Here are five things that caught my attention!
Manufacturing: Here’s some rare good economic news for a change: The construction of new manufacturing facilities in the US has soared 116% over the past year, dwarfing the 10% gain on all building projects combined. We’re seeing companies re-shoring and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity as they come to the realization that saving a buck in labor costs overseas comes with a boatload of supply chain risk. Keep an eye on this trend moving forward. And let's continue to fight to ensure these new jobs are good union jobs!
Best Wishes: After decades of service to our veterans, Dr. Robert M. Smith retired this week as director and chief executive officer of the VA. I worked closely with Dr. Smith on veterans issues throughout COVID and he will be missed. I get my healthcare from the VA and love it. I am grateful to Dr. Smith for a lifetime of service, taking care of those who served our nation.
A Winding Road: Everyone has a different parenting philosophy but I try to give my kids the foundation for success, expose them to many different paths then let them find joy and purpose in whatever they decide to pursue. I recommend reading the story of a kid who hated math, dropped out of high school to become a poet against his parents' strongest wishes, and became this year’s winner of the Fields Medal (the “Mathematics Nobel).” (Yes, the Fields Medal made an appearance in a memorable scene in Good Will Hunting). Princeton Professor June Huh is a living testament to the reality that life isn’t a straight line to success!
‘Learning to Lead’: Retired Marine Corps General Jim Mattis spent 44 years in the United States Marine Corps and was beloved by those who served under him (myself included). Last week, I mentioned how he finally married at the age of 71, after decades of sole devotion to the Marine Corps. That story reminded me that his book Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead has been sitting on my desk for a while, so I’m going through it now. I’ll let you know how it is -- so far, it is a great read!
Nacho: This week we added a new member to our family! “Nacho” is a year and a half-old, seventy-pound, pit/lab mix, we rescued from the San Diego County Animal Shelter. He is wonderful! Lorena was a bit reluctant but is coming around:)
