The Sunshine Report Bright Future on the Horizon! ‘Karen and Jay celebrate the exciting opportunities and potential impact of this next great generation’ We are blessed by the next generation. The youth today who are coming of age are talented, motivated and have a powerful entrepreneurial spirit. And what an exciting time for them to come onto the scene. At this juncture in our evolution, they truly have an opportunity to transform our world in ways that only years ago could hardly be imagined. Whether it be AI, mobile devices, regenerative medicine or even exciting new forms of energy, the world of tomorrow will be vastly different from what we have experienced in the past. And it is this next generation who will shape our destiny. Karen and I are particularly fortunate to have the opportunity to see this phenomenon right up close. Not only do we have our own seven children – all of this next generation – but we’ve also gotten to know so very many of their friends. In addition, we work and interact with a large number of young entrepreneurs in our business activities, so we get exposure to countless others. We continually marvel at their flexibility, their ingenuity, and their unabashed courage to challenge norms and chart their own paths. For instance, they are ‘breaking the mold’ when it comes to the way they are approaching their education and careers. Gone are the days when everyone was expected to move in ‘lock step’ towards a college degree. Whether it was the right choice for them individually or not. Today, there are multiple paths that are being embraced. The trades are seeing a rebirth. Practical forms of education are taking shape. Stackable credentials that train and prepare individuals for very specific and valuable roles are becoming commonplace. These exciting new avenues are ‘training up’ this next generation to have unparalleled career opportunities. We are also blessed that they are immensely committed and concerned, as a group, about doing good! They choose to be involved in efforts that motivate them – where work is not just work, but where they can also feel that they are having a positive impact on others and the world around them. I applaud this. Karen and I try to incorporate these same principles into our activities as well and encourage these heartfelt efforts. Lastly, as we do so, it’s very important that we all do our very best to pass on to them the fundamental values that have shaped our American way of life. Freedom, a love of family, a commitment to community, a respect for one another and an enduring faith that each day will be better than the last. Thankfully, if we do our part – with enthusiasm and a deep commitment, we can be certain to see the most consequential generation in history leave their mark in a way like no other generation before them. Hats off to this next generation! I suppose it’s a truism to observe that every generation tends to look down at the generation following it with some degree of critique. No doubt this is simply human nature. Change is often quite difficult. But the truth is this next generation represents hope for the future, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can drive positive change in society. Their energy, creativity, and willingness to take risks are qualities that can inspire us all to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. By celebrating the potential contributions of the next generation, we acknowledge their importance in shaping a brighter tomorrow. Read The Report Young Leaders Making a Difference   Read More ‘Passing Freedom on to the Next Generation’ - Flags of Valor and the BIG Flag Build Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Joe Mitchell This week we are delighted to highlight a great friend and highly accomplished leader of the next generation - Joe Mitchell. I first met and got to know Joe several years ago while on a visit to his family business located in rural Iowa. I was very impressed. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with him, working on several projects together and as such, my admiration for Joe Mitchell has only grown. Today, Joe is a prominent young public servant and businessman from Iowa, known for his strong commitment to the state and its small businesses. Born and raised in Wayland, Iowa, Joe’s deep roots in the community have significantly influenced his political and professional endeavors. He was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives at the age of 21, becoming one of the youngest state legislators in the country. His tenure was marked by a focus on policies that support economic growth, particularly for small business, which he views as the backbone of Iowa's economy. Joe's dedication to Iowa's future is evident in his legislative priorities. He championed tax reforms that benefit small business, striving to reduce regulatory burdens and create a more favorable environment for entrepreneurship. Recognizing the critical role of small business in local communities, Mitchell advocates for initiatives that provide them with greater access to capital and resources, fostering innovation and sustainability. Beyond his legislative work, Mitchell is also an entrepreneur, bringing the firsthand experience of the challenges faced by small business owners. This dual perspective has enabled him to craft policies that are both practical and impactful. His business acumen is complemented by a forward-thinking approach to education and workforce development, ensuring that the next generation of Iowans will be well-equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic economy. Joe's commitment to Iowa is not just about economic policies; he is also a proponent of civic engagement and leadership development among young people. He believes in empowering the next generation to take an active role in shaping their communities and the state. That is why he launched Run GenZ [link removed] a national movement taking the United States by storm. Through mentorship programs and community initiatives, Joe works to inspire young Americans to pursue public service and entrepreneurial ventures, ensuring our great country remains a vibrant and prosperous land for years to come. Joe Mitchell's dedication to public engagement and small businesses, coupled with his efforts to empower the next generation, highlights his unwavering commitment to our country’s future. And his work is paving the way for a more engaged and dynamic community. We salute Joe as an exemplary role model – leading this next generation to a bright future. Quote of the Week "The young people of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and we have full confidence in their ability to drive positive change." - John F. 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