August 2022

Page 1

AUGUST 2022

COVER STORY

New Treatment Options for Sickle Cell Disease Provide Hope, pg. 8 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 1


Contents Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com

About Us

Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad. Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.—

6 Trust-based Philanthropy has the Power to Transform How Foundations Fund Nonprofits COVER STORY 8 New Treatment Options for Sickle Cell Disease Provide Hope 11 How Parents can Borrow Wisely and Bridge the College Financing Gap 14 Make Safety a Priority with a Storm and Disaster Preparedness Plan

15 Four Skills Veterans Bring as Team Members in Civilian Careers 17 Exercise boredom? Tips to Hit Refresh on Your Fitness Routine 18 How Schools can Help Boost Student Attitudes and Performance 19 Knocking Down Barriers for first-time Homebuyers 21U.S. Business Leaders Navigate Economic Uncertainty in Search of Growth

Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us info@ruralleadermag.com editor@ruralleadermag.com ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com

2

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022

Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMag.com—


Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support! Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 3


4

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022


GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 5


Trust-based Philanthropy has the Power to Transform How Foundations Fund Nonprofits When nonprofits receive grants from foundations or funders, the application, rules and reporting process are often arduous. Historically, the power dynamic leans heavily toward those providing the money, and because nonprofits need funds to do the good work they do, they have no other choice than to go through each tedious, time-consuming step. There are numerous problems that emerge from this traditional partnership. One key issue is nonprofits have to take time away from the work they do to manage the grant process, which means less time toward the mission itself. Another is that foundations typically have the ultimate say in what’s best for their community and people impacted because they determine what is funded or not. “Why are foundations dictating what’s best for their communities when it’s the nonprofits that often have people on the ground and their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in their neighborhoods?” said Samantha Plotino, executive director of The Provident Bank Foundation in New Jersey. Plotino is a thought leader in a small advisory committee of forward-thinking practitioners formed by the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits which is spearheading a unique initiative called “Doing Good Better: Amplifying and Deepening Philanthropic and Nonprofit 6

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022

Partnerships in NJ.” The goal is to reimagine how New Jersey nonprofits and philanthropy can work together more efficiently and foster better relationships. “The purpose of the Doing Good Better initiative is to reimagine relationships among funders, nonprofits and government to create shared power rooted in collaboration, mutual trust and respect,” says Theresa Jacks, acting president and CEO of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers. “The Provident Bank Foundation has spent the last two years shifting our culture, structures and grantmaking practices in ways that rely on trust-based values,” Plotino said. “The backbone of this initiative has been the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, which highlights recognizing the inherent power imbalance between foundations and nonprofits. We believe that philanthropy will be more successful, rewarding and effective if funders approach their grantee relationships from a place of trust, humility and transparency.” “By listening to what nonprofits and their communities need to be most impactful, foundations can be truly supportive,” said Linda Czipo, president and CEO at the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits. “This is particularly important for smaller nonprofits or partners led by or serving people of color or other historically excluded communities.” Bold foundations are learning from the actions in


New Jersey and making their own changes. Plotino shares some strategies for implanting trust-based philanthropy for any funder interested throughout the U.S.: Advisory group: Form a group of dedicated, passionate people who can work together to determine areas for improvement. Meet regularly and maintain ongoing communication to determine what works, what doesn’t and what can change. Solicit feedback and act on it. Update applications: Nonprofits must apply for their grants through an application. This is an important process for funders to learn more about the nonprofit and its intentions for the funds. While an application is necessary, consider what is essential and what isn’t. By streamlining the application process and maintaining communication with applicants, you’ll help nonprofits save time and put their best foot forward. Rethink reporting: Nonprofits want to share the good work they’ve done thanks to the generosity of funders, but required reporting is often difficult. Consider updating, cutting back or eliminating the reporting requirement. Evaluate the burden of having to track everything, and look for alternative ways to show accountability. Always strive to simplify and

streamline paperwork. Unrestricted funding: Remember the importance in investing in general overhead expenses. For example, it might seem obvious to fund food for a food pantry, but what about the cost of electricity to light and heat the space, cleaning supplies, administration, employee training and more? These overhead expenses are just as essential, but often don’t get the attention and funding they desperately need. Ongoing support: Don’t stop the relationship with nonprofits once the check is written and the funds are distributed. Explore ways you can engage with nonprofits and provide additional support, such as professional counsel. Even a simple, friendly email to check in shows you care. Changing the funder-nonprofit dynamic might seem overwhelming, which is why Plotino’s advice to others is: “Start small in adopting trust-based philanthropy. Make adjustments over time. Find a place to start that makes sense and then build on it. We all have the same goal, which is improving quality of life in our communities. Small steps can lead to big impact.”–

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 7


COVER STORY

New Treatment Options for Sickle Cell Disease Provide Hope

8

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022


Imagine constantly feeling dizzy, tired and out of breath. Imagine having episodes of pain so bad that you can’t drive or work. Imagine learning that the cause of these symptoms is that your red blood cells are shaped differently, meaning they die earlier and cause you to experience a multitude of health issues. For Shirley Miller, this isn’t her imagination, it’s her reality. At age three she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD), a group of inherited blood disorders. For much of her life, she has managed the complications that often come with the disease. Now, she is more hopeful than ever there will be effective advanced treatments, and eventually, a cure. Because of SCD, the body’s red blood cells, which are normally round and flexible, develop into crescent shapes and do not bend or move easily. This can block blood flow to the rest of the body and lead to serious problems, including stroke, eye issues, infections and pain crises, which is uncontrolled pain that causes distress. More than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million worldwide live with SCD, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Yet until recently, treatment options have been limited. And while a blood and bone marrow transplant offers a cure, most patients with SCD are either too old to have one, or they do not have a relative who is enough of a genetic match to be a donor. These days, though, there’s good news for people living with SCD: Research has greatly expanded, leading not only to new therapies, but offering hope for cures that can be made available to many more patients. Traci Mondoro, Ph.D., a blood researcher at NHLBI, said her institute - part of the National Institutes of Health - is on the frontlines of this work. “We’re leading and supporting research and clinical trials to find accessible cures for SCD,” she said. But that does not mean people with the disease have to suffer in the meantime. “They can work with their health care team to determine a treatment plan to reduce symptoms and manage the condition,” Mondoro explained. “And they can also see if participating in a clinical trial is right for them.” Miller agreed, noting that working with her doctor and attending public SCD meetings led her to an effective treatment that helped change her life. But, she noted, “I know that what helps me may not work for someone else. That’s why it’s so critical for patients to explore the different therapy options.” Here are some common ones, including several that were recently approved by the FDA: * Hydroxyurea is an oral medicine that can reduce

or prevent several SCD complications, such as acute chest syndrome, a need for blood transfusions and pain events. * Voxelotor treats SCD in adults and children age 4 and older. The oral medicine prevents red blood cells from forming the sickle shape and binding together. This may decrease the destruction of some red blood cells, lowering the risk for anemia and improving blood flow. * Crizanlizumab-tmca reduces the number of pain crises experienced by adults and children age 16 and older. Given through an IV, the medicine helps prevent blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and causing blood flow blockage, inflammation and pain crises. In addition, L-glutamine has been shown to lower the number of pain crises in people ages 5 and older. Over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be used to treat mild to moderate pain, but for severe pain, providers may prescribe stronger medicines called opioids. * Penicillin has been shown to help children with SCD. Taking it twice a day can reduce the chance of having a severe infection in the bloodstream. * Transfusions can treat and prevent certain SCD complications. Acute transfusions treat complications that cause severe anemia. Red blood cell transfusions increase the number of red blood cells and provide normal red blood cells that are more flexible than red blood cells with sickle hemoglobin. Regular or ongoing blood transfusions may help lower the chances of another stroke in people who have had an acute stroke. On the horizon: genetic therapies. Researchers at the NHLBI are exploring ways genetic therapies may help treat or even cure SCD. “Researchers take blood or bone marrow from a patient and modify their stem cells in a laboratory using genetic therapies,” Mondoro explained. “We are hopeful that in the future, new therapies will be available to help everyone with SCD.” For now, if you have SCD, these questions can help guide your conversation with your health care team: * How can I manage pain? * Which treatments are best for me? * How is this treatment administered? * How often do I need this treatment? * What are the side effects? * Will this treatment cure me of SCD? Are there other treatments to consider? For more information and resources about SCD and other blood diseases and disorders, visit the NHLBI’s Blood Diseases and Disorders Education Program at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/blood.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 9


No Cost Healthcare August 4th - 12th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm everyday EXCEPT August 4th and August 7th - 1:00pm-5:00pm August 12th - 8:00am - 12:00pm

Services provided include: Basic Medical Services Health Screenings Dental services including exams, fillings, and extractions Eye Services including exams, prescriptions and eyeglasses THESE SERVICES ARE AT NO COST TO ANYONE NO APPOINTMENT NECCESARY

Questions? WIMS COMMUNITY CENTER Call 229-321-2167 7062 GREEN GROVE ROAD LUMPKIN, GEORGIA 31815 stewartcountyfc@gmail.com This service is part of a Department of Defense initiative called Innovative Readiness Training. IRT training missions provide opportunities for military medical, engineering and support personnel to receive training while making a difference| AUGUST in local2022 communities throughout the United States. 10 RuralLeaderMag.com


How Parents can Borrow Wisely and Bridge the College Financing Gap Your child has decided on a college, signed up for freshman orientation, and now comes the next hurdle: paying the tuition bill. According to a survey by College Ave Student Loans, 74% of parents surveyed found the cost of college to be surprisingly high. Between tuition, room and board and other expenses, many families have a financing gap, even with the help of scholarships and grants. If you’re wondering how you’ll afford your child’s education, check out these financing options to cover any remaining college expenses before they start school this fall. When savings aren’t enough. According to the survey, 95% of parents are helping or planning to help their child pay for college. How do they plan to afford the cost? About 59% plan to use their income and savings to help cover some of the costs left after grants and scholarships. Some (43%) will use 529 college savings accounts to help pay for college, but with the rising costs of tuition and room and board, many families are still coming up short. Some parents plan to take up a second job and some are considering using their retire-

ment account or expect their child to contribute. How to quickly bridge the financial gap. While it’s noble for parents to want to help their children, they don’t need to forgo their future to help their child build their own. One of the easiest ways to immediately cover the college financing gap is through loans designed to help pay for a college education. It can be stressful paying for college and saving for retirement, but you can balance these two needs through responsible borrowing. While you may have previously avoided taking out a loan for fear of you or your child going into debt, many loans have multiple repayment options. “It can be scary to apply for a student loan, but it doesn’t have to be difficult,” said financial expert Mark Kantrowitz. “Student loans are a tool to help parents give their children a bright future.” By now, your family should have completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Doing so not only considers your student for scholarships and grants, but also gives them access to federal student loans, which they can take out in their own name at a low fixed rate. If you need to borrow, federal student loans in the student’s name should GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 11


be taken out first as those come with unique benefits and protections, not offered by private lenders. If you still find you have a gap to bridge, private student loans are one option to explore. Before helping your child take out a private loan, research and find the best option for your family. A student loan calculator can help you estimate the cost of the loan and potential monthly payment to find a repayment plan that fits your specific financial situation. College Ave Student Loans can help you breathe

12

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022

easy and stress less. The application process takes less than three minutes, and customer service is ready to answer any questions you may have about the process. Private student loans have multiple repayment options and offer competitive interest rates. For more information and tips about financing your child’s college education, visit CollegeAve. com.—


Registration Link Below https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ language-as-a-missing-link-and-missedopportunity-three-part-series-tickets372912038947 By clicking "Register", I accept the Terms of Service and have read the Privacy Policy. I agree that Eventbrite may share my information with the event organizer.

For additional information please contact the Deal Center at galiteracy@gcsu.edu or call 478-445-8500 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 13


Make Safety a Priority with a Storm and Disaster Preparedness Plan

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and snowstorms can occur at any time, so preparing ahead is key. However, a study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency found that only 44% of Americans are prepared for an unexpected natural disaster. “Unfortunately, severe weather can occur throughout the year, so it is important to always be prepared,” said Ashley Gocken, a home safety expert with First Alert, a leader in residential fire safety, now part of Resideo Technologies, Inc. “Implementing new safety measures or strengthening the ones that you and your family have in place can help save yourself from unnecessary stress should an emergency arise.” Follow these home safety tips to help ensure your family is prepared during storm season: Equip for emergencies. Being prepared for inclement weather includes having an emergency kit ready. In addition to necessities such as a first aid kit, flashlight, water and medical supplies, make sure your safety kit includes a multi-tool, portable phone charger, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide (CO) alarm, batteries, blankets and non-perishable food. Know about CO. An invisible and odorless gas, carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the U.S., leading to more than 430 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CO incidents can spike during storm season, due to the misuse of portable generators, stoves or grills as alternative heating sources during power outages. In the case of a power outage, run generators in a well-ventilated, outdoor area to avoid CO build up in your home. Don’t operate them in the garage, even if you intend to keep the garage door open and be sure to keep it at least 20 feet away from any door, window or vent opening for extra safety precautions. Install home safety tools. Because CO is impossible to detect without an alarm - and its symptoms

14

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022

like headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and vomiting can easily be confused with the common cold - proper alarm placement, regular maintenance and alarm replacement are essential parts of your home safety plan. According to guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms should be installed in or near every sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Equip your home with 10year alarms or alarms with battery backup for protection during power outages. The First Alert Carbon Monoxide Plug-In Alarm with Battery Backup alerts residents to dangerous CO levels and, thanks to its battery backup, allows for continuous monitoring during a power outage. For ultimate protection against the threats of smoke, fire and CO, install combination alarms such as the First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke and CO Alarm to eliminate the need to replace batteries for a decade. Make sure alarms are installed at least 15 feet away from CO sources to reduce the chance of false alarms, but if one does sound, leave the home immediately and call 911. Be sure to test all alarms regularly, and for those without a 10-year battery, replace batteries at least every six months. Safely store valuables. In case of an emergency, make sure important documents such as birth certificates, passports and insurance papers are stored in waterproof or fire-resistant safes or security chests, and create password-protected digital copies for preservation. Move valuables, including family heirlooms and prized possessions, to higher levels of the home or to the same safes for maximum security. “Putting the proper protections in place can better enable families are well-prepared when a severe storm arises, and all year round,” said Gocken. For more information, visit www.firstalert.com.—


GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 15


16

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022


Exercise boredom? Tips to Hit Refresh on Your Fitness Routine With summer in full swing, it’s time to enjoy more sunshine, warmer temperatures, and extra time with family and friends outdoors. Yet, with so many vacations and barbecues on the books, it’s easy to take a detour from your fitness goals and resolutions (remember those?) for those more ‘fun’ options. If you want to breathe new life into your exercise goals and find meaningful strategies that help you feel motivated to make health changes all year long, you’re not alone. Katy Neville, Head of Fitness Programming for Amazon Halo, wants to help by sharing her top tips for re-committing to your wellness journey. Try a program with a path in mind. Working towards a new fitness goal can be exciting, but knowing how to kick off and actually sticking with it can be more challenging. Picking a program that progresses with you each week will help you avoid burnout and stay consistent so you can hit your goals. Explore programs with themes and specific challenges. For example, Amazon Halo offers 4-week “Beginner Cardio” and “Yoga Foundations” programs. After a month, you’ll have launched into a new movement routine and gained a new sense of confidence to tackle a broader range of classes. Mix it up while getting outside. Trying something new with your fitness can bring new energy to your day. Research shows that mixing up your routine can increase your motivation and results, according to journal PLOS ONE. Try incorporating a program that uses equipment indoors to help benefit your activities outdoors. Halo offers a new program, “Ready Set Hike,” that will prepare you for a long successful hiking season. Not only will you be able to flex your muscles indoors, but you will reap the benefits in the warmer weather on the trails. Get excited by creating a list of parks and trails you want to tackle after the program is complete. Workout in your hiking boots for an added challenge! Prioritize mobility in the hips. Mobility is a big buzz word these days, and for good reason. People

live in a sagittal world, meaning everything is forward - you walk forward, move forward, sit forward - and all this movement centers on the hips. Regardless of what your routine looks like, you should be adding time into your week to focus on hip mobility. That will keep your body healthy and mobile for the long run. The Halo Movement Health feature allows members to measure their mobility and stability, and then offers a personalized set of corrective exercises, which is a really valuable jumping off point as you focus on making mobility a priority. Stay motivated while traveling. Traveling doesn’t mean you should shelf your fitness goals. No matter how small your suitcase, you have room for a miniband. Bringing this mini-band on the road is a physical reminder of your goals and an easy way to add resistance into your routine while on the road. Bodyweight-only exercises can become routine, but when you add the resistance from a band, you’ll not only take your workout up a notch, you’ll achieve more burn in less time. Halo offers tons of effective body weight workouts including options from Aaptiv, Orangetheory Fitness, and their own Halo coaches. With tons of options that are under 20 minutes, you can sneak in a workout between your vacation adventures. Propel your results with live feedback. Using real time heart rate feedback during a workout has been shown to increase motivation and result in higher levels of exertion, according to the journal Frontiers in Psychology. This can be done by using a heart rate monitor or fitness device that pairs with your exercise program of choice. Try syncing Halo with some of your favorite fitness devices and services, like Tonal, MapMyRun, and Echelon, to view your live heart rate as an overlay in real time. “I hope these tips will reenergize your mindset and inspire you to move in new ways so you can look and feel your best,” said Neville.—

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 17


How Schools can Help Boost Student Attitudes and Performance The past few years have been tough on schools everywhere. In many cases, motivation and engagement are lacking - for students and teachers alike. At the same time, many teachers and schools nationwide are finding innovative approaches to better engage with students, increase attendance and even improve grades. An education program achieves tangible results. One of those innovative approaches focuses on helping students feel heard and seen, providing recognition and rewards that boost motivation and increase a sense of belonging in the school community. For more than 30 years, Jostens Renaissance Education has helped schools worldwide renew their climate and culture, and the pandemic has made this work more important than ever. Schools using Renaissance have witnessed: * Increased attendance and graduation rates * Improved academic performance and behavior * Higher teacher retention rates * A boost in school spirit (students who feel like they matter care more and try harder) This acclaimed educational enrichment program is designed to empower students and educators to 18

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022

recognize and inspire academic performance and character development. With unparalleled resources, a library of best practices and a vibrant community of educators, schools are driving tangible results. To support schools in their efforts, Jostens offers a kit including: * Nine sections focusing on specific approaches and tools schools can use * A digital video series showcasing strategies from Renaissance schools * Worksheets and ideas from their Idea Exchange to support recommended activities * Posters to jump-start changing your school’s climate, plus other digital resources * The popular “Ideas, Ideas, Ideas” book by Renaissance Hall of Fame educator Steven Bollar In addition, there are a variety of impactful resources on JostensRenaissance.com, including a character development video series, a leadership curriculum, and videos to support educator professional development. Selecting specifically for their school’s needs, from effective student attendance and performance recognition programs to energizing pep rallies, the change in school culture helps everyone


in the school, from teachers and administrators to students and parents. “I love the creativity of developing your own program,” said Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder, Ed.D., superintendent of schools at Somers Point School District, New Jersey. “Renaissance not only helps you create a tailored program specifically for your school, it provides you the resources with their posts, idea sharing, programs and school store. Jostens Renaissance is the total package in my book. I am excited to see where we go from here!” Here are just a few participant metrics: * Horizon Middle School, Colorado: The number of students who earned a 3.0 GPA or higher for the school year increased from 397 in 2014 to a staggering 1,753 in 2020. They also saw an average 3-12% increase in test scores across all subjects. * Greenbrier High School, Tennessee: An increase of composite ACT scores from 19.5 to 21.3 over a 3-year span. * Marshall County High School, Tennessee: The Average senior composite ACT score has increased from 17.7 to as high as 20.4, and the graduation rate has grown from 82% to 95%. * Mountain Ridge Middle School, West Virginia: A drastic reduction in student discipline referrals, including a 30% reduction in referrals over the previous 3 school years to the start of this year, and a 16%

reduction in referrals from last year. * Summerville High School, South Carolina: Teacher retention went from 80.6% in the 2019-2020 school year to 95% retention in 2022. These are just a few examples of what happens when students feel seen, heard and loved. The Jostens Renaissance Education program helps students feel like they matter. This improved school culture boosts student and educator morale and, as result, makes them more likely to show up and try hard. “Jostens allowed for students like myself to be more involved in decisions and events at our school,” said Karl Rice, rising senior at North Stafford High School in Virginia. “It helped add pride and confidence in our school, as well as involving students who otherwise would have never felt comfortable enough to stand up and contribute.” Read more school success stories at JostensRenaissance.com. How to get involved. The good news? If your school already uses Jostens for caps, gowns, rings or yearbooks, access to these groundbreaking Renaissance resources is included, so you can receive this groundbreaking education program for free. If your school is new to Jostens, learn more about Renaissance at JostensRenaissance.com/resources.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 19


20

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022


U.S. Business Leaders Navigate Economic Uncertainty in Search of Growth By Ginger Chambless, Head of Research, JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking

The first half of 2022 has tested business leaders with decades-high inflation, sharply rising interest rates and ongoing supply and labor shortages. In light of these challenges, less than 1 in 5 business leaders (19%) are optimistic about the national economy for the year ahead, according to JPMorgan Chase’s 2022 Business Leaders Outlook Pulse survey - the lowest percentage in 12 years of survey data. But despite today’s pressures, business leaders are embracing change and remaining nimble in order to position their companies for success. In fact, more than half (71%) remain optimistic in their own company’s performance. JPMorgan Chase recently surveyed more than 1,500 midsize business leaders to understand their economic outlook and business challenges heading into the second half of the year and how they plan to navigate the evolving landscape. Here are three ways business leaders are tackling today’s economic challenges and positioning their companies for the year ahead. 1. Calculated Expansion. Business leaders are betting on themselves and staying the course with regards to expanding and innovating their businesses. An overwhelming majority of business leaders surveyed (83%) expect to grow their business over the next year, with more than half planning global or domestic expansion (63%) and product innovation (53%) to fuel growth. Due in large part to these strategies and resilience to drive their business forward, nearly three-quarters of business leaders (73%) anticipate increased revenue in the year ahead. 2. Making Strategic Adjustments. With the survey showing that rising interest rates (65%) and inflation (86%) are more significantly challenging companies compared with six months ago, business leaders must balance what’s happening in the macroeconomic

environment with their company-specific strategies. This includes following the implications of recent Federal Reserve interest rate hikes - and how they affect economic behaviors - and the impact of ongoing geopolitical events on energy prices and supply chains. Business leaders could use this time to re-assess some of their key strategic and operational practices, including supplier networks, capital structures and whether they are most efficiently deploying their labor force to execute business plans. 3. Adapting to Inflation Pressures. Business leaders are grappling with a major shortage of skilled workers, continued supply chain disruptions and the worst inflation in 40 years, all of which are diminishing their national economic outlooks. Rising input and production costs are forcing business leaders to make adjustments to protect margins, including automating more processes, strategic stockpiling and prioritizing sales of their most profitable products. Unsurprisingly, more than three-quarters of businesses (76%) have raised prices in response to inflation, and 42% have passed along at least half of their increased costs in the form of higher prices. Since inflation isn’t expected to subside in the near-term, more than 4 in 5 business leaders (81%) expect to continue to increase prices to help mitigate costs. Though the economic outlook for the months ahead is uncertain, today’s business community continues to prioritize growth, while remaining at the ready to face the challenges that come their way. To learn more about how JPMorgan Chase is helping business leaders build for the future, visit jpmorgan.com/2022midyearoutlook.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022 21


22

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2022


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.