14 — Indiana Gazette / The Blairsville Dispatch / Shopper’s Guide - Business Indiana - January 2023
Business trusted most in more polarized world
By COURTNEY BONNELL Associated Press LONDON — People worldwide are more gloomy about their economic pros- pects than ever before and trust business far more than other institutions like gov- ernments, nonprofits and the media in an increasingly divided world, according to a survey from public rela- tions firm Edelman. Released to coincide with the World Economic Forum’s gathering of business elites and government leaders in Davos, Switzerland, the on- line survey conducted in 28 countries shows that fewer
ty dairy farmers, suggesting that the area is too distant to be able to supply perish- able milk products to areas where supplies may be thinned by decreased pro- duction. Regardless of politics, wars and climate-control policies, one major and timeless factor still has the greatest bearing on farm- ers’ success. “At the end of the day, all of our crops rely on Moth- er Nature. That’s who holds the ace,” Park said. “We don’t irrigate, so you’re re- lying on getting the right amount of rain at the right times to get a good crop.” you to get the most benefit and value from your mem- bership and we are here to help. We encourage you to continue to get involved as we have a number of things in store for the future as we gear up for an exciting 2023! If you need assistance at any time, please call, email or visit the chamber. You are always welcome. Thank you again for your vital support. U.S., South Africa, Spain and Sweden — were listed as severely polarized, driv- en by distrust in govern- ment and a lack of shared identity. If divisions are not ad- dressed, people fear the re- sult will be worsening prej- udice and discrimination, slower economic develop- ment and violence in the streets, the report said. More than 40 percent in the survey believe gov- ernments and companies must work together to solve social issues, with the onus on the most trusted institu- tion — business — to bring people together.
ing off a bit, but not back to where it was. And fuel may back off a little bit but crude oil may go back up this year,” Learn agreed. “And milk prices are ex- pected to be lower this year.” But on the other hand, Learn said, governments in European nations and New Zealand, which have been major exporters of milk, are ordering reductions in the numbers of farms and cows in production, saying the high production is environ- mentally harmful and con- tributes to climate change. He didn’t speculate on the effect on Indiana Coun- • The chamber continues to be a regional presence through media outlets and representation on various boards and commissions. The chamber’s purpose is centered in delivering great products and ser- vices for our members si- multaneously working with local and regional leaders to improve the economy and quality of life for Indi- ana County. Our staff — Jill, Susan, Steven and I — want Most respondents say business should do more, not less, to deal with cli- mate change, economic in- equality and other issues. This comes as social di- visions have become en- trenched, creating a polar- ized world that has left peo- ple feeling like they can’t overcome their differences or even willing to help oth- ers who don’t share their beliefs, the survey says. Less than one-third of re- spondents said they would help, live with or work with someone who strongly disagrees with their view- points. Six countries — Ar- gentina, Colombia, the
for $15 a gallon,” Park said. “Round Up last year was up to $60 a gallon. But two days ago I paid $25 a gallon, so it has come back down but I’m never going to see that $11 a gallon Round Up again. The chances of us ever seeing it dirt cheap again are long gone. “I don’t think we’re going to see $400 fertilizer again. I hate to say this but I think this general ballpark will be our new normal. I think the days of buying cheap feed- er calves and cheap fertil- izer, we’re not going to see them anymore.” “There are some early in- dications of fertilizer back- munity leaders grow their networks, opportunities and experiences. • The chamber helped to support Leader’s Circle of Indiana County during their awards ceremony on Oct. 27 to recognize the recipients of the ATHENA Award, Male Civic Leader and Female Civic Leader. The event held at the Indi- ana Country Club contin- ues to highlight volunteer- ism within the county. said Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman. “By a six-to-one margin, respondents want more societal involvement by business on issues such as climate change, econom- ic inequality and workforce reskilling.” But companies face stir- ring contention by jump- ing into those topics, with 52 percent saying business- es can’t avoid politicization when they tackle divisive so- cial issues, he said. Despite the uncertainty, people want companies to stand up for them: 63 per- cent say they buy or advo- cate for brands based on their beliefs and values.
committee continued to be active in creating mar- keting opportunities for our membership. Mem- ber Spotlight videos were a highlight as the chamber promoted different mem- bers through a three- to five-minute video feature that airs on Facebook. • The chamber’s Young Professionals Organiza- tion (YPO) held many great events to help up-and- coming business and com- media. That was attributed to how companies treated workers during the COVID- 19 pandemic and return to offices as well as many busi- nesses vowing to exit Russia after it invaded Ukraine. People still said they dis- trusted CEOs as well as gov- ernment leaders and jour- nalists, while trusting their own corporate executives, co-workers and neighbors. Scientists were trusted the most — by 76 percent of re- spondents. “The increased level of trust in business brings with it higher-than-ever expecta- tions of CEOs to be a lead- ing voice on societal issues,”
• The Chamber Govern- ment Relations Committee continued to be active in providing better resourc- es for our members relat- ed to legislation and issues that affect business. The chamber’s annual Eggs and Issues breakfast again pro- vided an opportunity to accomplish this task with a great event on Sept. 1 at the Kovalchick Conven- tion and Athletic Complex (KCAC). • This year, the cham- ber and our marketing people believe their family will be better off in five years. Those who believe they’ll be better off dropped to 40 percent from 50 percent last year and hit all-time lows in 24 nations. That is be- cause 89 percent fear losing their job, 74 percent worry about inflation, 76 percent are concerned about cli- mate change and 72 percent worry about nuclear war. The Edelman Trust Barom- eter also says 62 percent of respondents see business as both competent and ethical, compared with 59 percent for nongovernmental agen- cies, 51 percent for govern- ments and 50 percent for the
Chamber helps advance Indiana County businesses CHAMBER: From A-2
and enjoy a fun round of golf. • The seventh annual In- diana County Business Hall of Fame was held June 23 at the Indiana Country Club. The event recognized new inductees J.L. “Red” Douds, Rose Reschini, Jack Delaney, Louis Tate, Mark Zilner and James “Jimmy” Stewart. The sold-out event continues to be one of the highlights of the chamber year.
Farmers guard consumer prices while fending off inflation FARMERS: From A-13
Business & Contractor Insurance
crude oil prices that reflect international political fac- tors as much as supply and demand, neither Learn nor Park expected prices to fall to pre-2021 levels. But both predicted some of their costs to dial back — but not all. “Seed corn took anoth- er $15 hit this week,” Park said. “I used to spend $250 a bag, now it’s $265 a bag. “But with fertilizer — in 2019 and 2020, some of our chemical mixes for herbi- cides on corn and beans, we’d buy in bulk at $10 to $11 a gallon, some others
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