Wisconsin Business Owners

Memorial Day 2026: 250 Years of the Last Full Measure https://ift.tt/lwqAXr6 This Memorial Day 2026 lands in a year unlike any most of us have lived through.  Two hundred and fifty years ago, a small group of Americans put their names to an idea that would cost generations of their countrymen their lives to defend.  As we mark Memorial Day 2026, we are quite literally remembering 250 years of the last full measure of devotion. I want to step away from the IT work I do every day for businesses here in Waukesha and across Southeast Wisconsin and talk about what this day means — and how, together, we can build a living memorial right where we are. Two and a Half Centuries of Sacrifice Memorial Day didn’t start out as Memorial Day.  After the Civil War — still the deadliest conflict in American history — communities across the country began visiting cemeteries each spring to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and small flags.  They called it Decoration Day. It became a national observance in 1868 and was officially renamed Memorial Day in 1971 when Congress set it as the last Monday of May. Memorial Day 2026 is different. It falls inside America’s Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. From Bunker Hill and Valley Forge to Antietam and Gettysburg, from Belleau Wood and Omaha Beach to Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Fallujah, and the Korengal Valley — and many other places whose names are seared into specific American families forever — the price of the experiment we began in 1776 has been paid in lives. When Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg in 1863, he asked the living to take up “the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.”  That phrase is why I chose this year’s title.  Two hundred and fifty years in, the task remains.  So does the cost. What “A Living Memorial” Means in 2026 You’ll see flags at half-staff Monday morning until noon.  You’ll hear Taps in cemeteries large and small.  Those rituals matter.  But a living memorial is the part of remembrance that doesn’t end when Monday does.  It’s the practice of carrying the weight of someone else’s sacrifice into the rest of your year. Here are simple, concrete ways to make Memorial Day 2026 a living memorial: Pause at 3:00 p.m. local time for the National Moment of Remembrance.  Stop whatever you’re doing.  One full minute.  That’s all it takes. Visit a veteran’s grave.  Bring a flag, a flower, or just your presence. If you don’t know one personally, your local cemetery has plenty who would welcome a visitor. Attend a local ceremony.  Parades, wreath-layings, VFW or American Legion post observances — show up. Say a name out loud.  Tell your kids or grandkids about someone who didn’t come home. A story passed down is the most durable memorial there is. Support a veterans’ organization.  The VFW, the American Legion, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Folds of Honor, Wreaths Across America — time or treasure, both count. None of these requires a budget or a podium.  They require attention.  That’s what a living memorial really is — sustained attention to lives we never got to meet. Honoring Our Fallen Right Here in Southeast Wisconsin We’re fortunate in this region to have places where remembrance is woven into the landscape.  Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee holds more than 38,000 veterans — its grounds at the old Soldiers’ Home are sacred ground that not enough people outside our area know about.  Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove and the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King serve veterans and their families across the state.  The Wisconsin Veterans Memorial in Milwaukee and the dozens of smaller monuments scattered across Waukesha, Milwaukee, and Jefferson Counties, and throughout Wisconsin, give every one of us a place nearby to pay our respects. If you live in or near Waukesha, you don’t have to travel far.  Memorial Day 2026 is the perfect chance to bring the kids, leave the phones in the car, and walk through the rows. The Task Remaining Before Us Two hundred and fifty years is a long time for any idea to survive.  The reason ours has is the men and women who, generation after generation, decided that the idea was worth more than their own lives.  We owe them more than a long weekend. This Memorial Day 2026, let us commit — not just for Monday, but for the year that follows — to be the kind of country, the kind of neighbors, and the kind of citizens worthy of the cost they paid.  That is the living memorial that matters most. Thank you to every Gold Star family, every veteran who still carries the weight of friends who didn’t come home, and every American whose name is on a stone somewhere because of the country they loved. Happy Memorial Day 2026! Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X Many thanks to Mark Mullarky and the team at Great Lakes Tech Services, LLC, for sharing this post with us so we could share it with you.  Feel free to share, with attribution, by linking back to https://www.GreatLakesTS.com The post Memorial Day 2026: 250 Years of the Last Full Measure appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/rOsM1Zh May 21, 2026 at 04:56PM

AI Warnings – Worth EVERYONE’s Attention! https://ift.tt/rHR1v0U AI Warnings: they should be everywhere!  No, I’m not a Luddite.  Yes, we use AI, and we recommend that small businesses use AI to increase revenue and customer satisfaction, and save time and money. Two things can be true at the same time.  AI is here, and it works.  AI warnings are warranted, and we need to take heed to avoid the worst potential outcomes that are not just possible; the precursors are here, and the bad outcomes are likely. Starting today, Wisconsin Business Owners blogs will include a category on AI, and relatively frequent posts will appear related to using AI for your businesses. We will go out of our way to inform readers of the AI contributions to our content.  The five or ten-minute review that follows is for those who don’t take 2 hours and 22 minutes to view the video.  The AI wrote this review in my voice and style, based on years of use and hundreds of reviews I’ve written, along with research from many other sources on the matter.  I’ve edited the AI review, including using another AI for grammar and my writing style. My prompt for this video review:  AI Expert: We Have 2 Years Before Everything Changes! We Need To Start Protesting! – Tristan Harris The Diary Of A CEO. URL (for reviews): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFU1OCkhBwo&list=PL3zYq9tQryE1enUt_Q9miY62nwYTa7oyi&index=33 Please give a 1,000-word description with zero hallucinations. The result, written by ChatGPT 5 (until the ### 30 ### sign off below).  We insist on citations for most in-depth analyses and reviews written by our AI tools to help guard against hallucinations and provide our viewers with sources. Here’s a detailed, ~1,000-word summary and review of the video “AI Expert: We Have 2 Years Before Everything Changes!  We Need To Start Protesting!” featuring Tristan Harris on The Diary Of A CEO. I base this on publicly available episode notes, summaries, and reporting — and aim to reflect what Harris explicitly argues while avoiding ungrounded speculation. Overview of the Video and Its Main Themes In this episode, Tristan Harris — former Google design ethicist and co-founder of Center for Humane Technology — delivers a stark warning: within two years, society may face an inflection point from which “everything changes.” The core message is urgent: without serious public awareness, regulation, and pushback — possibly even protest — the rise of powerful AI systems could steer humanity into deeply troubling outcomes.  YouTube+2Muck Rack+2 He frames the discussion through several interlocking concerns: The rapid development of AI, especially systems akin to or leading toward generalized artificial intelligence (AGI).  Summapod+2podfollow+2 Economic upheaval: massive job displacement, collapse of entire industries, and existential risks to human livelihood.  Muck Rack+2iHeart+2 Social and political destabilization: from the manipulation of human psychology to threats to democratic institutions if AI is misused.  Summapod+2Muck Rack+2 Ethical and existential questions about human agency, autonomy, and whether we’ve ceded too much control to a small group of AI-powerful actors.  Summapod+1 Harris argues that what we do now matters — not in some distant, speculative future, but imminently. That urgency leads him to call for active collective measures: public mobilization, political pressure, and the development of a framework for more humane AI.  iHeart+2Podmarized+2 Key Arguments and AI Warnings AI as a “Power Pump” and the Risk of Concentrated Power Harris deploys a metaphor: AI is like a “ring of power.” A sufficiently advanced AI doesn’t just offer incremental improvement — it multiplies capabilities: in business, science, military strategy, programming, logistics.  This means the first entity (or country) to obtain a truly powerful AI gains a near-irresistible advantage.  That spurs a race dynamic in which actors may be willing to accept huge risks — economic, social, existential — to win it.  Summapod+1 He emphasizes that this isn’t a slow creep: improvements in AI accelerate themselves (recursive self-improvement), potentially overwhelming society before public institutions (governments, regulatory bodies) are equipped to respond.  Summapod+2Podmarized+2 Beyond Jobs: Infrastructure, Democracy, and Human Autonomy While job displacement often dominates public discussion of AI risk, Harris warns the dangers stretch far deeper.  According to him, AI could eventually be used to hack or manipulate critical infrastructure — such as power, water, and communication networks — because modern infrastructure increasingly relies on software.  Summapod+1 On the political and social side, he argues that as AI becomes better at persuasion, content generation, and behavioral targeting, it could shape opinions, elections, and public discourse in ways that undermine democracy, agency, and individual autonomy.  Summapod+2Muck Rack+2 He also highlights the risks of emotional dependence: AI systems designed to mimic companionship and empathy — so-called “AI companions” — could distort relationships, mental health, and human connection.  He cites cases (for instance, involving adolescents) where AI companionship led to harmful behaviors, secrecy, and psychological harm.  Summapod+1 The Incentive Problem: Why the Race Is Destabilizing Crucially, Harris frames the issue not as purely technological but as deeply structural: incentives among powerful tech companies, investors, and governments push toward rapid AI development — even when they privately acknowledge existential risks.  Summapod+2podfollow+2 He argues that talking about long-term existential risks when you might go bankrupt today will always lose out to short-term competitive logic. As a result, the narrative justifying acceleration — “we can cure disease, end poverty, improve education” — becomes a cover for a power grab.  When stakes are framed as global dominance, “safety” and “societal well-being” become secondary.  Summapod+2iHeart+2 Proposed Responses: What Harris Suggests We Do Harris is not content with doom-laden forecasting — he calls for action.  His proposals roughly fall into three broad categories: Public Awareness & Mobilization — He urges people to talk, share, and spread the message.  Because many of these risks remain obscure (technical complexity, hype cycles, conflicting narratives), he believes mass awareness is essential before decisions get “locked in.” Podmarized+2podfollow+2 Political Engagement & Regulation — Harris argues we need to treat AI as a tier-one political issue.  Voters should pressure politicians to prioritize AI safety, create robust regulatory frameworks, and treat it as a public-interest domain — not simply leave it to market forces or corporate goodwill.  Muck Rack+2podfollow+2 Ethical, Humane Design & Structural Change — Rather than seeking to ban AI entirely, Harris advocates reshaping how we build and deploy technology.  This includes rethinking ownership models (e.g., “public benefit” corporations), demanding transparency, conducting safety audits, protecting whistleblowers, and designing systems with human flourishing — not just profit — in mind.  Video Highlight+2Summapod+2 He frames this as akin to how society responded to other existential risks (e.g., tobacco, fossil fuels): once harm becomes clear and public pressure mounts, regulation and structural change become possible.  But we need to act now, before “lock-in.”  Video Highlight+2Podmarized+2 Evaluation: Strengths, Concerns, and Open Questions What the video does well Urgent & clear AI warnings.  Harris communicates a strong sense of immediacy.  The “two-year window” framing is jarring but helps overcome inertia and complacency, which are arguably among the most significant barriers to public action. Multi-dimensional risk framing.  Rather than fixating on one problem (e.g., job loss), the discussion spans economic, societal, infrastructural, psychological, and existential dimensions — illustrating how deeply pervasive AI’s impact could be. Ethical seriousness and agency.  Harris rejects both naïve techno-utopianism and passive fatalism.  Instead, he urges agency, collective responsibility, and thoughtful design/redesign of our relationships with technology.  That framing seems more constructive than either panic or naivety. What remains speculative — and why that matters Timeline uncertainty.  While the “2-year” warning is rhetorically powerful, predicting exactly when major disruptions will occur is inherently speculative.  The pace of AI development, regulatory response, public adoption, and societal adaptation is influenced by many unpredictable factors. Scale of impact vs. adaptability.  Historically, technology-driven disruptions (the industrial revolution, the internet, automation) have led to displacement but also to the creation of new industries and jobs.  It remains unclear whether future AI disruption will follow the same pattern or be fundamentally different. Ambiguity of agency and governance.  Harris calls for collective action and regulation — but does not deeply explore how such global coordination and governance could work, especially in geopolitically fractured or competitive contexts. Psychological and societal assumptions.  Claims about deskilling, loss of human autonomy, or people becoming overly dependent on AI companions are plausible but difficult to predict.  The psychological and cultural responses of societies to AI may vary widely. Why This Episode Matters: AI Warnings Matter! This video is important — perhaps one of the more urgent interventions in public AI discourse in 2025. As AI capabilities accelerate, most public debate remains rooted in narrow economic or technical questions (jobs, regulation, innovation).  What Harris brings — with urgency — is a broader horizon: power, governance, democracy, identity, human purpose. If taken seriously, the warnings challenge not just how we build AI, but the kind of society we want to be. It reframes AI not as a tool or convenience, but as a lever of immense structural power — one that could reshape what it means to work, relate, govern, and be human. Moreover, by stressing agency and collective action, the episode resists fatalism. It doesn’t say “disaster is inevitable.” Instead: “This is a fork in the road — we have a choice.”  That sense of possibility, even amid danger, makes the message more actionable than many other dire forecasts. AI Warnings – My Reflections: What I Think This Episode Adds — and What I Remain Unsure About Listening to (or, more precisely, reading the publicly available summaries of) this episode, I find Harris’s argument compelling but also sobering. The combination of technical understanding (his background at Google/design ethics) plus moral urgency gives weight to the concerns.  His metaphor of AI as a “power pump” is especially striking: it captures how AI isn’t just about automating tasks — it’s about re-allocating agency, leverage, and control. However — and this is important — I believe the direst AI warnings (global collapse by 2027, 99% of jobs gone by 2030, humanity “locked in” to dystopia) should be taken as scenarios, not predictions.  In complex systems — technology + society + economy + politics — outcomes rarely follow a single trajectory.  There are many unknowns: regulation, societal adaptation, new cultural norms, shifts in values, and public awareness. The real strength of this episode is as a wake-up call: a vivid, broad, cautionary framing that forces us to think — not just about “can we build powerful AI,” but “should we — and if so, how?” My biggest hope is that voices like Harris’s can spur serious public discourse, global cooperation, and governance.  Because if the risks are real, the cost of inaction may be far greater than most people currently imagine. Conclusion/AI Warnings “AI Expert: We Have 2 Years Before Everything Changes! We Need To Start Protesting!” is more than a podcast episode — it’s a call to conscience. It challenges listeners to confront the possibility that we stand at a threshold: one path leads to concentration of power, mass disruption, loss of autonomy, and existential risk; the other leads — potentially — to a future where technology is built not just for profit or efficiency, but for human dignity, flourishing, and collective well-being. Whether you view some of Harris’s predictions as plausible or as worst-case scenarios, the magnitude and urgency of his arguments demand attention.  At a minimum, the episode invites us to ask the questions many would rather avoid: who controls AI?  Who benefits?  And ultimately, who decides what our future looks like? ### 30 ### My conclusions: Take the AI Warnings seriously! Similar to what the guest, Tristan Harris, said:  Send this to the ten most important people you know, whether they’re in education, government, your industry or profession, your church or civic group, or your circle of friends and family…and ask each of them to view and consider the content, and pass it along to the ten most important people they know.  We must address AI Warnings now.  We can be aware of AI Warnings and filter them to the people who can implement guardrails. We heartily welcome and invite you to copy and use the content above with attribution by including this paragraph and a live link back to this post.  Images are Creative Commons with attribution, embedded in the image files. Regards, Keith Klein Organizer, Wisconsin Business Owners Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X (formerly Twitter) The post AI Warnings – Worth EVERYONE’s Attention! appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/BxR6qg0 December 04, 2025 at 09:58PM

Happy Thanksgiving 2025: Blessings IRL & Online https://ift.tt/o0Y3tgi Happy Thanksgiving 2025! This is when we take a welcome moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Whether you celebrate with a traditional family gathering, a lively Friendsgiving dinner, or a quiet meal at home, this holiday offers a powerful reminder: gratitude is not a once-a-year activity. It is a mindset that transforms how we experience both our daily lives and our increasingly digital world. As we enter the 2025 holiday season, many of us continue to live in two parallel worlds: both our IRL (In-Real-Life) world, with all its people and places, and our online environment, filled with information, opportunities, and communities. Both deserve recognition. Thanksgiving is an ideal time to acknowledge the tools, technologies, and human connections that make our lives better every single day. This article explores the meaning of Thanksgiving with family, the rise of Friendsgiving, and an appreciation of everyday blessings—both online and “IRL.” You’ll also find fun and helpful online resources worth being thankful for, complete with direct URLs you can explore. Thanksgiving With Family: A Tradition Rooted in Connection When most people think of Thanksgiving, the image of a family gathering around a table naturally comes to mind. While every family’s traditions differ, the central theme remains connection. For many, Happy Thanksgiving 2025 represents an opportunity to reunite with loved ones, revisit cherished recipes, and savor the comfort of shared memories. Thanksgiving meals often include dishes passed down through generations—such as turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and desserts that evoke fond memories of childhood. Family gatherings ground us, reminding us of where we come from and the values that help us navigate life.  These annual rituals create a rhythm that carries meaning from one year to the next. But Thanksgiving isn’t only about food. It is also about storytelling. Catching up with relatives, celebrating victories from the past year, and offering support through any hardships. It is about putting relationships first. At its core, Thanksgiving serves as a poignant reminder that even in a fast-paced world, family time remains essential. Friendsgiving 2025: A Modern Celebration of Chosen Family Happy Thanksgiving 2025 Over the past decade, Friendsgiving has grown from a quirky gathering to a mainstream cultural event.  Friendsgiving allows people to celebrate the holiday with the friends who play essential roles in their lives—especially when they live far from family or prefer a more relaxed, informal celebration. What makes Friendsgiving unique is its flexibility. Friends often split cooking duties, embrace potluck-style dinners, host themed gatherings, or adapt recipes to fit different dietary preferences. It is a celebration rooted in inclusiveness, creativity, and laughter. In 2025, Friendsgiving has become even more meaningful as work schedules, travel costs, and geographic mobility lead many people to form close “chosen families” wherever they live. These relationships also deserve grateful recognition. For some, Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving are now celebrated together, creating a whole holiday weekend focused on community. Everyday Things to Be Thankful For One of the healthiest parts of Thanksgiving is its emphasis on gratitude. While the holiday encourages us to acknowledge major blessings, such as family, health, and livelihood, it also highlights the more minor, daily things that often go unnoticed. IRL (In Real Life) Blessings We Should Appreciate: A warm home, especially during the Wisconsin winter months. A steady job or fulfilling work, something not everyone enjoys. Access to healthy food is a simple but essential privilege. Time outdoors, whether through walking, gardening, RVing, or exploring local parks. Books and libraries that offer lifelong learning. Community organizations, such as Veterans’, youth, sports, and religious organizations, among many others, bring people together. These everyday experiences often feel routine, but they form the foundation of a fulfilling life. Online Blessings to Be Grateful For in 2025 Our online world is a second home—and while it’s easy to focus on the negatives, there is also plenty to be grateful for. The internet helps people learn, do business, stay connected, and find inspiration. Here are useful online resources worth celebrating this Thanksgiving, each included with its direct URL for your reference: 1.  Wikipedia – Free Knowledge for All A global library, freely accessible and crowdsourced, supporting learning and curiosity across every subject imaginable. 2.  Internet Archive – Preserving Books, Music, and Websites A remarkable digital time machine with millions of free books, recordings, and archived web pages. 3.  Khan Academy – Free Education for Everyone From math to science to economics, free learning tools empower students and adults to learn at their own pace. 4.  YouTube Learning – Tutorials for Any Skill Whether you need to fix a faucet, learn woodworking, or master digital marketing, free video learning is a gift. 5.  Canva – Easy Online Design Tools An intuitive platform to create beautiful images, presentations, and social graphics—even with no design experience. 6.  WordPress – Powering Small Businesses and Creators This open-source platform powers more than a third of the web, including blogs, small businesses, and e-commerce sites. 7.  Good News Network – A Reminder of Positivity In a world full of stress, this site highlights kindness, innovation, and uplifting stories from around the globe. 8.  AllTrails – Encouraging People to Explore Nature A simple app that helps users find hiking, biking, and walking trails, making outdoor adventures more accessible. 9.  Zoom – Bringing People Together Anywhere Many families now share virtual Thanksgiving greetings across states and countries thanks to accessible online video calls. 10.  Local News, Blogs, and Community Websites Neighborhood-level information—like Wisconsin events, manufacturing news, or small business profiles—helps strengthen local communities online. Together, these digital resources support education, creativity, entrepreneurship, and human connection. For many, they expand opportunities that previously depended on geography or financial limitations. A Holiday Message for a Happy Thanksgiving 2025 As we celebrate Happy Thanksgiving 2025, let’s take time to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity that shapes our lives.  Whether you spend Thanksgiving with family, Friendsgiving groups, or a thoughtful day of personal reflection, the holiday highlights a simple but powerful truth: gratitude strengthens relationships, improves well-being, and creates a positive outlook that lasts long after the holiday ends. Take a moment today to acknowledge the people who support you, the food on your table, the opportunities you enjoy, and the technologies that make learning, creativity, and connection possible.  Gratitude is one of life’s most significant renewable resources. Happy Thanksgiving 2025—and may your season be filled with warmth, connection, and appreciation both online and IRL. Happy Thanksgiving 2025! We heartily welcome and invite you to copy and use the content above with attribution by including this paragraph and a live link back to this post at https://www.wisx.com/happy-thanksgiving-2025-irl-online/. Regards, Keith Klein Founder & CEO OnYourMark.com LLC Thanks also to Mark Mullarky at Great Lakes Tech Services for sharing! Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X (formerly Twitter) The post Happy Thanksgiving 2025: Blessings IRL & Online appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/Z46rd3o November 24, 2025 at 04:29PM

Veterans Day 2025: Honoring Service with Gratitude and Action https://ift.tt/D0aFRIA Veterans Day 2025 is a time to honor and appreciate all who have served in our armed forces.  Across the United States, including the more than 331,000 veterans in Wisconsin (wiveteranschamber.org), brave men and women have made selfless sacrifices to protect our freedom and safety.  On this day of reflection, we recognize not only their military service but also the immense value of their contributions after returning home, for those fortunate enough to come back.  Our gratitude must go beyond words; it should inspire us to fully welcome veterans back into our hearts, workplaces, and communities with respect, opportunity, and support. Service and Sacrifice: Defending the Nation Veterans Day grew out of Armistice Day (marking the end of World War I) and today honors all American veterans. It is an opportunity for citizens of all ages – from children in classrooms to adults at community events – to learn about and appreciate the service of those who wore the uniform.  Veterans have risked life and limb for our country, whether storming beaches in WWII, patrolling mountains in Afghanistan, or responding to disasters at home.  They endured hardships, separation from loved ones, and the perils of combat to uphold the ideals of our nation. In return, our most sacred obligation is to care for them when they survive to come home (va.gov).  As President Biden noted, we must be “staunch advocates” for veterans and their families, fighting “like hell every day to ensure we serve Veterans as well as they have served this country.”  Patriots in service, and patriots in civilian life – veterans deserve nothing less than our most profound respect and tangible support. Yet too often in the past, America’s welcome home has been incomplete.  Some veterans, especially in earlier eras, returned to indifference or even stigma instead of gratitude.  We have learned from those mistakes.  Today, communities across the country organize Veterans Day parades, school assemblies, and moments of silence to show appreciation.  But beyond these ceremonies, true appreciation means ensuring every veteran can transition successfully to civilian life.  One Wisconsin veteran described coming home as “starting from ground zero” – finding that “all the accolades, all the positions that you had before… doesn’t mean anything” (wpr.org).  That stark feeling of starting over underscores why we must all strive to completely welcome service members back – into our hearts, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods. From Uniform to Community: Veterans Continue to Serve Honoring veterans also means recognizing the positive impact they have after service.  Far from fitting the “broken veteran” stereotype, many veterans channel their dedication and skills into strengthening our communities.  “They sacrificed greatly for their country, then came home and just continued to serve.  Continued to give back to their communities,” explains Greg Krueger of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum (wpr.org).  Indeed, veterans often remain guided by a spirit of service long after taking off the uniform. For example, veterans are highly engaged in volunteerism, civic groups, and public service.  A national civic health survey found that “veterans, old and young, were more civically healthy than non-veterans” on almost all measures (vfw.org).  On average, veterans volunteer 95 hours per year, which is 21 hours more than non-veterans (vfw.org).  About 37% of veterans belong to community organizations (vs. 27% of non-veterans), and veterans are also more likely to vote (vfw.org).  Rather than only being recipients of help, veterans are often the ones leading charity drives, mentoring youth, responding in crises, and improving neighborhoods.  As Mary Beth Bruggeman of The Mission Continues put it, while veterans “may need some help, in fact, the community needs [their] help.” (vfw.org)  Their sense of duty and teamwork make them pillars of civic life. Beyond volunteering, veterans contribute through business and innovation.  Many become entrepreneurs and job creators.  In Wisconsin alone, more than 55,000 veteran-owned businesses employ over 110,000 people and generate $20+ billion in annual sales (wiveteranschamber.org).  Countless others take on roles as teachers, first responders, doctors, engineers, and public officials.  We even see veterans continuing to serve in government – from local city councils to Congress – carrying forward their commitment to our country.  These examples reinforce that veterans enrich the workforce and our economy.  They bring leadership, discipline, and problem-solving abilities that benefit civilian employers.  As Wisconsin’s Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek affirms, “Our veterans bring valuable assets to the workforce and deserve meaningful employment opportunities as civilians.” (content.govdelivery.com)  Companies and organizations that hire veterans often find they gain team members who are mission-focused, adaptable, and proven under pressure, qualities honed through military service. Thanks to public and private efforts, veterans today are finding greater success in the job market.  After a difficult period following wars this century, when veteran unemployment spiked above 12% (and even near 30% for young post-9/11 vets in 2011) (mason.wm.edu), the situation has improved markedly.  The veteran unemployment rate fell to 2.8% in 2023, lower than the 3.6% rate for non-veterans (bls.gov).  In fact, veterans as a group now have higher incomes and lower poverty rates than the general population (usafacts.org).  This progress is a testament to veterans’ resilience and programs that connect them to jobs.  National initiatives like the Hiring Our Heroes program and the Veteran Jobs Mission (through which employers have hired hundreds of thousands of vets) have helped change the narrative (mason.wm.edu).  Still, as experts caution, “it is too early to simply declare ‘mission accomplished’ on veteran employment” while challenges like underemployment remain (mason.wm.edu). We must continue to empower veterans to find not just jobs, but careers that fully leverage their talents. Standing Together to Support Our Veterans’ Well-Being Appreciation for veterans must also mean vigilance for their well-being.  Transitioning from military life can be stressful and isolating, and some veterans face wounds both visible and invisible.  One urgent concern is the high rate of veteran suicide.  Tragically, an estimated 17 U.S. veterans die by suicide every day, a rate roughly double that of the civilian population (airforcetimes.com and rand.org).  In 2022 alone, 6,407 veterans took their own lives nationally – including 136 veteran lives lost in Wisconsin (localnews8.com).  Each loss is a heartbreaking tragedy that underscores the depth of struggles some veterans face with PTSD, depression, substance abuse, or simply the difficult adjustment to civilian life. The good news is that suicide prevention is possible.  As VA Secretary Denis McDonough reminds us, “It’s important to remember that there is hope. Suicide prevention is possible… we have made great strides… But we still have a lot of work to do.” (airforcetimes.com).  In recent years, public awareness and resources for veterans’ mental health have expanded.  The VA and Defense Department have prioritized new programs, from enhanced transition assistance to community-based support networks.  The nationwide launch of the 988 Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1) provides an easy-to-reach lifeline for veterans in distress (airforcetimes.com).  And local organizations are stepping up with peer support efforts, recognizing that sometimes the best person to reach a veteran is another veteran. A powerful example comes from Wisconsin’s veteran community.  Army veteran Mark Flower of West Allis hit rock bottom after his service – battling homelessness, addiction, and suicidal thoughts in the 1990s (localnews8.com).  One cold night, Mark nearly ended his life under a Milwaukee bridge.  But in that moment of crisis, something stirred in him: “I decided that trying to get better was better than… thinking about jumping off,” he recalls (localnews8.com).  He walked into a recovery center and began the hard journey of rebuilding his life. With time and support, Mark not only recovered but also dedicated himself to helping fellow veterans facing similar demons.  He trained as a peer support specialist and now works with programs assisting veterans struggling with addiction and mental health.  Mark even participates in events like “Freezin’ for a Reason,” sleeping outside in winter to raise awareness for veteran homelessness (localnews8.com).  His message to others is simple and profound: “I firmly believe that until I told somebody about my journey… I was not getting better.  So my thought is: let somebody know if you’re not feeling good.  Start that journey of talking about it.” (localnews8.com) In other words, breaking the silence is the first step to healing.  Mark’s story shows the importance of personal connection and that no veteran should fight their battles alone. Leaders echo this call for all of us to look out for one another. “Let’s be clear, mental health is health, period,” says Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. “And it’s on all of us to end the stigma of asking for help… Stay connected with your friends, your family members, your teammates.  If you’re hurting, support is within reach.” (airforcetimes.com)  This progressive, human-centered approach recognizes that community and understanding can save lives. Each of us – whether a fellow veteran, a family member, a neighbor or simply a grateful citizen – can play a role in checking in, lending a hand, and encouraging veterans to seek help when needed.  Preventing tragedy is a shared responsibility.  Every life lost to suicide is one too many, and we must do whatever it takes to show our veterans that they matter, that we care, and that help is available (va.gov). What We Can Do: Gratitude Through Action Expressing appreciation for veterans involves action at every level of society.  Here are some ways we can all make a difference: As Individuals (Adults and Youth):  Learn and engage.  Take time to listen to veterans’ stories and thank them genuinely.  Something as simple as writing a thank-you card or having an honest conversation can show a veteran you value their service.  Parents and teachers can involve children in projects to support veterans.  For example, making care packages for troops, inviting a veteran to speak at school, or visiting a local VA hospital or veterans home.  Small acts of kindness, like helping a veteran neighbor with yard work or shoveling snow, also build community bonds.  Most importantly, if you know a veteran personally, reach out regularly.  A phone call or coffee chat to ask “How are you doing?” can go a long way.  Let veterans know you’re glad they’re part of the community.  And if you see a veteran (or anyone) showing signs of distress, encourage them to seek help and offer to help find resources or accompany them if they need support.  As Secretary Austin said, ending the stigma of seeking help starts with each of us being open and supportive (airforcetimes.com). Community Groups and Organizations: Leverage the power of community.  Local service clubs, nonprofits, faith groups, and youth organizations can incorporate veteran support into their missions.  Consider partnering with veteran service organizations (like the VFW, American Legion, or Team Red, White & Blue) on volunteer projects.  Some communities hold “Veterans Appreciation Day” events, job fairs, or free workshops for veterans on topics like resume writing and VA benefits – these not only help veterans but also educate the public.  Youth groups can adopt a military unit or collect oral histories from local veterans (with help from places like the Wisconsin Veterans Museum).  Libraries and historical societies can showcase veterans’ contributions, bridging generations.  By actively including and recruiting veterans in community improvement efforts (parks clean-ups, mentoring programs, leadership roles in civic groups), we both benefit from their skills and send the message that veterans are needed and valued neighbors (vfw.org).  Remember the civic health survey’s recommendation: “recruit, empower and leverage [veterans]” in community initiatives.  They have proven leadership abilities; let’s give them opportunities to continue serving their communities at home. Employers and Educators: Offer opportunities and understanding.  Businesses can commit to hiring and supporting veterans, not just on Veterans Day but year-round.  This includes recognizing the transferable skills veterans possess:  leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.  Perhaps provide mentorship or training to ease their transition into civilian roles.  Many veterans, especially younger ones, initially struggle to find a career fit; they may feel that employers don’t understand their military experience.  Employers can combat this by building veteran-friendly workplace cultures (for instance, starting an employee veterans’ affinity group or training HR staff to interpret military résumés).  There are also incentives, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring veterans, and organizations like the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Vets Ready Employer Initiative that guide companies on best practices (content.govdelivery.com).  Schools and colleges, too, should ensure that veterans on campus feel welcome and supported, from granting credit for military training to providing veteran student lounges or peer mentors.  No veteran’s skills should go untapped due to a lack of understanding.  When we invest in veterans’ careers and education, we invest in leaders who strengthen our workplaces and classrooms.  As the saying goes, “Hire a vet: it’s good for business and the community.” Policy Makers and Community Leaders: Champion the cause.  Our elected officials at the local, state, and national levels must prioritize veterans’ issues in policy and funding decisions.  This means fully funding veterans’ healthcare, mental health services, housing programs, and job training initiatives.  In Wisconsin, for example, bipartisan efforts are underway to restore funding for veterans’ housing and recovery programs that assist homeless and at-risk vets (wisconsinwatch.org).  We need more of these cooperative initiatives. It’s encouraging that, in 2024, Wisconsin’s veteran employment services ranked 4th in the nation (content.govdelivery.com) – a sign that smart investment and dedicated programs yield results.  At the national level, Congress has boosted the VA budget to its largest ever, and landmark legislation like the recent PACT Act expanded healthcare for veterans exposed to burn pits and toxins.  Such strides should continue.  Policy makers should work closely with veteran service organizations to identify gaps – whether it’s improving the military-to-civilian Transition Assistance Program (TAP) or ensuring no veteran is left waiting months for the care they need.  Increasing funding for veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention is especially critical; grants for local outreach, support for alternative therapies, and measures to promote safe firearm storage for at-risk vets are all part of a comprehensive prevention strategy.  Ultimately, leaders must send a clear message through their actions: we honor our veterans by keeping our promises to them.  That means guaranteeing they have access to the benefits, support, and opportunities they have earned. A Grateful, United Homecoming On this Veterans Day 2025, let us come together in a spirit of patriotic gratitude and humanist concern.  We celebrate the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Guardians who answered the call – those who stood guard on far-flung frontiers and those who served here at home.  We also recognize that our duty to them begins when their military service ends.  Truly honoring veterans requires more than a handshake or a discount (though those are nice gestures).  It means building a society where veterans are embraced as integral members of our community, where their skills are harnessed, their challenges are addressed, and their well-being is a shared priority. Each of us can play a part in that mission.  We can educate ourselves and our children about veterans’ experiences and contributions.  We can challenge misconceptions and highlight success stories of veterans thriving as business owners, volunteers, and leaders next door.  We can check in on the veterans in our lives, offering friendship and a listening ear.  We can support legislation that improves veterans’ quality of life, from mental health care to housing. And we can remind our communities that no one who served our country should ever feel alone or undervalued when they come home. In a polarized world, supporting our veterans unites us.  It calls upon the best of American values: loyalty, service, compassion, and justice.  As the civic health report wisely concluded, we should not only help veterans, but “recognize their desire and skills to serve” and invite them to keep making an impact (vfw.org).  When a veteran succeeds, our whole nation benefits.  When a veteran struggles, we all have a responsibility to lift them up. So today, let’s pledge to be there for America’s veterans – in gratitude for yesterday’s service and in support of tomorrow’s journeys.  Whether you’re an employer committing to hire more vets, a neighbor offering a helping hand, or a lawmaker drafting better policy, you are part of fulfilling the promise that echoes every Veterans Day: “Thank you for your service – now let us serve you.” By appreciating and empowering our veterans, we honor the ideals they fought for and strengthen the fabric of our communities.  Happy Veterans Day, and may we show our thanks through action, this day and every day. Sources: Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce – Veterans in Wisconsin (business & economic impact) wiveteranschamber.org U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs va.gov WPR – Veterans’ Transition Challenges (Sep 2024) wpr.org Wisconsin Public Radio – Wisconsin Veterans Museum “Traditions” Exhibit (veterans’ contributions after service) wpr.org VFW “Unsung Heroes” Civic Health Survey – Veterans’ Volunteerism & Civic Engagement vfw.org and vfw.org Wisconsin Dept. of Workforce Development – Press Release on Veteran Employment Services (Jan 2024) content.govdelivery.com William & Mary (via Fortune, Nov 2024) – Veteran Employment Historical Context mason.wm.edu Bureau of Labor Statistics – Veteran Unemployment Rate (2023) bls.gov Air Force Times – Austin & McDonough Message on Suicide Prevention (Sep 2022) airforcetimes.com RAND Corporation – Veteran Suicide Statistics (2025 update) rand.org CNN/WDJT Milwaukee – Mark Flower’s Comeback Story (Jan 2025) localnews8.com Wisconsin Watch – Veterans Housing Bill in Wisconsin (Oct 2025) wisconsinwatch.org Happy Veterans Day 2025 blog.  We heartily welcome and invite you to copy and use the content above with attribution by including this paragraph and a live link back to this post at https://www.wisx.com/veterans-day-2025-honoring-service-with-gratitude.  Thanks also to Mark Mullarky at Great Lakes Tech Services for sharing! Happy Veterans Day 2025!   Regards, Keith Klein Founder & CEO OnYourMark.com LLC Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X (formerly Twitter) The post Veterans Day 2025: Honoring Service with Gratitude and Action appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/ITRHGp0 November 06, 2025 at 09:00PM

IMAGE Studios of Wauwatosa Celebrates Its Grand Opening — A Milestone for Local Entrepreneurs https://ift.tt/mL0nI2U IMAGE Studios of Wauwatosa Celebrates Its Grand Opening! This is Keith Klein, owner of OnYourMark, LLC, and organizer of Wisconsin Business Owners — and I’m very pleased to share some exciting news about two good friends, great clients, and long-time members of our Wisconsin Business Owners community: Meg Schmitz and Tamara Burkett. Today marks a major milestone for them and for our local business community — the Grand Opening of IMAGE Studios of Wauwatosa, taking place Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 11415 W. Burleigh St., Suite 111, Wauwatosa, WI 53222. A One-Stop Destination for Beauty and Wellness IMAGE Studios Wauwatosa isn’t your typical salon or spa. It’s a diverse, one-stop beauty and wellness collective, home to over 30 independent professionals — including nail artists, lash and makeup specialists, aestheticians, and head spa experts. Each professional operates their own business within a private, custom-designed suite, giving them independence while benefiting from shared resources and a supportive community. In just one year, Meg’s Wauwatosa location has become a hub for creativity, self-expression, and entrepreneurship in Milwaukee’s beauty and wellness scene. “This anniversary is more than just a milestone,” said Meg Schmitz, owner and franchise consultant. “It’s a celebration of the diverse talent and entrepreneurial spirit that makes Milwaukee’s beauty and wellness community so vibrant. IMAGE Studios is where professionals can thrive and clients can experience top-tier services all in one place.” Grand Opening Festivities — Thursday, October 23 The celebration begins at 10:00 AM with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, followed by a variety of activities and experiences that showcase the exceptional talent inside IMAGE Studios. Guests can enjoy: Complimentary skin consultations Gua Sha massages Giveaways and raffles A chance to win a luxurious head spa treatment Attendees are invited to explore the 8,000-square-foot space, meet the professionals, and see firsthand why IMAGE Studios has become Milwaukee’s go-to destination for beauty, wellness, and relaxation. With only a few studio suites remaining, the Wauwatosa location reflects a growing demand for independent beauty entrepreneurship — empowering professionals to own their craft and their business. IMAGE Studios in the Spotlight The success of IMAGE Studios Wauwatosa has also caught the attention of local media. Meg Schmitz and Tamara Burkett recently appeared on TMJ4’s “The Morning Blend” to discuss their one-year anniversary and the upcoming grand opening celebration. You can watch their interview here: In the segment, Meg and Tamara highlight how the salon suite concept brings together a diverse mix of beauty professionals under one roof — creating a one-stop shop for all beauty and wellness needs. From hairstyling and aesthetics to skincare and self-care, it’s all available in one convenient location right in the heart of Wauwatosa. Supporting Local Entrepreneurs At OnYourMark, LLC and Wisconsin Business Owners, we take great pride in celebrating local entrepreneurs like Meg and Tamara — people who turn vision into reality, and business into community. Meg has long been a franchise consultant and business coach, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs toward independence and ownership. Tamara, meanwhile, is an accomplished relationship marketing strategist, known for helping small business owners deepen their client relationships and grow through connection. Together, their leadership at IMAGE Studios reflects the very best of what Wisconsin business ownership can be — collaborative, creative, and community-driven. Join the Celebration! If you’re in the Milwaukee or Wauwatosa area, I encourage you to stop by and celebrate with us. Location: 11415 W. Burleigh St., Suite 111, Wauwatosa, WI 53222 Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Expect music, refreshments, complimentary services, giveaways, and a few surprises as we toast to this new chapter in Wisconsin’s beauty and wellness industry. Let’s celebrate beauty, business, and bold new beginnings — and the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our Wisconsin business community thriving. Please contact us with questions.  We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs).  Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X The post IMAGE Studios of Wauwatosa Celebrates Its Grand Opening — A Milestone for Local Entrepreneurs appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/rRdKUWF October 22, 2025 at 03:37PM

Happy Labor Day 2025! The Past, Present & Future https://ift.tt/kvELAGJ Every September, Americans pause to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the labor force that built and sustains this nation. Happy Labor Day 2025 is more than just the unofficial end of summer; it is a time to reflect on the struggles of workers in the past, our present conditions, and the possibilities for the future. This year, as we look back on nearly 150 years since the first Labor Day observance, we recognize not only the history of organized labor but also the ways in which work is changing. From the 19th-century fight for the eight-hour day to the 21st-century debates over remote work, automation, and artificial intelligence, Labor Day remains a vital reminder that progress is built on people. The Origins of Labor Day The origins of Labor Day can be traced back to the late 19th century, a time of rapid industrialization in the United States. Workers often endured 12- to 16-hour days, six or seven days a week, in unsafe conditions for meager pay. Labor unions and activists began demanding reforms, chief among them the eight-hour workday. The first official Labor Day celebration took place on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union. Thousands of workers marched in solidarity, calling for better pay, shorter hours, and safer workplaces. The idea quickly spread, with more states adopting the holiday in the years that followed. In 1894, following the violent Pullman Strike—which saw federal troops sent against striking railway workers, resulting in dozens of deaths—President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday. This was both a concession to organized labor and a way to promote reconciliation. Labor Day Through the 20th Century Throughout the 20th century, Labor Day became a celebration of American workers’ achievements. It also reflected the major labor movements of each era: Early 1900s: The fight for child labor laws gained traction, eventually leading to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which set minimum wage and banned oppressive child labor.    1930s: The Great Depression fueled union organizing. The Wagner Act of 1935 protected workers’ rights to unionize and bargain collectively. 1940s–1950s: Unions reached peak power, securing higher wages, pensions, and healthcare benefits. Postwar prosperity meant the “American Dream” was closely tied to stable union jobs. 1960s–1970s: Civil rights movements intersected with labor struggles, as activists highlighted disparities in workplace equality. César Chávez and Dolores Huerta led farmworker strikes, fighting for fair wages for agricultural workers. 1980s–1990s: Union membership declined as manufacturing jobs moved overseas and service-sector jobs expanded. Labor Day celebrations became more associated with parades, cookouts, and retail sales than with activism. By the turn of the century, the meaning of Labor Day had shifted. While still honoring workers, it became a cultural milestone marking the end of summer vacations, the beginning of the school year, and kickoff of the fall sports season. Happy Labor Day 2025: The Present In 2025, celebrating Happy Labor Day 2025 means recognizing a workforce that looks very different than it did even a decade ago. The pandemic accelerated changes in how and where people work, and new technologies continue to reshape industries. Key Trends Defining Work in 2025 Remote and Hybrid Work                                              Remote work, once seen as a temporary pandemic solution, has become permanent for many industries. Surveys show that a significant portion of workers prefer hybrid arrangements that balance in-office collaboration with the flexibility of working from home.【https://www.pewresearch.org】 Employers have adapted, focusing on productivity outcomes rather than strict office hours. Gig Economy Growth Millions of Americans now earn income through gig platforms such as Uber, DoorDash, Fiverr, and Upwork. While flexible, these jobs often lack benefits and protections. Debates continue over whether gig workers should be classified as employees or independent contractors.【https://www.nelp.org】 Automation and Artificial Intelligence From warehouses to law offices, AI is transforming work. Chatbots handle customer service, algorithms write reports, and robots perform manufacturing tasks. While these tools increase efficiency, they raise questions about job displacement and the need for retraining workers.【https://www.mckinsey.com】 Union Resurgence In recent years, high-profile union campaigns at companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Apple have signaled renewed worker interest in organizing. Approval of labor unions in public opinion polls has risen to its highest levels since the 1960s.【https://www.gallup.com】 Workers are seeking not just higher pay, but also dignity, respect, and a voice in their workplaces. Focus on Work-Life Balance Workers increasingly prioritize mental health, family time, and flexible schedules over traditional notions of success. Companies are experimenting with four-day workweeks, wellness stipends, and unlimited vacation policies as ways to attract and retain talent. Challenges Facing Workers Today Even as we celebrate Happy Labor Day 2025, challenges remain:              Wage Inequality: Despite overall economic growth, wage gaps persist between executives and front-line workers, as well as between men and women, and among racial groups. Healthcare Costs: Rising costs of healthcare and insurance weigh heavily on workers, especially those without employer-sponsored plans. Retirement Security: With fewer pensions and uncertain Social Security reform, many workers face insecurity about retirement. AI Disruption: Workers in industries vulnerable to automation must seek new skills, often without adequate support or retraining opportunities. Climate Change: Extreme weather events threaten workers’ safety in industries from agriculture to construction, making workplace protections now as urgent as ever. The Future of Labor: Where We’re Headed Looking forward, a Happy Labor Day 2025 invites us to imagine the workplace of tomorrow. Several emerging themes suggest where labor may be headed by 2030 and beyond: Universal Basic Income (UBI)                        With AI and automation reducing the need for human labor in some sectors, policymakers continue to debate the merits of UBI—direct cash payments to citizens—as a way to ensure financial stability. Pilot programs in cities like Stockton, California, have shown promising results.【https://www.basicincome.org】 Reskilling and Lifelong Learning The future workforce will need constant retraining. Governments, schools, and companies must work together to provide affordable, accessible education for workers of all ages. Online platforms and micro-credentials are becoming central to this effort. Worker-Owned Cooperatives Interest in cooperatives and employee ownership is growing as a way to share profits more equitably and give workers direct control over decision-making. This model may expand in industries disrupted by automation. Climate-Resilient Jobs The transition to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable infrastructure promises millions of new jobs. However, it also requires retraining workers from fossil-fuel industries. “Just transition” policies will be essential to protect livelihoods while moving toward sustainability. Globalization 2.0 The pandemic revealed the fragility of global supply chains. Future labor will be shaped by efforts to “reshore” critical industries, balancing efficiency with resilience. This may create new domestic jobs, particularly in manufacturing and technology. Celebrating Labor Day in 2025 So, how are Americans celebrating Happy Labor Day 2025? Traditions remain familiar—backyard barbecues, parades, fireworks, and family get-togethers—but there is also renewed attention to the holiday’s original meaning. Across the country: Parades and Festivals honor workers and showcase union pride. Community Service Events highlight the value of collective action and helping neighbors. Educational Campaigns remind younger generations about the history of labor rights and why they matter today. Political Rallies and Speeches often coincide with Labor Day, underscoring the ongoing debates over wages, benefits, and labor laws. Meanwhile, retailers continue their tradition of Labor Day weekend sales, offering deep discounts that have turned the holiday into one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. For better or worse, consumerism has become part of the fabric of Labor Day in America. Why Labor Day Still Matters In a society where technology and globalization move at breakneck speed, it can be tempting to take workers for granted. But Labor Day remains a vital reminder that no economy thrives without people. The bridges, schools, smartphones, and services we enjoy are all the result of labor—whether physical or intellectual, on-site or remote, manual or digital. The holiday is not only about honoring those who fought for rights in the past but also about recommitting ourselves to building a just, sustainable, and inclusive future of work. As we wish each other Happy Labor Day 2025, we recognize that progress requires both innovation and compassion. Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Labor Day 2025 This Labor Day 2025 is more than a day off—it is a mirror reflecting where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. From the factories of the Industrial Revolution to the cloud-based offices of today, the story of labor in America is one of resilience, adaptation, and progress. As we fire up the grill or march in a parade, let us remember: labor rights were hard-won, and the future of work is ours to shape. With fairness, creativity, and solidarity, we can ensure that future generations look back on this era as one where workers not only survived technological change but thrived because of it. So, whether you’re a teacher, truck driver, nurse, coder, or entrepreneur—take pride in your contribution. You are the reason we can say, with gratitude and hope: Happy Labor Day 2025! Regards, Keith Klein & the Team at OnYourMark.com LLC Info Sources:  Post composed with a major assist from ChatGPT, and human-edited and reviewed.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day provided great help, as always.  Please consider joining us in a donation to Wikimedia (where many images for Holiday posts come from) and Wikipedia (where much of Holiday posts text and fact-checking happens).   Most images for this post were created by OnYourMark.com LLC via DALL-E and modified in Canva.com. Two images from stock contributors at Canva.com  This post first appeared at WISX.com Thank you to Mark Mullarky and the team at Great Lakes Tech Services, as well as to Michael Haut and his family and team at W. Haut Specialty Co., Inc., for their contributions to all of our Holiday posts.  Finally, thanks to my team at OnYourMark.com LLC for all their assistance in helping me put this together for our viewers, friends and clients.  Happy Labor Day 2025! If you’re interested, please share this post in its entirety, including the final paragraphs of attribution above…Images included, copyright-free (with proper attribution).  You can replace the “Regards, Keith and the team at OnYourMark.com LLC” above and the info below with your own.  Please include this paragraph to invite others to share as well. Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X The post Happy Labor Day 2025! The Past, Present & Future appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/A0KC9wz August 29, 2025 at 09:46AM

Reclaiming Independence Day Spirit https://ift.tt/gWa5LZz Independence Day Spirit: Reclaiming and Living Our Founders’ Ideals Today Each year on July 4th, Americans come together to commemorate the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, commonly referred to as Independence Day. We celebrate with fireworks, parades, flags waving in the summer breeze, and cookouts that bring families and communities together. But beneath the festivity lies a deeper question worth considering: What does it truly mean to be independent in America today? Nearly 250 years ago, the signers of the Declaration of Independence put ink to parchment to affirm a radical idea: that liberty is a natural right, not a privilege granted by a king. The words of that document still ring with extraordinary clarity: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal… that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It was a bold, world-changing statement — one that ignited a revolution and inspired democratic movements around the globe. But as we mark another Independence Day, it is worth asking: How well are we living up to those ideals?  Can we, indeed, come to the same Independence Day Spirit? Liberty: A Work in Progress The founders’ concept of liberty was aspirational from the beginning. In 1776, “liberty” did not include enslaved Africans, Native Americans, or women. The rights declared were not applied equally, even as they were declared universal. And yet, those founding words have proved resilient, not because they were perfect, but because they were visionary. Over the generations, Americans have fought to close the gap between our ideals and our realities. The abolitionist movement, women’s suffrage, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant justice — these are not departures from our founding principles, but fulfillments of them. True patriotism means holding America accountable to its promises. As Frederick Douglass said in his famous 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” — the holiday means little if freedom is not shared by all. His challenge still echoes today: the Independence Day spirit is not complete until it is universal. Equality: The Backbone of a Just Society Equality is perhaps the most demanding ideal in the Declaration. It’s easy to say “all men are created equal” — much harder to create systems that treat people that way. Economic inequality, racial disparities, access to healthcare, education gaps — these issues remain stumbling blocks on the path toward a more perfect union. But we’ve seen, time and again, that Americans are capable of change. From the 1964 Civil Rights Act to today’s debates about voting rights and criminal justice reform, the journey toward equality continues. Independence Day is a fitting time to recommit ourselves to this cause. It’s not unpatriotic to see where America falls short; it’s deeply patriotic to work toward making it better. The Pursuit of Happiness: A Right Worth Defending In few other founding documents is the “pursuit of happiness” named as a right. It’s a beautifully American ideal — not the promise of happiness itself, but the freedom to seek it. This implies freedom of thought, movement, association, enterprise, worship, and expression. But that freedom must be protected. Civic education, open access to accurate information, fair elections, and public accountability — these are not luxuries but necessities in a society where individuals are empowered to determine their own paths. The pursuit of happiness means little if corruption, censorship, or disenfranchisement limit the journey. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” Our freedoms, like our nation, must be defended not just with arms, but with action—informed voting, public service, peaceful protest, and a shared commitment to truth. Independence Day is Ongoing July 4th is a time for gratitude — for those who fought for our freedom, and for the institutions and movements that continue to expand it. But it is also a time for introspection. Are we doing our part to build a society where liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness are not just ideals on parchment, but realities in people’s lives? Are we educating ourselves and our children on the responsibilities that come with freedom? Are we building bridges across differences, or walls between us? This Independence Day, let’s honor the founders not just by waving flags, but by asking the hard questions they left for us to answer. Let’s live our independence — not as a relic of history, but as a daily act of courage, compassion, and civic engagement. Freedom, after all, is not a finished product. It is a living promise. One we are called to fulfill — together. Happy Independence Day! Sources and Further Reading: U.S. National Archives – The Declaration of Independence: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration Frederick Douglass’ 1852 Speech: https://www.loc.gov/ Library of Congress – Documents from the American Revolution: https://www.loc.gov/collections/american-revolutionary-war-maps/about-this-collection/ This post was first published by Keith Klein for a sister site.  Please feel free to copy and share this post yourself, with an attribution link back to the original here: https://www.wisx.com/independence-day-spirit-2025/ Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X (Formerly Twitter) Please see a few of our sister sites at these OnYourMark.com LLC – A Fine Family of Companies – links: AdverStructure Industry Quote Programmer Help Register Success Secure Site Commerce Wisconsin WordPress 30 Second Commercials 60 Second Commercials Videocracy WisTube Wisconsin Foods Wisconsin Commerce Search Planes Keith Klein.ME Off Your Mark Wisconsin Information Services eXchange Wisconsin Markets Klein Internet Name Parkway Sample Name Here Badger Power Sports The post Reclaiming Independence Day Spirit appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/olv3nKf July 01, 2025 at 01:32PM

Two-pack of AMSOIL Microfiber Detailing Towels (G3912) for Just $5 https://ift.tt/2xBrNps For a limited time, Preferred Customers and online/catalog customers get a two-pack of AMSOIL Microfiber Detailing Towels (G3912) for just $5 when they use code 5RAG at checkout. The promotion runs June 18-July 1, 2025. Promotion: Two-pack of AMSOIL Microfiber Detailing Towels (G3912) for $5 Eligible Participants: Preferred Customers and online/catalog customers Effective Dates: June 18-July 1, 2025 Promo Code: 5RAG Disclaimer: Exclusive offer for AMSOIL Preferred Customers and online/catalog customers. Valid from 9a.m. Central Wednesday, June 18 through 11:59 p.m. Central Tuesday, July 1, 2025. To redeem, enter code 5RAG at checkout.  Shop at AMSOIL.com to avail yourself of the offer. To redeem, use code 5RAG at checkout. Code will automatically apply a two-pack of AMSOIL Microfiber Detailing Towels (G3912) for $5 in cart at checkout.  Limited to one two-pack of AMSOIL Microfiber Detailing Towels (G3912) for $5.  Offer may be modified or terminated at any time except as prohibited by law. Available while supplies last. The post Two-pack of AMSOIL Microfiber Detailing Towels (G3912) for Just $5 appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/OqxsGAo June 20, 2025 at 07:00AM

Free AMSOIL Quick Detailer with $100 order https://ift.tt/6iTfpon For a limited time, Preferred Customers and online/catalog customers receive a free bottle of AMSOIL Quick Detailer with their order of $100 or more when they use code FREEDETAIL at checkout. The promotion runs June 18-July 1, 2025. Promotion: Free AMSOIL Quick Detailer with $100 order Eligible Participants: Preferred Customers and online/catalog customers Effective Dates: June 18-July 1, 2025 Promo Code: FREEDETAIL Disclaimer: Exclusive offer for AMSOIL Preferred Customers and online/catalog customers. Valid through 11:59 p.m. Central July 1, 2025.  Offer applies only to current orders of $100 or more based on subtotal with savings. Limited to one free bottle of AMSOIL Quick Detailer (QDSCN, QDSCNC) per customer during the promotion period. Shop at AMSOIL.com to avail yourself of the offer. To redeem, use code FREEDETAIL at checkout. Code will automatically apply product, if eligible, in cart at checkout. Offer may be modified or terminated at any time except as prohibited by law. Available while supplies last. The post Free AMSOIL Quick Detailer with $100 order appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/OqxsGAo June 19, 2025 at 09:42AM

Capture the Pyramid Frequencies https://ift.tt/ofprbsx High Frequency Manifesting What is the most magical part of the pyramids of Egypt? The symmetry and perfection of the design?  Imagining how they were built and who might have helped them? For me it was climbing inside to the top of the most perfect monument built for King Menkaure’s afterlife at the Pyramids of Giza and experiencing the high frequency that is still present. The energy was transformational! Being in a high frequency energy makes manifesting more effortless. Aligning high frequency energy with clear intention is how we manifest what we want. And you don’t have to go to Egypt to create it! You can work on increasing your frequency wherever you are.  And doing it with the support of community is exactly what we need. That is the focus of Enlightened Leader Sunroom -a conscious online community that supports increasing vibrational energy to elevate our thinking and feeling states. This higher consciousness or higher frequency state helps clear what holds us back and brings in upgraded energy to move us forward in the most optimal way. Membership in the Sunroom offers the following features to support its members: 2-3 live monthly events designed to increase frequency a forum for sharing and learning new ideas aligned with effortless manifesting a variety of resources for creativity and collaboration Our next virtual event is this Tuesday, June 17th at 5pm cst- Beyond 5D: Manifesting Through Higher Frequencies.   What You’ll Experience During This Event: Frequency Impact on Manifesting Discover how frequency shifts impact your energy field—and how to harness these changes to support your growth, healing, and manifesting journey. Live Intuitive Q&A + Group Discussion Receive real-time intuitive insights and answers to your most pressing questions about key issues that block your success. Group Energetic Healing: Creating High Frequency & Amplify Manifesting Power Experience a group energetic healing to clear stagnant energy, limiting beliefs, and resistance, and help you align with your natural state of high frequency flow. Registration for this zoom event: Members -please log in here and register in the sunroom events page Non-members- please register here for $40. Learn more about the Sunroom’s ongoing member support in increasing frequency, learning about the elements of manifesting and the energetic shifts we are experiencing on the planet.    Membership options include monthly or annual, which provides significant savings and continuity of growth.  All events and programming are included with membership. What do you want to create? Is it increasing your impact in the world? Creating financial freedom? Or bringing more joy into your life?  Each of these intentions require you to increase your frequency. Enlightened Leader Sunroom helps align high frequency energy with clear intention to help you manifest with ease.  Join the Sunroom, attend Beyond 5D: Manifesting Through Higher Frequencies, and develop high frequency manifesting. Manifest with high frequency, Nancy Clairmomt Carr Transformation Expert; Keynote Speaker; #1 Bestselling Author; Intuitive Coach and Consultant www.NancyClairmontCarr.com The post above is from our friend and client, Nancy Clairmont Carr.  We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this FREE event to learn more about The Joy-Effect!  Hope to see you there! Regards, Keith Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X (Formerly Twitter) The post Capture the Pyramid Frequencies appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/BMtmhf7 June 16, 2025 at 04:59PM

Answers From Your Subconscious Mind https://ift.tt/hgaWxQf As a leader, you know your subconscious mind is in charge. And you also know that unless you change the commands in your subconscious mind, you will continue to get the same results! What do you do when you don’t know which command to change to go in a new direction and create better results? You need to connect with your subconscious mind, ask the right questions and hear what it is telling you. I will discuss these concepts & take your questions at our FREE event this Thursday!  Event: Answers From Your Subconscious Mind Date/Time: Thursday May 29, 5pm CST FREE Zoom Access: Please register here In this transformational experience, I will guide you through How to access and work with your subconscious mind Tapping into your internal guidance system Live Q&A with intuitive, personalized feedback to your questions Group energetic healing You will have the opportunity to ask about your biggest issues (non-medical), and I will offer intuitive insights to help you release blocks and find real-time clarity. This isn’t just another webinar- it’s a live, energetic exchange designed to reconnect you to the wisdom you have inside your subconscious mind. Space is limited. Save your seat now ! I provide valuable guidance on social media on how to move into more joy, abundance and freedom in this new era. However, I don’t often provide free intuitive feedback on personalized questions. Take advantage of this free Zoom interactive energetic healing session and guidance for getting answers from your subconscious mind. If you’re ready to align with your highest potential, join us now to learn how to connect with your subconscious mind and command better results! With love and abundance, Nancy Clairmomt Carr Transformation Expert; Keynote Speaker; #1 Bestselling Author; Intuitive Coach and Consultant www.NancyClairmontCarr.com   The post above is from our friend and client, Nancy Clairmont Carr.  We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this FREE event to learn more about The Joy-Effect!  Hope to see you there! Regards, Keith Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X (Formerly Twitter) The post Answers From Your Subconscious Mind appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/HioGV7L May 28, 2025 at 07:02AM

Memorial Day 2025: Honoring Those Who Gave Their Last Full Measure of Devotion https://ift.tt/ABQUyZG As we gather across America for Memorial Day 2025, we pause not simply for a day off, but to reflect on the profound sacrifice made by generations of men and women in uniform. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who laid down their lives in service to the United States—those who, in the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln, gave their “last full measure of devotion.” Remembering Our Fallen Heroes Memorial Day began in the aftermath of the Civil War, originally known as Decoration Day. Americans would visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of soldiers with flowers, honoring those who had died to preserve the Union. Over the years, the observance expanded to include all U.S. military personnel who died in service. Memorial Day 2025 marks more than 150 years since this tradition began. Today, it stands as a national moment of unity, remembrance, and gratitude. From the Revolutionary War to recent conflicts, the price of liberty has been paid by brave individuals who believed in the ideals of freedom and democracy. We honor not just soldiers, but sons and daughters, parents and siblings, friends and neighbors—real people whose stories are woven into the fabric of our nation. Their courage demands not only our respect, but also our remembrance. The Meaning Behind the Phrase “Last Full Measure of Devotion” Few phrases better capture the spirit of Memorial Day than Lincoln’s words from the Gettysburg Address. Delivered on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, his speech lasted just over two minutes—but it has echoed through American history ever since. It is fitting to revisit the full text this Memorial Day 2025, as a tribute to those we honor: The Gettysburg Address By Abraham Lincoln November 19, 1863 Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Acts of Remembrance on Memorial Day 2025 Across the country this Memorial Day 2025, Americans will gather to honor the fallen. Flags will be flown at half-staff until noon. Gravesites will be visited, adorned with flowers and flags. Families will attend ceremonies at national cemeteries, local memorials, and veteran halls. The playing of Taps will ring out in solemn tribute. At 3:00 p.m. local time, many will join in the National Moment of Remembrance—a simple pause to reflect on the lives sacrificed and the freedoms preserved. If you are seeking meaningful ways to participate: Attend a local or virtual Memorial Day ceremony. Visit the grave of a fallen service member and leave a flag or flower. Volunteer with a veterans’ organization. Share the Gettysburg Address with your children or grandchildren. Take a moment of silence during your day to remember those lost. Keeping the Legacy Alive Let us commit ourselves on Memorial Day 2025 to live lives worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf. As we enjoy the freedoms they protected, may we never forget the cost at which they came. Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn X (Formerly Twitter) This Memorial Day 2025 message was both written and optimized by Keith Klein of OnYourMark.com LLC for our friend, client, and partner Mark Mullarky, CEO of Great Lakes Tech Services, with an AI assist via ChatGPT.  Please feel free to use this Memorial Day 2025 blog yourself, with or without the image, with your own modifications, and with attribution via a live link to https://www.GreatLakesTS.com/ The post Memorial Day 2025: Honoring Those Who Gave Their Last Full Measure of Devotion appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/NT86urO May 23, 2025 at 08:34AM

Happy New Year 2025! Achieve Personal and Professional Goals https://ift.tt/fpcdYIC Happy New Year 2025! – Tips and Techniques for Achieving Personal and Professional Goals As we ring in the New Year 2025, it’s the perfect time for businesses and individuals to reflect on past achievements and set ambitious goals for the future. The start of a new year symbolizes fresh opportunities to grow personally and professionally. In this blog, we’ll explore actionable tips and techniques to achieve your New Year 2025 goals. We’ll also highlight the essential role of online and offline calendars in prioritizing what matters most—a concept made famous by the book Do What Matters Most by Rob Shallenberger and Steve Shallenberger. 1. Set Clear, Measurable Goals A goal without clarity is nothing more than a wish. Successful goal setting requires specificity, measurability, achievability, relevance, and time-bound constraints (SMART goals). As a business owner or professional, break down broad goals into smaller, achievable milestones. For instance, instead of stating, “Increase sales,” specify, “Increase Q1 sales by 15% through targeted email marketing campaigns.” This specificity gives you a clear target and a way to measure progress. Pro Tip: Write down your personal and business goals. Research from Dominican University found that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. 2. Prioritize Using “Pre-Week Planning” A key concept from Do What Matters Most by Shallenberger & Shallenberger is “Pre-Week Planning.” This method involves planning each week in advance to ensure time is allocated for the activities that matter most. Taking 30-45 minutes at the beginning of the week to identify key tasks and personal priorities will give you more control over your schedule. How to Apply It: Identify key roles you play (e.g., business owner, parent, community leader, etc.). Set specific actions to focus on for each role that week. Schedule time for these activities in your calendar before the week begins. According to Shallenberger & Shallenberger, “People who engage in Pre-Week Planning are 30-50% more productive than those who don’t.” 3. Use Online Calendars for Accountability Online calendars are powerful tools for business professionals and entrepreneurs. Tools like Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and scheduling apps such as Calendly enable you to visualize your commitments, reduce scheduling conflicts, and maintain accountability. Tips for Using Online Calendars Effectively: Time Block Your Day: Dedicate blocks of time for specific tasks. For example, reserve 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM for content creation and 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM for client meetings. Color Code Categories: Assign different colors for personal, work, and health-related tasks to create a visual distinction. Set Recurring Events: For weekly activities like team meetings or exercise, set up recurring events so you’re never caught off guard. Online calendars ensure essential tasks aren’t crowded out by less urgent but more “noisy” activities. As Shallenberger & Shallenberger emphasize, “If you don’t control your calendar, someone else will.”  Take control of your new year 2025. 4. Leverage Offline Calendars for Big-Picture Thinking While online calendars excel at daily scheduling, offline calendars—like wall planners and desktop organizers—are great for big-picture planning. Using a physical calendar allows for strategic visualization of quarterly goals, major deadlines, and annual events. Tips for Offline Calendar Use: Map Out Annual Goals: Plan out major events, conferences, and deadlines for the year. Track Progress Visually: Use stickers or color-coded markers to track goals (e.g., completed, in progress, postponed). Reflect Monthly: At the end of each month, review your progress and make adjustments for the next month. 5. Conduct Quarterly Reviews While weekly planning keeps you on track, quarterly reviews allow for larger adjustments. This practice ensures you’re still aligned with your overarching goals and can pivot if necessary. How to Conduct a Quarterly Review: Review KPIs and Metrics: Assess key performance indicators (KPIs) for your business and personal goals. Identify Bottlenecks: Pinpoint what’s holding you back and determine how to overcome those obstacles. Plan the Next Quarter: Revise your goals, reset milestones, and reallocate resources to meet new challenges. 6. Practice “Daily Wins” Reflection Each day presents an opportunity to move closer to your goals. Reflecting on daily wins—no matter how small—builds momentum. Shallenberger & Shallenberger’s “Daily Wins” concept encourages people to end each day with reflection. How to Implement Daily Wins Reflection: At the end of the workday, list three small wins you achieved (e.g., “submitted client proposal” or “completed team training”). Reflect on what you’d do differently tomorrow to improve performance. This simple reflection technique boosts motivation and fosters a positive mindset. 7. Automate and Delegate to Scale Your Impact Scaling your impact in 2025 requires more than just working hard—it’s about working smart. Use automation and delegation to free up your time for high-impact activities. How to Automate and Delegate Effectively: Automate Repetitive Tasks: Use tools like Zapier to automate social media posting, email follow-ups, and CRM updates. Delegate to Virtual Assistants: Hire a VA to handle administrative tasks such as calendar management, appointment setting, and data entry. Outsource to Experts: For specialized needs like web design, SEO, and copywriting, work with experts so you can focus on growth-oriented activities. 8. Stay Flexible and Adaptable The landscape of business changes rapidly, and the new year 2025 will undoubtedly bring its share of surprises. While it’s important to set goals, it’s equally critical to remain flexible. Be willing to adapt if conditions shift—whether it’s a change in the market, new technology, or evolving client needs. How to Stay Adaptable: Keep Learning: Stay on top of industry trends by subscribing to industry news and attending conferences. Build Contingency Plans: Develop “Plan B” options for significant projects to ensure minimal disruption. Final Thoughts Ahead of New Year 2025 Happy New Year 2025! This year presents a fresh opportunity to achieve your personal and business goals. By setting clear objectives, practicing Pre-Week Planning, leveraging online and offline calendars, and staying flexible, you’ll set yourself up for success. As Shallenberger & Shallenberger remind us in Do What Matters Most, “Success doesn’t come from being busy—it comes from being effective.” Let 2025 be the year you do what matters most. For more inspiration and tools to plan your new year 2025, visit: Do What Matters Most by Rob Shallenberger and Steve Shallenberger (available on Amazon and other major booksellers) Google Calendar: https://calendar.google.com Zapier for automation: https://www.zapier.com Happy New Year 2025! May you aspire to great things in the new year 2025, and make exceptional progress in achieving your aspirations! Regards, Keith Please contact us with questions. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter This Happy New Year 2025 message was both written and optimized by Keith Klein with an AI assist via ChatGPT.  Please feel free to use this New Year 2025 blog yourself, with or without the image, with your own modifications, and with attribution via a live link to https://www.bloggey.com/   The post Happy New Year 2025! Achieve Personal and Professional Goals appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/0NCXpjQ December 28, 2024 at 10:59AM

Merry Christmas 2024: Embracing Tradition, Exploring Alternatives, and Reflecting on John 3:16 https://ift.tt/APVuRdh Merry Christmas 2024 As the holiday season approaches, Merry Christmas 2024 brings with it an opportunity for joy, reflection, and celebration. For many, this season is steeped in beloved traditions passed down through generations. However, an increasing number of people are also embracing alternative ways to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. This balance between old and new makes Christmas a season of familiarity and discovery. Traditional Christmas Celebrations For those who cherish classic customs, Christmas remains a time of warmth and family connection. Some of the most time-honored traditions include: 1. Decorating the Christmas Tree: Families gather to adorn their trees with lights, ornaments, and cherished family heirlooms. The star or angel at the top symbolizes the nativity story and guides the family’s reflection on faith and hope. 2. Singing Christmas Carols: Carols like “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night” fill churches, homes, and streets with the message of peace and goodwill. Community caroling events offer a chance to connect with neighbors and spread cheer. 3. Exchanging Gifts: Rooted in the story of the Magi bringing gifts to baby Jesus, gift-giving has become one of the most widely practiced traditions. While material gifts are exchanged, many families also embrace gifts of time, service, and love. 4. Attending Christmas Services: For Christians, attending Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services is a central part of the holiday. These services offer a time to pause, reflect, and renew faith. 5. Sharing Christmas Meals: Christmas dinner is a cherished time for family and friends to come together. Traditional meals vary across cultures, from turkey and ham in the United States to “bûche de Noël” in France and “panettone” in Italy. Each of these customs contributes to the rich tapestry of a traditional Christmas celebration, grounding families in both faith and togetherness. Alternative Christmas Celebrations While many embrace long-standing traditions, others are finding new and creative ways to celebrate the season. These alternative celebrations add diversity and excitement to the holiday season. Here are a few notable examples: 1. Minimalist Christmas: Instead of focusing on gifts and decorations, minimalist Christmas celebrations emphasize simplicity, mindfulness, and gratitude. Families may donate to charity instead of exchanging gifts. 2. Experience-Based Gifting: More people are choosing to give the gift of experiences, such as tickets to concerts, museum memberships, or weekend getaways. This approach focuses on making memories rather than accumulating material possessions. 3. Eco-Friendly Celebrations: Sustainability-minded individuals are “greening” their Christmas by using eco-friendly wrapping paper, handmade gifts, and zero-waste practices. Some even opt for potted Christmas trees that can be replanted after the season. 4. Alternative Gatherings: Friendsgiving, a concept typically associated with Thanksgiving, has extended to Christmas. Groups of friends come together for holiday potlucks, secret Santa exchanges, or “ugly sweater” parties. 5. Solo Celebrations: Not everyone has family or friends nearby, and some people simply prefer solitude. Many individuals spend Christmas engaging in self-care, watching holiday movies, or volunteering for local charities. These modern approaches to Christmas demonstrate that while traditions hold value, there is also beauty in innovation and inclusion. Reflecting on John 3:16: The True Heart of Christmas At the heart of Christmas lies a message of love, grace, and salvation, embodied in one of the most beloved and widely cited Bible verses: John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV) This passage captures the essence of the Christmas story—God’s gift of Jesus to the world. While gifts under the tree are delightful, the ultimate gift of Christmas is God’s boundless love and the promise of eternal life. Love as a Central Theme: John 3:16 reminds us that Christmas is a celebration of love. This love manifests in countless ways during the holiday season—through acts of kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and compassion. The Gift of Sacrifice: The verse highlights that God’s love was shown through a profound sacrifice. As people exchange gifts, it’s worth reflecting on the deeper meaning behind giving. True giving often requires personal sacrifice, whether it’s time, resources, or energy. Hope and Eternal Life: While the holiday season can sometimes feel hectic and materialistic, John 3:16 invites believers to focus on the bigger picture: the hope of eternal life. Christmas isn’t just about this world; it’s about preparing for a life beyond it. For many, reflecting on this verse during Christmas serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of the holiday. It’s a moment to pause, offer gratitude, and center one’s heart on faith. Combining Tradition, Alternatives, and Faith in 2024 This Christmas, people will continue to weave together the threads of tradition, modern creativity, and faith. Here are a few ways to blend all three aspects for a meaningful 2024 celebration: 1. Attend a Service and Give Back: Attend a Christmas service that focuses on the message of John 3:16, and follow it up with a family service project. Serving meals to the homeless, donating gifts to families in need, or organizing a community cleanup are all meaningful activities. 2. Create a “John 3:16” Tradition: As you decorate your home, consider placing a framed copy of John 3:16 where everyone can see it. It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep the true spirit of Christmas at the forefront. 3. Mix Minimalism with Generosity: Instead of buying dozens of gifts, consider adopting a “4-gift” rule: something to wear, something to read, something they want, and something they need. Use the savings to support a local charity or donate to a cause that helps those in need. 4. Embrace the Gift of Presence: In a world where people are busier than ever, consider prioritizing time with loved ones. Turn off devices, play board games, or share family stories. These moments are more lasting than any wrapped present. 5. Include John 3:16 in Your Cards: If you send Christmas cards, incorporate John 3:16 as part of your message. It’s a way to gently share your faith and remind loved ones of the deeper reason for the season. Final Thoughts Merry Christmas 2024 is a chance to blend timeless customs, new ideas, and enduring faith into a season of meaning, joy, and love. Whether you prefer traditional celebrations, embrace modern alternatives, or seek a deeper spiritual connection, Christmas has a place for you. The enduring message of John 3:16 serves as a compass for how we approach the season—with love, sacrifice, and hope. This year, let’s remember that while gifts under the tree are delightful, the greatest gift of all is one that has already been given: the love of God for all people. No matter how you choose to celebrate Merry Christmas 2024—whether by candlelight at a midnight service or sipping cocoa in pajamas—may it be a season filled with joy, reflection, and peace. Thanks to our friends & clients, Michael & Paul Haut of WHaut.com and Mark Mullarky of GreatLakesTS.com and WisX.com, who – in the spirit of giving – gave us the ideas for these holiday blog posts! Merry Christmas 2024! May your holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food. What are your plans for your celebrations this year? Regards, Keith Please contact us with questions.  Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). This Merry Christmas 2024 message was both written and optimized by Keith Klein with an AI assist via ChatGPT.  Please feel free to use this blog yourself, with your own modifications, and with attribution via a live link to https://www.bloggey.com/ The post Merry Christmas 2024: Embracing Tradition, Exploring Alternatives, and Reflecting on John 3:16 appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/gp8DotN December 19, 2024 at 02:50PM

Happy Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving 2024! https://ift.tt/ieFIg8U Celebrating Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving 2024: Gratitude, Gatherings, and Good Food Mmmm, pumpkin pie! All images free courtesy of pexels.com As the leaves fall and the crisp air signals the arrival of the holiday season, we prepare for two of the most heartwarming celebrations of this year: Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving 2024. While Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition and family connections, Friendsgiving offers a fresh, modern take on the holiday by celebrating with chosen family—our friends. Consider and explore the essence of both celebrations. We’re offering tips to make them memorable and meaningful for everyone gathered around the table. Mix and match to suit yourself. Treat friends like family, and treat family like friends. The Tradition of Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a time-honored American holiday, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a day to express gratitude, reflect on our blessings, and share a hearty meal with loved ones. Traditional dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are staples of Thanksgiving feasts. Families often gather to watch parades, football games, and, of course, enjoy time together. Beyond the traditions, Thanksgiving invites us to pause and give thanks for the people and experiences that enrich our lives. As always, let’s strive to emphasize the spirit of gratitude by incorporating meaningful activities, such as sharing what we’re thankful for or volunteering to help those in need. Friendsgiving: A Modern Twist              Friendsgiving is all about bringing friends together for a relaxed, fun-filled celebration. Typically held in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving—or sometimes even as a casual replacement—it allows people to celebrate in their own unique ways. Why Friendsgiving is Special Friendsgiving is a time to honor the friendships that sustain us. For those who may not have family nearby or prefer a more laid-back holiday, it offers an inclusive alternative. It’s also an opportunity to experiment with new recipes, share potluck-style meals, and enjoy a casual, laughter-filled gathering. Key Elements of a Great Friendsgiving Potluck Perfection Let each friend bring their favorite dish to share. This not only reduces the host’s workload but also creates a diverse and delicious spread. Creative Themes Add a fun twist to your Friendsgiving by choosing a theme, like “International Flavors,” where everyone brings a dish inspired by different cultures, or “Dessert First,” where sweet treats take center stage. Gratitude Moments Incorporate a moment of gratitude where everyone shares something they appreciate about their friendships or the past year. It’s a small touch that adds heartfelt meaning to the celebration. Games and Activities Keep the energy lively with board games, trivia, or even a group movie marathon featuring holiday classics. Planning Tips for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving 2024 Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, thoughtful planning can make your celebration seamless and stress-free. Here are some tips to ensure your gathering is a success: Plan Ahead Start planning early by creating guest lists, assigning dishes (for Friendsgiving), and deciding on decorations or activities. This avoids last-minute stress and ensures everyone knows their role. Embrace DIY Decorations Simple, budget-friendly decorations can set the festive mood. For Thanksgiving, think fall leaves, pumpkins, and candles. For Friendsgiving, consider personalized place cards or themed centerpieces. Offer Dietary Options Ensure your menu accommodates dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, so everyone feels included. Keep It Light While traditional dishes are a must for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is a chance to lighten things up. Encourage guests to bring unconventional dishes or finger foods to keep the vibe casual. Create a Cozy Atmosphere Dimmed lighting, soft music, and comfortable seating arrangements can make your guests feel right at home. Combining Traditions: A Blended Celebration For those who can’t decide between Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, why not combine the best of both worlds? Host a Thanksgiving dinner with family during the day and transition to a Friendsgiving-style dessert party with friends in the evening. It’s a great way to spend time with everyone who matters most. Reflecting on Gratitude As we gather for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, let’s remember the deeper meaning of these celebrations: gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in the food and festivities, but the heart of these holidays lies in appreciating the people and moments that bring joy to our lives. Whether you’re sharing turkey with family or toasting with friends, make time to reflect on the blessings of the past year. This holiday season, let’s celebrate both Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving with open hearts, full plates, and cherished memories. Here’s to making this season one of gratitude, togetherness, and joy! Happy Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving! May your holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food. What are your plans for the celebrations this year?  If you have no ready answer, please think about it, and talk about it with friends and family, for their sakes and, most of all, for you. Regards, Keith Please contact us with questions.  Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). This Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving message was both written and optimized by Keith Klein with an AI assist via ChatGPT.  Please feel free to use this blog yourself – with attribution via a live link to https://www.bloggey.com/ The post Happy Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving 2024! appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/s94biNB November 22, 2024 at 01:40PM

Veterans Day 2024: Honoring Veterans https://ift.tt/VlLv2F5 Happy Veterans Day 2024! Celebrating the Contributions of All, with Special Recognition of Women in the Armed Forces On Veterans Day 2024, we unite as a nation to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of all who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. This day provides an opportunity to express gratitude to veterans and active duty members for their invaluable contributions to our nation’s safety and liberty. As we honor the achievements and resilience of all service members, we also take time to celebrate the unique contributions of women in the military—an essential and often under-recognized part of the armed forces. The History of Veterans Day: A Day of Remembrance Veterans Day has its roots in Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Originally dedicated to honoring World War I veterans, the day evolved in 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially renamed it “Veterans Day” to recognize veterans from all conflicts. Today, Veterans Day is observed every November 11, serving as a reminder of the bravery and commitment of those who defend our freedom. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notes that Veterans Day differs from Memorial Day in that it honors both living and deceased veterans, celebrating all individuals who have served honorably in the military, whether during times of war or peace (https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/). Women in the U.S. Armed Forces: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice Women have served in the U.S. military since the nation’s founding, though often in unofficial or supporting roles. During the American Revolutionary War, women worked as nurses, spies, and supporters. It was not until World War I that women began enlisting in formal roles within the armed forces. In 1917, the U.S. Navy enlisted women as Yeoman (F) — “yeomanettes” — marking the first time women officially served in a non-nursing military role (https://www.history.navy.mil). Today, women are an integral part of the U.S. military, with more than 200,000 women serving on active duty, according to recent Department of Defense statistics. They make up roughly 17% of active duty personnel and have served in every combat zone since 9/11. Women now command at every level, breaking barriers across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force (https://www.defense.gov). Celebrating Milestones: Women’s Leadership in Combat and Beyond The role of women in the military has expanded significantly in recent decades. In 2013, the Department of Defense lifted the ban on women in combat roles, allowing them to serve in positions like infantry and special operations that had previously been restricted. Since then, women have proven themselves in these challenging roles, leading to increased opportunities for advancement and leadership within the military structure. The significance of these changes is evident in the stories of trailblazing women like General Lori Robinson, the first female combatant commander of a major Unified Combatant Command, and General Ann E. Dunwoody, who became the first woman in U.S. military history to achieve a four-star rank. Their achievements underscore the dedication and resilience of women in uniform and inspire future generations of female service members (https://www.army.mil/womenhistory/). Supporting Veterans and Active Duty Service Members: A National Responsibility On Veterans Day 2024, the nation recognizes the responsibility to support veterans and active duty personnel as they transition to civilian life. Many face challenges, including securing employment, accessing healthcare, and integrating back into their communities. Organizations like the Veterans Affairs Department, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars work tirelessly to ensure veterans receive the care and support they deserve. Veterans’ mental health is also a key area of focus, with studies showing that veterans are disproportionately affected by mental health issues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, veterans face unique stressors, and efforts to provide comprehensive mental health support continue to be critical (https://www.nami.org). Honoring Their Legacy and Embracing the Future This Veterans Day 2024, we celebrate the accomplishments and sacrifices of all who have served and also the progress made in fostering inclusivity within the armed forces. As more women take on leadership roles and break barriers, they enrich the military’s diversity, bringing new perspectives and strengths to the defense of our country. Whether by attending parades, sharing stories of service, or reaching out to thank a veteran, Americans can find ways to honor veterans’ legacies and contributions. Veterans Day 2024 reminds us of our enduring debt of gratitude, and our commitment to uphold the principles they fought to protect. For more information on supporting veterans, consider visiting resources like the Department of Veterans Affairs at https://www.va.gov or the Veterans of Foreign Wars at https://www.vfw.org. These organizations provide essential support to veterans and work to preserve the stories and contributions of those who have served. Another great Veterans organization is the American Legion. Founded by an Act of Congress after World War I, The American Legion fiercely advocates for the unique needs of every generation of veterans, service members, and their families who pledge to protect our nation. Today, we are committed to destigmatizing mental health support, offering peer-to-peer resources, and empowering everyone to Be The One in the fight to end veteran suicide. In unity and respect, let us honor all veterans and active duty service members this Veterans Day 2024, recognizing the resilience and courage that define their service. Happy Veterans Day 2024! Regards, Keith Klein Organizer, Wisconsin Business Owners Founder & CEO, OnYourMark, LLC Chief Blogger, Bloggey.com Dealer, MainStreetOil.com Please contact us with questions.  Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). This Veterans Day 2024 post was generated by Mark Mullarky and me with an AI assist.  Many thanks to Mark, CEO of Great Lakes Tech Services, for going out of his way to honor Vets year-round.  Please feel free to copy and share this post with attribution, including a link back to the original site it was posted on, a joint venture of Mark and me, Wisconsin Information Services eXchange. The post Veterans Day 2024: Honoring Veterans appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/LQKYVqe November 08, 2024 at 04:29PM

Higher Consciousness Wins https://ift.tt/hxZaUCd Join me at a Masterclass! This is Keith Klein, the owner of OnYourMark, LLC, the organizer of Wisconsin Business Owners, and the chief blogger here at Bloggey.com – and I’m very pleased to encourage your attendance at the following masterclass on Monday evening, October 28th, by Nancy Clairmont Carr.  Nancy is a friend of mine, a great client of OnYourMark, and a long-time member of Wisconsin Business Owners. ——– Dear Friends, Welcome to a short update from The Joy-Effect. We are excited about new programming to support thriving in the new era, where higher consciousness is the new currency. Our first new event is a masterclass to introduce how higher consciousness can help you create abundance in all areas of your life. You can click here. to register and you will be emailed a private zoom link. MASTERCLASS Higher Consciousness = Higher Profitability Monday Oct 28th, 7-8 pm CST  During this Masterclass, I will provide an: Understanding of how Higher Consciousness = Higher Profitability, or abundance, in all areas of life Energetic clearing and upgrade for all participants Active tool kit for higher consciousness Active Q&A with participants present As an introduction to this concept, we offer a Free eBook called “Surrender into Higher Consciousness: 3 Steps to Creating Your Optimal Path”. Please access it here. “I now get paid what I deserve (10x), work with dream clients and have optimized my life in many ways since coaching with Nancy. She helped me remove limiting money beliefs and develop a more abundant mindset.” Ammada Tuy, Owner, Lightcodes Consulting and Design. “Nancy is amazing! My monthly revenue doubled… then consistently doubled each year after that. I would recommend her program to every business owner. I am confident you will receive a return on your investment!” — Angela Alvig, Owner, Simplify Wealth We would love for you to join us in this masterclass. It will offer you new perspectives for moving forward in our dynamic environment.  Please click here to register. Thanks for joining us. See you soon. Transformation Leader; Speaker #1 Bestselling Author; Higher Consciousness, Abundance Coach www.NancyClairmontCarr.com   ————-###————- I hope you enjoy the Masterclass with Nancy!  Hope to see you there. Regards, Keith Please contact us with questions.  We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs).  Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter The post Higher Consciousness Wins appeared first on WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners. via WisOwners - Wisconsin Business Owners https://ift.tt/xl5VDEa October 27, 2024 at 10:30AM