Monthly Archives: September 2016

This Election Year Matters

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trump clintonWe are just days before the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump scheduled for September 26, 9-10:30 p.m. with no commercial breaks. During the debate, can Hillary avoid a trip to the lady’s room, and can The Donald avoid going ballistic for the entire one and a half hours? Great questions for all voters, but as small business owners we should be asking “what’s at stake for us this election season?”

Both candidates are promising change and reform. Donald Trump supporters want to back a business owner that isn’t marred by lobbyists and political favors; others think Hillary Clinton has proposals to make it easier to secure capital for expansions. Briefly, here’s where we think the candidates stand:

Minimum Wage

Clinton—increase state levels to $12, and in some cases, $15.
Trump—increase federal levels from $7.25 to $10 and let states set their own minimum wages.

Business Regulation

Trump—government should have a limited control.
Clinton—government should maintain control but cut unnecessary red tape.

Healthcare

Clinton—defends ACA as a basic human right.
Trump—supports Health Savings Accounts and a voluntary national competitive marketplace.

Trade

Trump—opposes trade partnerships that don’t favor the U.S., and tax U.S. companies that outsource American jobs elsewhere.
Clinton—supported Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) but now opposes it. Has used trade agreements to promote democracy.

One thing is certain. During the recession of 2008, large corporations collectively laid off more than 2.6 million workers, many of whom are now small business owners and entrepreneurs. These are the people that represent 54% of all U.S. sales and provide over 50% of the jobs. Small business owners are more likely to be community leaders and vocal about their opinions. In an election year, we are a force to be reckoned with!

The first debate is expected to be watched by more than 100 million people. They meet again on October 9th and 19th. Because of these unprecedented audiences and the numbers of small business owners and employees, voter turnout will be influenced. After the debates, please consider stopping by our Facebook page to leave a comment. We’d like to hear what small business in Cincinnati thinks.

Plants Make Workers Happier

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A happy, productive workforce is key to having a competitive edge. According to a study by Texas A&M University, the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, concentration and memory improve under the calming influence of nature. Tasks are performed with greater accuracy—and with better results.

Does this mean that we need to pack up the laptop and head for the nearest park bench to be productive? Not if you add interior plants to the workspace. The study says that keeping ornamental plants in the workplace increases memory retention and and that work performed under the influence of plants is of higher quality and better accuracy.

Apparently, plants stimulate the senses and the mind. They improve mental cognition and performance and reduce stress. It’s that natural aesthetic beauty that we find soothing.

The study found that plants:

  • Improve concentration and memory
  • Generate happiness
  • Improve mood and reduce health costs
  • Accelerate healing
  • Improve relationships/compassion
  • Increases energy levels and feeling of vitality
  • Helps people focus, concentrate and engage
  • Associate people with a higher quality of life
  • Reduce stress and calm emotions
  • Provide a more beautiful workplace environment

Not a plant person? Does every plant you touch turn to a brown stick over time? Considering the economic boost of calmer, more productive employees, it may make sense to speak with an interior plantscape expert.

There are many plant service companies in the Cincinnati area offering plant rentals and plant maintenance programs. While you lean back to enjoy more productive and happier employees, these service companies come by to water and feed the plants, prune and fuss over their appearance, and replace any not living up to your expectations. Find one now!

DLMM can’t endorse any particular plant services company, but we do endorse improvements in the workplace that make us happier and more productive!