The Ground Game Dispatch

Intel Brief: What You Need to Know This Week

Prepare for the Long-Term Impact of Tariffs

The U.S. has implemented new tariffs—including a 10% duty on most imports and a staggering 145% on Chinese goods—and small businesses are already feeling the pressure. Many report shrinking margins, rising inventory costs, and difficulty passing those costs on to customers.

Why It Matters:

If you rely on imported materials, products, or packaging, this isn’t a temporary bump—it’s a strategic pivot point. You need to evaluate your supply chain, renegotiate vendor terms, and consider domestic alternatives now.

It’s also the perfect time to:

Streamline operations to absorb cost increases
Leverage AI tools to increase productivity without hiring
Adjust pricing models carefully to maintain profitability

Bottom Line: What worked in Q1 may not work in Q3. Start adapting now or risk being priced out by smarter competitors.

Ground Game Index Report

"Your tactical map of the local economy"

Open Report

Sector Watch

Healthcare

Small hospitals and clinics are prime targets for cyberattacks

Recent reports highlight an uptick in ransomware and phishing targeting rural or under-resourced healthcare providers. Many lack the tech staff or funding to respond quickly.

Why it matters: If your business works with local health providers—or offers health benefits—cyber breaches could disrupt services and escalate costs. Now’s the time to prioritize digital defenses and explore compliance assistance.

Real Estate

CRE optimism holds, with office and industrial supply tapering

National forecasts remain upbeat: CRE fundamentals expected to improve in H2 2025; industrial and multifamily supply tightening.

In Texas, San Antonio retail hits five-year construction high (>600k sf) with strong pre-leasing.

Why it matters: Smaller CRE pipelines and upbeat markets mean better negotiating positions on leases, especially for industrial, retail, and multifamily spaces in North Texas.

Finance

Fed holds steady ahead of Mid‑July meeting amid easing inflation

Ahead of the Fed’s July 14 briefing, markets expect no rate hike, supported by June’s cooling CPI. Fed officials are discussing two potential rate cuts by year-end.

Why it matters: Stable rates mean borrowing terms shouldn’t deteriorate in the near term—but stay alert. Two potential cuts later this year could present good refinancing windows for expansion.

Insurance

Q2 Insurance M&A activity hits four-year low

North American broker mergers dropped sharply in Q1 2025, signaling consolidation fatigue or tighter valuations.

Meanwhile, ALKEME expands in California by acquiring Icon Benefits.

Why it matters: A slowdown in big deals means broker options may stabilize—which is good news for small buyers. However, regional roll-ups (like ALKEME) could narrow coverage options locally.

Quick Summary for Members

“This week, focus on shoring up your cybersecurity, reviewing insurance and lending options, and sharpening your AI skills. The business climate is cautiously optimistic—stay proactive, stay secure, and use your Chamber connections for maximum advantage.”

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

The Lone Wolf Trap: Why Doing Business Alone is Slowing You Down

You're smart. You're scrappy. You built this thing from nothing but grit and late nights.But let's be honest-how many mornings have you woken up thinking:"If I don't figure this out soon, I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going like this."Running a business alone is romanticized in all those hustle-culture quotes.

Your Mission Briefing: What's Next

Chamber Legacy Advisory Board - July 14th 8:30am

The Chamber Legacy Advisory Board is a distinguished group of leaders aged 55 and up-employed or retired-who bring decades of wisdom, experience, and insight to the Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce. These accomplished individuals serve as mentors and advisors to our Junior Chamber members, nonp...

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 16th - Sales Funnels

July 30th - Local SEO with ChatGPT

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

WORKSHOP: Ai Enhanced Messaging

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!

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 ...