Imperium Insights
As 2022 winds down and the holidays are upon us, it feels as if the world is speeding up rather that slowing down. We know we have a few well-earned weeks of celebrating, food, and comfort with family and friends in front of us, but it doesn’t feel that way.
Maybe it’s due to the frenetic pace of the strangely timed 2022 World Cup. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that a presidential election cycle is already here. It could be the inevitable wave of planning and introspection this time of year brings.
Here are a few things we’re reading and listening to as we wind down 2022 at 101 Lea Avenue.
Strong Dollar, High Interest Rates
Top of mind for every business owner is trying to predict the 2023 economy. We love The Economist, an old-world, legacy media outlet with a rock-solid grasp on the complexities of today’s economy and geopolitics. Take a list to their latest The World Ahead podcast to get a take from their top economic writers and editors on the macro picture for 2023.
It’s Getting Interesting
At-Large Metro Nashville Councilmember Sharon Hurt announced her candidacy for mayor in 2023, joining an increasingly crowded field looking to unseat one-term incumbent Mayor John Cooper. Most of the media outlets in town covered the announcement, but we found the Nashville Banner’s newsletter article compelling for its thorough Q&A format.
Youngkin Rising
As national politicos continue to obsess over the battle for the soul of the Republican Party, we are finding the emerging national players fascinating to watch. One such rising star is Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin who is quietly, steadily building a national network of allies. Here is an interesting article about how he is handling business back home, pushing his state to step things up on the economic development front.
Homegrown Growth
Back to the economy, it appears 2023 is looking up in a big way for Nashville company Dollar General. The company is poised to open over 1,000 new stores in 2023 after seeing terrific growth as shoppers look to fight inflation. This Axios piece is a great primer on the company’s upcoming year.
The Young Americans
Some of us here at Imperium have been glued to the television watching the World Cup, including sitting on the edge of our seats for every touch of the U.S. Men’s National Team escape from the group stage and untimely exit from the tournament. The best soccer journalist in the U.S. is Grant Wahl, and his look ahead to the 2026 World Cup and the hope this American team should give fans is excellent.