Issue 349, September 6, 2026

“Opportunity is missed by most people because
it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
– Thomas Edison

One hundred forty-four years ago, workers pushed back against brutal conditions that included fourteen-hour work days, six-day work weeks, working in sweltering heat with no air conditioning. 1882 Oregon became the first state to recognize Labor Day as a holiday; It then took twelve more years for the federal government to set aside a September day as a national holiday 1894. Just a year prior in 1893 Florida set the day aside.

We have come a long way since those oppressive working conditions of those days. Air conditioning improved conditions and productivity, yet it is easy to forget how harsh those working environments were and how much they have been improved. As we enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers this Labor Day, remember what it took to reach this point: it was far worse then, and with proper leadership it can and will keep getting better. Enjoy your well deserved day off.

What are you doing to improve your working conditions?

Issue 348, August 30, 2026

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
— Warren Buffett

I was making a purchase online the other day when I discovered the biggest difference between internet and local purchases: the trade-off between effortless convenience and the security of human relationships. Online, we can get food, cars, clothes, and even hot prepared meals at the touch of our fingers, often at lower prices. Yet those savings can vanish the moment something arrives that is the wrong size, printed incorrectly, or made from the wrong material, problems that are far harder to fix when the seller is only an email address or chatbot.

There is real value in having someone you know and trust handle your needs. People prefer to do business with friends, and something as simple as having lunch with them twice a month builds the knowledge and mutual confidence that make transactions smoother. When you deal with a local business, any issue can usually be resolved face-to-face without endless email exchanges or waiting on the phone to try to talk with a representative.

So remember: when buying things on the internet, there is more to a product than its price.

Are you seeing value in what you are paying?

Mark Geil
2026 President