The Ground Game Dispatch

Intel Brief: What You Need to Know This Week

Key alert for the week of July 28: The calm we’ve seen in markets is about to face two major tests – Trump’s Aug. 1 tariff deadline and the Fed’s July 30–31 policy meeting. If talks fail and tariffs snap back, supply costs across industries will jump and consumer sentiment will wobble; if the Fed sounds more hawkish than expected, borrowing costs will stay elevated. Businesses need to watch these events closely and be ready to adjust pricing, purchasing and financing plans on very short notice.

Ground Game Index Report

"Your tactical map of the local economy"

Open Report

Sector Watch

Healthcare 2026 Medicare Advantage rates are rising	In April the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved an average 5.06% increase in 2026 Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates, more than double the initial proposal	Bigger reimbursement means better margins for insurers in the near term, but politicians will keep attacking “overpayments.” Employers offering Medicare‑Advantage‑like plans should expect premium increases—and maybe congressional heat—by mid‑2026.
Finance & Investment Banks are ‘extending and pretending’ with troubled loans	A Breakingviews analysis finds banks have modified $55 billion of loans, quadruple two years ago, masking borrower stress. Reserves now cover just $2.08 for every dollar of debt past due (down from $2.78), and including modified loans the ratio drops to $1.38.	Banks are keeping bad loans alive rather than writing them off. That cushions short‑term profits but increases systemic risk. Expect regulators to probe this practice and for smaller banks—already loaded with commercial‑real‑estate exposure—to face more capital demands
Real Estate Capital gains tax on home sales may disappear?	President Trump said he is considering eliminating capital gains tax on home sales. Currently, homeowners can exclude $250k (single) or $500k (joint) of profit; those thresholds haven’t been raised since 1997, and 34% of homeowners already have enough equity to exceed the $250k cap.	Abolishing the tax would juice the market by freeing locked‑up capital, but it could also fuel price spikes and widen wealth disparities. It’s talk for now; don’t bank on it when making today’s selling decisions.
Private lenders and CRE debt loads	MBA reports commercial and multifamily mortgage debt outstanding rose $46.8 billion in Q1 to $4.81 trillion. Banks hold 38% of this debt, agencies/GSEs 22%, insurers 16%, and CMBS/CDO/ABS investors 13%.	The commercial real‑estate debt mountain is still growing despite high rates. With banks holding the largest share, any uptick in defaults—especially in the office sector—will reverberate through the financial system.

Workshops

ChatGPT - AGENT MODE!

Thursday, July 31st 10am

Come meet ChatGPT Agent! Welcome to the future of AI-powered business support. In this hands-on, one-hour workshop, we'll dive into OpenAI's newest game-changer-Agent Mode in ChatGPT. Unlike traditional prompt-based interactions, Agent Mode gives you a dynamic, goal-oriented AI that can think,...

Future-Proofing Work with Ai - Act NOW

Thursday, July 31st 11am

The future of work isn't coming-it's here. From marketing to HR to customer service, AI is already rewriting job descriptions, workflows, and bottom lines. This one-hour session isn't about hype-it's about survival and strategy. Join us for a no-nonsense conversation about what small and mid-siz...

Timeless Leadership & Legacy: Lessons from Decades in Business, Education, and Public Service

What has truly changed—and what hasn't—in leadership, business, and society over the decades? In this powerful roundtable, seasoned professionals from law enforcement, education, medicine, and entrepreneurship reflect on their careers, the rise of social media, shifting cultural norms, and the lasting traits of great leadership. Learn what it takes to build a meaningful legacy in today’s fast-changing world.

Featured Intelligence: Healthcare Edition

At our Healthcare Channel, we are committed to providing you with the latest and most reliable information about health, wellness, and medical advancements. Our team of expert healthcare professionals is dedicated to empowering you to make informed decisions about your well-being.

Explore a wide range of engaging and educational videos.

Visit the Channel

Let’s get one thing straight—AI isn’t coming for your job; it’s coming for how your job gets done. The businesses that win in this new era won’t be the ones shouting, “We’ve always done it this way!” They’ll be the ones asking, “How can we do this better—with the tools of tomorrow?”

The age of AI isn’t some futuristic concept. It’s here. Right now. And if you’re still on the fence, hoping this will all blow over—you’re standing in quicksand.

So what’s the key to staying relevant?

It’s not learning how to out-AI the machines. It’s learning how to be more human. The value you bring to the table lies in your ability to think creatively, lead with emotional intelligence, and adapt with grit.

Here’s what matters most moving forward:

Curiosity over comfort. Are you willing to unlearn what you know and explore what’s next?
Collaboration with machines. AI doesn’t replace you—it enhances you. You’re not being outsourced. You’re being augmented.
Continuous learning. The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance. If you’re not learning, you’re lagging.
Clarity of purpose. When you know your Definite Chief Aim, you’re not just reacting to change—you’re directing it.

The ones who thrive in the age of AI won’t be the fastest or the smartest—they’ll be the most adaptable. And here’s the good news: that’s a skill set you can build. But it starts with a decision.

So… are you going to resist the wave—or ride it?

We’re here to help. Our Chamber is embracing AI, teaching it, and building a future where small businesses don’t just survive—they lead. Let’s evolve together.

Ready to stay relevant?

Join our upcoming workshops or reach out for 1-on-1 strategy sessions. Let’s make sure your business isn’t stuck in yesterday.

from our ChamberUBlog

Your Mission Briefing: What's Next

The Lunch Club

Friday July 25th 11:30am

Unwind, Connect, and Enjoy Friendly Conversation! Are you looking for a refreshing break from your busy schedule? Do you crave genuine conversations and connections without the pressure of a formal agenda? Look no further than The Lunch Club, where we prioritize relaxed and enjoyable interac...

Every Friday 8am

The Success Alliance" meeting is a weekly event aimed at sparking deep conversations focused on creating success both personally and professionally.

The Full Chamber Calendar Here

July 30th - Local SEO with ChatGPT

To view just login to the member portal! And click ChamberU.

WORKSHOP: Ai Enhanced Messaging - Aug 6th

Stand out in a crowded market by harnessing the power of AI to elevate your brand message! In today's fast-paced digital landscape, it's not enough to just have a message-you need a strategy that sets you apart from competitors and reaches the right audience with precision. In this interactive w...

Think and Grow Rich THE MOVIE! - Aug 15th

Yes, we're showing the movie! THINK AND GROW RICH: The Legacy will be a feature length docudrama film chronicling the story of some of today's most renowned entrepreneurs, cultural icons and thought leaders. This feature length film will tell their inspirational stories and how they ultimately ...