Do you remember when our version of the future was, “Lost In Space” and the robot was running around repeating the warning, “Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!” or when Star Wars first appeared on the screen in 1977? Those were the kind of futuristic concepts I grew up with. I never paid attention to futurist, unless they were on the big screen. As a matter of fact, for me actuaries had about the same appeal as futurists because I wasn’t interested in predicting the risk of death and the future only existed in my imagination and on the big screen.

Times have changed. The future is here and every smart business person needs to be tuned into what’s happening and listen to some of the prominent futurists like Ray Kurzweil, Thomas Frey or Ron Dawson. This is information that helps business leaders to stay competitive and to keep up with the rapid and global changes in the markets. Whether it’s a big business or a small business, we have met the future. At the core, things are changing whether we like it or not. Information and its availability have changed the landscape of business. In the end, it all boils down to who can get the information the quickest and process it first.

The culture of the workforce is evolving and information is being transferred at such speeds that it will eventually eliminate middle managers. Robots are taking our jobs; 3D printers in your office can produce a cup to put your coffee in and someday will be able to make parts for your heart. The internet and the availability of information has revolutionized the travel and banking industries. Credit card companies are competing for who will be processing those on-line payments. Yes folks, like it or not, the future is here and it is changing each and every one of us.

The future is impacting us like we never dreamed it could. There is now an increase in jobs through trained labor and trade schools. We need skilled and trained laborers to keep up the new technological equipment that is at the forefront of many successful companies. Could you ever in your wildest dreams imagine space tourism? Well, it is here! Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic went public through a merger with Social Capital Hedosophis, and will be the first publicly listed space tourism company, as was reveled in an interview with Ron Dawson on ABC TV. It’s here, so buckle up and get ready for “Time waits for no man”, said St. Marher. Ironically, that quote dates back to 1225. 

Work hard, be productive, and above all else, stay positive.
 
Peggy White
Executive Director
Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce
peggywhite@pulaskichamber.info