MRA President and CEO Bill Hallan said, Michigan small businesses are feeling the squeeze of the UAW strike and the resulting loss of spending power by families impacted. Small businesses may feel the impacts of this strike for months to come. Even after the strike ends. We encourage shoppers to consider the importance of shopping with local businesses, keeping their dollars in their community.

When email is used as intended, it's one of the most powerful channels of all, according to a new study from Hunger Rush. 82% have made a purchase directly because of an email they've received. And email is popular amongst all age groups.

Americans are struggling and becoming more reticent to new spending, especially when it comes to spending on non essential purchases. 61% of Americans of all income brackets are living paycheck to paycheck these days, so the stress on American consumers is broad and deep.

According to a new study by SurveyMonkey, 27% of marketers now indicate that they fear AI could threaten their job security. What are the key use cases? 34% of marketers integrate AI into the back end of their platforms. For example, chat bots and email automation.

A new survey from Her Campus Media, a Gen Z media and college marketing company, finds that more than half of Gen Z prefers TikTok as its search engine of choice, and TikTok more than any other influences their purchase decisions.

There are more opportunities than ever to build sound into your brand. Thinking of ways to differentiate your brand try using sound in one way or another in association with your brand and drive more business to your company as a result.

Why are employees pushing so hard to get their employees back into the office? According to Resume Builder survey, employers who have their employees back in the office are reporting that they see an improvement in revenue, productivity, and worker retention.

This morning on the Business Beat, we're focused on the aspiring entrepreneur, someone who's thinking about starting a business of their own. We've got a list compiled by GoBankingRates.com of the most important skills required to make it in today's business landscape. Listen to the top 9 skills.

As you think about growing your business and reaching higher levels of success, continue to put focus on your brand, a brand that goes beyond relevance, and instead, it's one that has resonance.

Knowing your customers and the subtle, but unique characteristics of each inform businesses about which channels are best to use, perhaps social media for one, and TV for a different demographic, as well as the promotions and messaging that best capture their attention.