·
Economic trend: Big retailers cut their tax
bills
o
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/06/business/economy/retailers-property-tax-dark-stores.html
o
Current information states that big retailers
and corporate giants are using a legal tactic to shrink their property tax
bills. I believe an opportunity exists here because, as a result of this action, it is
costing local governments and school districts hundreds of millions of dollars
in lost revenue.
o
The protypical customers in this opportunity would
be homeowners and small business, while also many board members within school
districts and local government leaders involved in planning budgets. Each of
them are being forced to either pay more or live with smaller budgets as long
as this opportunity exists.
o
I feel like this opportunity will be difficult
to exploit because these large corporations can get out of paying their fair
share by appealing a far-fetched tax dodge. And when one does it they all do
it. With this domino affect it can lead to a financial impact that can be
devastating to an area. Furthermore, with so many corporations doing it can be
very difficult to handle and stop completely.
o
I found an opportunity out of this article
because the idea of paying taxes always intrigued me. I was aware that
everyone’s taxes were different but I never really understood how big
corporations can pay the taxes, that have to be much higher than my parents’
personal ones, and still be making such a large profit. Within this article it
made it clear that they are cheating their way, which in effect is hurting us.
·
Economic trend: Unemployment rate rises
o
Although there has been an increase in the
unemployment rate, I believe an opportunity exits because if the unemployment
rate keeps increasing, in the future, a domino effect can occur. It can lead to
less growth, a drop in consumer pending, affecting businesses, which means they
then have to lay off workers. Ultimately leaving us in a recession.
o
The protypical customers of the opportunity are
all the people considered in the work force.
o
This will be difficult to exploit because this
opportunity is very difficult to predict the exact moment it is needed since it can fluctuate.
o
I recognized this opportunity because although
everything looks great now it could all change very easily or quickly in the
future. I'm one who doesn't get too comfortable with how things are and are realistic as to what can happen that could affect not only me but others.
·
Regulatory change: Pull back on environmental regulations
o
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/27/upshot/how-pollution-can-hurt-the-health-of-the-economy.html
o
There has recently been a pull back on environmental
regulations because the administration believes that a lighter touch on
industry will lift investment and economic growth. However, an opportunity
exists because in the long run the large amounts of pollution that is caused
from this can actually have a negative effect on the economy.
o
The protypical customers for this opportunity would
be the large population that is exposed to the harmful effects of the
pollution, especially children. Children seem to be even more vulnerable to the
negative effects of pollution.
o
I think this opportunity is easy to exploit
because evidence has showed that with more pollution it affects the quality of
work and performance negatively. This points at clear evidence that, in the
long run, the economy is worse off if there aren’t stricter environment
regulations.
o
I think my own personal emotions helped me find
this opportunity because I feel like as a society we have really abused our environment.
And now if we abuse it enough it will negatively impact us, including everyone around
us. It can lead to a ripple effect. First starting with being exposed to too much,
having it effect your performance in school, leading you to have a lower level
job, resulting in lower productivity at work, which results in lower incomes.
All of these things together will worsen our economy overall if the opportunity
is not met.
·
Regulatory change: Tariffs on trading partners
o
I believe an opportunity exists because recent tariffs on
our trading partners can have a huge ripple effect on businesses in industries
that weren’t even directly targeted.
o
The protypical customer would be small business
owners that could be negatively impacted if not prepared
o
I think this opportunity could be difficult to
exploit because with these tariffs in place there will be a strain on supply
and an effect on raw material costs. It
will also be vital that the opportunity is met before anyone is affected which could be challenging.
o
I found this opportunity because in order to
meet the need it is all about getting ahead and preparing for it before it
actually happens to you or your business. Making an effort to do something
before it actually happens is something I enjoy doing so this stood out to me.
Hi Kaitlin,
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job identifying key economic and regulatory trend changes in today’s society. I specifically found the article about the rising unemployment rate interesting because just that can cause an outburst of opportunities in America. However, I am curious as to the extent of this rising unemployment rate because over the past two years, the unemployment rate has seen an overall decrease; therefore, I am interested in seeing how these rises and falls in the rate have created different opportunities. Additionally, I found the article about tariffs on trading partners interesting because of the effect that the tariffs have on material goods, creating unmet needs for all types of people in society. Great job on identifying all of these opportunities!
Hi Kaitlin,
ReplyDeleteYou chose very interesting topics, all related to Trump's policies and changes during his presidency. Most of these policies were made to improve the economy of the country by encouraging national companies to produce and invest more. Turns out that some of this changes haven't been very effective and have had the opposite effect on society, like the increase in unemployment rates and the shrink of public budgets. Personally, I am very concern with pull back on environmental regulations because it is a reality that climate change is affecting us and that every second that goes by, will be harder to "heal" the environment.
Hi Kaitlin,
ReplyDeleteGreat job at identifying opportunities in economic and regulatory trends. I thought the article on unemployment was particularly interesting. I agree with you that with an increase in the unemployment rate, a negative domino effect follows. It is important that the government focus on this concern so we don't find ourselves in a recession. I also thought your article on tariffs and trading partners was interesting. These tariffs also have a domino effect on trading partners, just like the rising unemployment rate does on individuals and businesses. Overall, good job on this assignment.
Hi Kaitlin,
ReplyDeleteWell done on identifying these economic and regulatory trends. You did a good job. I found your post very interesting to read, particularly the trend about unemployment. With Trumps tax cuts and unemployment supposedly being at an all time low, I found your trend interesting to read as I hadn't thought about it in that way.
Nice job
Hi Kaitlin, I like the diversity of the different opportunities you chose. I wanted to ask if you had trouble determining if the opportunities you found should be economic or regulatory because it seems a couple of your situations have some crossover between the two areas. I experienced this decision when finding my own opportunities for change, I felt like you might have experienced the same thing with the taxes issue. I found it curious that you listed "pulling back on environmental regulations" as an opportunity, with all due respect I think you should do some research as to why these regulations are being put in place. Economic opportunities are important, but not more important than the health and well-being of our community.
ReplyDelete