeezing margins or raising prices in ways that disrupt customer loyalty.  We covered part of the solution, for example, with "Is Manufacturing in Cambodia a Good Alternative to China?" 

Tariffs may seem like a blunt policy tool, but their impact on everything from sourcing to pricing strategy can be complex, significant, and lasting.

Who decides on tariffs?  What will be the potential impact on supply chains and costs?  How do you mitigate the impact?  Find out more on how to adapt for long-term resilience.

Is Manufacturing in Cambodia a Good Alternative to China?

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The U.S.-China trade war has put billions of dollars worth of tariffs on imports from the country and the prospect of higher tariffs under President-elect Trump has spurred many companies to accelerate their plans to shift where their products are made. These events, along with a trend of rising wages, have made many importers realize that a more diverse supply chain can provide real benefits.

An increasing number of importers have been looking for alternatives to China, with a desire to either replace or supplement their Chinese manufacturers.

Cambodia has come up because of its close proximity to China as well as its low labor costs, which are among the lowest in Southeast Asia. Making the move to Cambodia, however, is not always easy.

Read on to learn what Cambodia manufactures, how Cambodia compares to China, and the biggest challenge when switching to Cambodia.

Today in Global Small Business: Honoring Our Nation's Veterans

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• In respect and recognition of the contributions our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.
• Veteran-owned businesses – SBA.
• Quote of the week: “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" – Maya Angelou
• U.S. Department of of Veterans Affairs, support for your Veteran-owned small business.
• Veterans and Military Business Owners Association.
• Veteran-owned businesses generated about 5.3% of employer firm revenue, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The New Look of Starbucks in Rogers Park, Illinois

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Our stores will be inviting places to linger, with comfortable seating, thoughtful design and a clear distinction between 'to-go' and 'for-here' service." – Brian Niccol, new Starbucks CEO 2024

Be Thoughtful and Respectful to One Another

©iStock/Moor Studio

How should you talk to your team members about the results of the US election?

With a clear winner, as in Trump, say something like I want to emphasize that one of our core values as an organization is to be thoughtful and respectful toward one another. Let’s all be mindful of how we express our feelings, recognizing the diversity within our team.

And there's more.  Even though the outcome is clear, we still face a prolonged period of uncertainty. Acknowledge the tension and confusion, then pivot to your business needs.

Read more about what to say to your team after the election.

Music to Remain Calm (Music Video)

Building the Road to Global Small Business Utopia with AI and Fintech

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Could artificial intelligence help global small business owners gain the insights they need to operate more efficiently and grow?

In the updated edition of Fintech, Small Business & the American Dream, Karen Mills looks at evolving technology and how it might power this critical engine of the US economy.

Observations From Accidental Entrepreneur Charmaine James (wegginar® 11/6/24)

©2024 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

What fuels your soul?  How do you unleash greatness within you?  How can you surround yourself with smart and positive people?

Charmaine James will talk about this and a whole lot more at her upcoming wegginar®, Wednesday, November 6th at 11 AM CT, "The Accidental Entrepreneur." 

Charmaine is the founder and managing partner of Locsanity. She is the creative visionary behind the brand and is actively involved in the formulation of all of Locsanity’s loc, hair and personal care products. She is a former corporate executive as well as a wife and mom to three amazing children.

Don't miss this inspiring and educational talk – free of charge (can't beat that) thanks to wegg's generous sponsors as noted on the above graphic.

I [Laurel Delaney] will be moderating the call and look forward to your participation.  See you there!

To learn more and to register, visit here. 

Today in Global Small Business: RIP Lily Ebert

©iStock/MichaelHeimlich

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert dies at 100.  May she finally rest in peace, deservedly so.
• Have you ever heard of planetary health?
• Quote of the week: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." – Martin Luther King Jr.
• The world’s most powerful countries are the ones that consistently dominate news headlines, preoccupy policymakers and shape global economic patterns.
• Best global brands 2024.
• World economies competitiveness ranking.

Poprosze Piwo

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Poprosze Piwo.  A beer, please.

A Reddit Question: If Women Ruled the World, Would the World be Better?

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Here's how it started on Reddit:  "There's an idea that the world would be a better place if women ruled it. What do you think? Although some joke that "countries wouldn't be talking to each other." Men have always been much more risk-taking and impulsive, and I feel that women would negotiate and debate issues a lot more."

Here's where it went.  What's your thought?

Apple's Vision Pro Goes Global

©iStock/Valen Tino

Following an exclusive launch in the US in February, Apple began the international expansion of Vision Pro in June. Now the company is ready to bring Apple Vision Pro to even more countries, as the company has just announced another expansion for next month to South Korea and UAE.

With the launch in South Korea and UAE, Apple Vision Pro will be available in 12 countries.

Drastically Rethink Your Global Business Strategy If ...

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Now (10/29/24), as former President Donald Trump campaigns on a pledge to hit all goods coming into the country with a 10%-20% tariff, or border tax, which would rise to 60% for goods from China, companies that import from China are having to drastically rethink their strategy.

America, once a global champion of free trade, is about to be taken off its game should Trump be re-elected.  His tariff claims are rejected by most traditional economists, who say the policy would do little to expand employment in the US, while raising costs for everyday Americans and slowing growth around the world.

Leveraging AI and Globalization to Build the Workforce of the Future

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In an era where demand for specialized skills, especially in tech, far exceeds supply, many businesses are seeking international talent. Traditionally, companies focused their recruitment on local markets, but today’s interconnected world enables hiring from around the globe. This shift opens access to a broader range of skills, cultures, and perspectives essential for driving innovation.

By embracing globalization and technology, businesses are addressing skills gaps and positioning themselves for sustainable growth in a complex labor market.

Discover how to leverage AI and globalization to build the workforce of the future.

Today in Global Small Business: The Art of 21st Century Global Leadership

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• An overview – The Art of 21st Century Global Leadership – of traits and practices required to succeed as a leader today and a look at the factory model that can help aspiring managers ascend.
• Foreign direct investment in the United States (10/1/24).
• Quote of the week: “With 90 percent of consumers living outside of the United States, the biggest economic opportunity for our country is to sell those consumers products that the United States of America makes.” – Senator Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senate
• New export services by the International Trade Administration.
• Why you should export. 
• Go Michigan small businesses who wish to export – funding is available to support your work.

Your Second Life (After Cancer) Is Going to Be So Much Better

©2024 Laurel J, Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Cancer survivors are blessed with two lives. There is your life before cancer, and your life after. I am here to tell you your second life is going to be so much better than the first." – Hoda Kota

Warm Jazz for Autumn Reflection (Music Video)

Despite Cultural Differences, Music Has a Universal Appeal

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Movement and emotions are inextricably linked to music, as well as musical rhythms to people. But if music is the "universal language of mankind," does that mean we all respond to it in the same way?

A Finnish study reveals that people from different cultures have the same bodily sensations when listening to the same music. Do you know the reasons why this phenomenon occurs?

Find out here.

Make the World Your Customer Base by Laurel J. Delaney

©iStock/Yellow duck

Successful small business owners know how to master the transition from local to global. Why are so many jumping on the global bandwagon? Because it offers tremendous growth. 

Here are 10 reasons to prove it.

Celebrating the Success of the 9th Annual Global Small Business Forum 10/18/24: A Heartfelt Thank You

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Check out details here.  A heartfelt thank you to all involved. 👏🎉🎈🎊

Today in Global Small Business: Making the Case For International Expansion

©iStock/Nuthawut Somsuk

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Making the case for international expansion.
• How businesses can overcome barriers to international expansion.
• Quote of the week: "Development isn’t charity.  It’s one of the smartest investments we can make in our shared future – in our security and our prosperity.” – President Barack Obama
• Walmart bets on international business to drive growth in China and Mexico.
• Why the world comes to Georgia and stays.
• Six reasons to expand your business internationally.

Daily Bread of the Eyes

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Land of Opportunity: USA

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The United States continues to attract British businesses and entrepreneurs looking to explore the country’s vast potential.

Expanding into the US means being bold, embracing differences and using a trusted advisor that understands you and your business. 

In this article Rob Levett, Assistant Director with Evelyn Partners LLP, discusses the opportunities, risks, and considerations for increasing your chances of success. 

Mintel Says Global CPG Innovation Reaches Record Low

©iStock/JackF

Over the first five months of 2024, only 35% of global CPG launches were entirely new products, the lowest percentage since Mintel started tracking new products in 1996. The other 65% of launches, according to new insights from Mintel, were renovations — reformulations, line extensions, new packaging and so forth.

As inflation eases and consumers regain confidence, demand for innovation is likely to increase.  

FINAL CALL: 9th Annual Global Small Business Forum 10/18/24 in Chicago!

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Ready.  Set.  Let's go global!  There is still time to sign up for the biggest and best 9th Annual Global Small Business Forum, "Global Success Within Reach – The Bigger Picture," held in Chicago on Friday, October 18th from 8:00-11:30 AM CT.  Hear from a cast of experienced speakers who know the ins and outs to global expansion.

Our cast of speakers – like an Academy Award lineup but for experts and business owners who drive results through global expansion – is as follows:

• Angie Kappel, VP Foreign Exchange, Capital Markets, Associated Bank
• Tami Lange, Founder and President, Save the Girls
• Ellen Wheeler, Partner and Litigation Attorney, Foley & Lardner LLP
• Marc Schulman, President, The Eli's Cheesecake Company
• Amy Mills, Owner and President, 17th Street Barbecue
• Donald J. Lloyd, Senior VP, Manager:  Capital Markets – Foreign Exchange, Rate Swaps and Commodity Derivatives, Associated Bank (Moderator)
• Kirk Samson, Global Business Leader, Co-Founder, Samson Worldwide LLC and Global Business Consultant
• Richard Paullin, Executive Director, International Trade Association of Greater Chicago
• Yvette Laugier, Chairman Emeritus, Housewares Association Board of Directors
• Diamond Young, AVP Foreign Exchange | Capital Markets, Associated Bank
• Rajiv Khatau, Managing Director, LODAAT Pharma
• Valarie King-Bailey, CEO, OnShore Technology Group, Inc. 

Forum is sponsored by Associated Bank and hosted by Foley & Lardner.  

To learn more and to register, visit: https://globalsmallbusinessforum.com/.  I [Laurel Delaney] hope to see you there!

#successwithinreach

Empowering Women SMEs for Global Success

©iStock/Dimple Bhati

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are at the heart of the global economy, representing over 90% of businesses employing up to 70% of the workforce, and driving half of the world's GDP.

Despite their critical role, they face a staggering $5.7 trillion financing gap globally, which increases to $8 trillion when including informal businesses.

In India, for example, 63 million MSMEs contribute 30% of GDP and provide jobs to 110 million people.  It is India’s women entrepreneurs who are forging a new path.

Learn what the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is doing to amplify access to credit.

Today in Global Small Business: Christopher Columbus Arrives in the Americas October 12, 1492

©iStock/md ashek miah

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Happy Columbus Day, a national holiday in many countries of the Americas and elsewhere, and a federal holiday in the United States, which officially celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas.
• U.S.-Canada trade opportunities are growing, Canadian official says.
• Quote of the week:  "By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination." – Christopher Columbus
• United States exports by country.
• United States imports by country.
• Which country exported the most stuff to the United States in 2023?

Owning Our Story

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

©2024 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” — Brené Brown, “The Gifts of Imperfection”

Time to Think Big (and Global) American Small Businesses!

©iStock/mohd izzuan

US micro-, small, and medium-size enterprises, like their global counterparts, struggle with productivity. But a win–win economic fabric connecting all businesses can maximize their potential.

At a glance: 

• Micro-, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) are the bedrock of the US economy. 
• MSMEs in the United States are only half as productive as large companies, compared with 60 percent in other advanced economies. 
• MSME performance varies across US states and metro areas. 
• Interactions between small and large businesses are key to boosting collective productivity. 

Read the entire report by McKinsey Global Institute, October, 2024.

Obstacles to SME Participation in Global Trade

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A key finding in this section of a very robust report is that all types of trade costs, whether they are fixed or variable, adversely affect the ability of SMEs to participate in trade, to a greater extent than large enterprises.

Since SMEs are more sensitive to trade barriers than large firms, removing obstacles to trade benefits SMEs disproportionately. It is therefore important to understand what these major obstacles are.  You can find out here.

Get Your STEP Grants Businesses!

©iStock/May_Chanikran

Small businesses looking to start or expand their global customer reach can use resources offered by state entities that have received STEP funding.  Check out yours here. 

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants are specifically for established U.S. small businesses seeking to complete one of the following eligible activities:

• Participate in trade missions
• Subscribe to services provided by US Department of Commerce
• Translation fees
• Design of market media
• Tradeshow exhibitions
• Participate in export training workshops
• Reverse trade missions
• Procurement of consultancy services
• Other export initiatives as approved by Associate Administrator at SBA

If you are an established company, please contact your appropriate state/territory representative to learn more about how to apply for STEP funds.

3 Mega-Trends Expected to Impact Our Future

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A new globalization report discusses three mega-trends expected to impact our future.  Globalization has impacted people and communities across the globe and has significantly influenced sustainable development. 

Fueled by fast-paced changes in technology and the increased mobility of goods, services, capital and labour, over the past decades globalization has greatly changed economies, societies and the natural environment and has made our world more interconnected than ever before.

Discover the 3 mega-trends expected to impact our future relative to globalization.

Today in Global Small Business: Tesla Exports Its 1 Millionth Vehicle From China

©iStock/Robert Way

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Via X, Tesla has confirmed that it recently exported its 1 millionth car from Tesla Gigafactory, Shanghai. That’s a massive number of vehicles from a factory that only opened in December 2019.
• How three ecommerce marketplace sellers accelerate growth.
• Quote of the week: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Bridge the AI gap – wegginar® recording.
• Meta announces an AI translation tool that could change the way you watch Instagram and Facebook Reels forever.
• Visa, Mastercard and big banks bet on global payments tech.

Your Voice Is Your Power: VOTE

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power. Don't let anyone take away your power. Now is the time to stand up. Now is the time to speak out. And now is the time to VOTE." – Kamala Harris

AccuRadio: Broadway Tunes

©iStock/RightFramePhotoVideo

Check out Broadway show tunes from the 1950s to the present at AccuRadio. The selections feature your favorite Broadway songs by legendary performers and today’s stars.  Chill.  For the world to enjoy. Many of the songs are curated by Bob Marovich (e.g., 2020s Broadway).

Code name: Strawberry

©iStock/aerogondo

OpenAI announced a new advance from GPT-4 that signals a shift in approach—a model that can “reason” logically through many difficult problems and is significantly smarter than existing AI without a major scale-up.

The new model, dubbed OpenAI o1, can solve problems that stump existing AI models, including OpenAI’s most powerful existing model, GPT-4o. Rather than summon up an answer in one step, as a large language model normally does, it reasons through the problem, effectively thinking out loud as a person might, before arriving at the right result. 

Code name:  Strawberry.

Empowering NY's Small Businesses to Compete in the Global Marketplace

©iStock/Pharrel Williams

WOW, lots happening in New York for small businesses interested in competing in the global marketplace!  The Empire State Development (ESD) recently announced an expansion of Global NY's international presence, growing from 9 to 15 markets, with OCO Global hired to manage these offices.

This expansion includes new representation in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan. Beginning October 1, 2024, companies will be able to submit Export Marketing Assistance Service (EMAS) applications to any Global NY location. Information about the EMAS can be found here. Global NY was also awarded $900,000 in federal funding for STEP Round 12 to help connect New York businesses to exporting opportunities abroad. 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “By expanding Global NY's international offices and securing federal STEP funding, we are reinforcing our commitment to empower New York's small businesses to compete in the global marketplace into key markets. These strategic initiatives provide our businesses with resources and opportunities to export their products and services worldwide, fostering growth and job creation across the state.”

Now this is good news!  Go New Yorkers – all the small businesses who struggle to go global can now get the assistance they need!

Stay Ahead of the AI Curve with Shari Levitin at 10/2 wegginar®

©2024 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

Want to stay ahead of the AI curve?  This is your chance! On Wednesday, October 2nd, Shari Levitin, founder of the Shari Levitin Group will be leading a FREE LIVE wegginar® with Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® on the hottest topic in sales today:  "How to Bridge the AI Gap—From Artificial to Authentic."

As Shari says, "Let’s be real—AI is shaking up the sales world. But if you’re only relying on automation, you’re leaving money on the table. Without the human touch, you’ll just blend in with the noise. In this session, I’ll show you how to master AI while keeping the human connection that truly drives results."

What will you learn?

🔥 Cut through the noise and stand out in an AI-driven world

💡 Strengthen human connections while leveraging the power of tech

🎯 Uncover your buyers' deepest needs and offer solutions that resonate

💰 Make an undeniable ROI case your buyers can't refuse

📖 Craft stories that stick, long after your pitch

When?

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. CT (12:00 p.m. ET) – LIVE

👉 Register Now and discover how to dominate with AI and authentic connection. Don’t miss it!

Today in Global Small Business: The Backstory on Globalization

©iStock/Suphanat Khumsap

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• The world has undergone a transformation in the structure of the global economy – known as "globalization."  This commentary examines the why and how behind it all.
• The global economy's 200-year growth spurt – and what comes next.
• Quote of the week: “Globalization for a startup is exciting; you have to learn so fast about the different cultures of the world." – Adam Neumann
• Marriott International is expanding its global footprint for future growth.
• Three key aspects to get in line when expanding globally.
• Mews secures $100 million to fuel global expansion and accelerate strategic acquisitions of hotel technology

Candy Is Childhood

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Candy is childhood, the best and bright moments you wish could have lasted forever." – Dylan Lauren

Walmart Optimizes Retail Strategies With International Scale

©iStock/Nuthawut Somsuk

Since launching Walmart Luminate, a comprehensive data analytics product suite, Walmart has successfully aided in optimizing retail strategies – from product assortment to product development – leveling the playing field for suppliers of all sizes.

Today, 90% of Walmart's largest suppliers have signed up for a Walmart Luminate Charter subscription, and some of their smaller suppliers account for approximately 50% of our total subscriptions.

What began as a small but dedicated team has evolved into a thriving commercial business with international scale and even more opportunities ahead to create lasting value for their customers.

Every Day Is Gift

"Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift." —Aretha Franklin