The U.S. middle market powers one-third of the nation’s economy yet often gets lost in the shadows of the global retail chains. Join the National Center for the Middle Market’s Doug Farren as he sheds light on these businesses that keep America running. Discover how they are meeting challenges and shaping the holiday season — and what it means for consumers like you. 00:00 – 00:44 Webinar moderator introduction 00:44 – 01:26 Presenter introduction 01:27 – 01:57 Presentation agenda 01:58 – 03:59 About the National Center for the Middle Market (NCMM) 04:00 – 04:51 The NCMM team 04:52 – 06:35 What is the middle market 06:50 – 07:41 About the Middle Market Indicator 07:43 – 08:33 Strategic objectives for middle market companies 08:34 – 11:06 Economic performance 11:07 – 12:34 Trend data 12:34 – 13:27 Revenue percentage growth rate 13:28 – 14:19 Revenue by industry 14:20 – 14:41 What about inflation and interest rates? 14:41 – 15:24 Expansionary activity 15:25 – 16:22 Employment growth 16:23 – 16:46 Year-End MMI: Employment by Industry 16:47 – 17:39 Economic confidence 17:40 – 18:28 Investment planning 18:28 – 19:33 The top investment category 19:34 – 20:09 Economic Challenges: Buckets 20:10 – 21:03 Top challenges 21:04 – 21:54 Emerging risks 21:54 – 22:34 Tariffs 22:36 – 23:53 Current or anticipated tariff impacts 23:54 – 25:00 Business transitions 25:00 – 25:23 Technology focus 25:24 – 26:01 Benefits and barriers 26:02 – 26:33 AI utilization 26:34 – 31:12 Middle market retail and the holiday season 31:13 – 31:48 Presentation summary 31:48 – 32:55 Additional research 32:56 – 33:24 Conclusion At The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business, we don't produce business graduates. We produce business leaders. Learn more: https://fisher.osu.edu/ Follow us on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-ohio-state-university-fisher-college-of-business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fisherosu/ X: https://twitter.com/FisherOSU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FisherOSU/