We just got back from yet another National Independent Flag Dealer’s Association (NIFDA) convention and this time it was in Bristol, Tennessee (or, as some say, Bristol Virginia because, like our city Texarkana, it too lies in two states).
All over this quaint little town, Bristol boasts of being the birthplace of country music. And, I must admit, we heard some great musicians. But like much of small-town America, there is not much to do. Fortunately, Bristol has found a revenue stream in the Bristol Motor Speedway the smallest track on the American racing circuit.
Small Businesses Still Rule
The trip and convention were an eye-opener for son Matt, who came along for the first time. He was impressed by all the mom-and-pop small flag companies still operating across America. It is encouraging to know that the American dream of owning and operating your own small business still exists. According to Mark Cuban’s recent interview, the economy is the best it has been in 50 years, which makes it ripe for startups. He said, and I paraphrase, “There has never been a better time to start a business than now.” This is good news for budding entrepreneurs!
I encourage all who have the DNA of wanting to own their own business to take the leap of faith soon. Because as we all know; no risk, no reward. And remember this truth, it won’t be your failures you’re remembered for; it will be your successes.
More Good News!
To get to Bristol, we flew into Charlotte, rented a car, and drove three hours through the hurricane-afflicted towns of Tennessee, Carolina, and Virginia. Having heard the worst, we intentionally skirted around the town of Asheville. As we drove along the mountain edges with all its creeks and streams, we saw mud slides, broken trees, and strip malls that were in repair mode. To our surprise and delight, the small towns looked cleaned up, reminding us of our American fortitude.
The Bad News
When I travel, I watch the local news to broaden my understanding of America. On one such evening, there was a report of a militia group, suited up and armed, who held volunteers at a FEMA staging area with care packages at gun point, claiming the workers were stealing from FEMA. The national guard was called, the group dispersed, and facts were given. I guess they weren’t arrested because no one was hurt. The next day, armed with information, the disbanded militia group returned bearing gifts and apologized.
Down to Business
NIFDA has a serious task at hand in trying to protect the American flag from imports with false claims of being made in the USA. In June, many of us NIFDA members went to Washington to make our Senators and Representatives aware of the problem.
We’re not isolationist. We believe in free enterprise, but we also believe in telling the truth and think, when asked, that most Americans want their flags made in America and we’ve discovered Amazon is too big to enforce its own rules about false advertising, so we are trying to do it through legislation. I’ve learned a lot about importing loopholes and to be skeptical when shopping on Amazon.
If you agree that American flags should be made in America, find your Senator or Representative and tell them to support bill HR 4137.
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