Where did 2026 go?
Believe it or not, Q3 officially started on July first. But given our long weekend of celebrations for the Fourth, it’s probably fair to say that last week marked the real start of the second half of 2026. For many businesses, this is a quieter time of year, which may be responsible for a higher number of “out of office” emails as of late. Not to mention a desire to escape this hot weather, or to take advantage of the kids being out of school. But while for many July represents a temporary lull in the action, it’s also an opportunity to take a step back and take stock of the year’s progress so far.
It’s been a breakneck pace for Sanford and Lee County businesses this year. Hundreds of new jobs announced from employers like Caterpillar. Expansion projects from local manufacturers like Hydrotube. New companies like Kyowa Kirin have turned dirt lots into nearly-finished production facilities at an eyewatering pace. Riverbirch has been almost totally flattened, ready to make way for its second act. And we’ve seen the Ribbon Cutting for 15 new businesses and business locations already this year alone. Hectic is a vast understatement.
But as the frenetic tempo subsides, if only for a little bit, now is the opportune time for our community’s businesses to take a step back and think about the medium and long term. While it seems like Sanford and Lee County have had a world’s worth of activity on their own, the larger world outside has kept changing, and our businesses need to be ready to change with it. Now is a great time to take stock of all the changes we’ve seen at the state, federal, and global levels, and make the necessary course corrections. And every business has a laundry list of long-term projects to tackle – you don’t have to finish them all, but now is the time to check off one or two.
So, as the heat makes staying inside an increasingly good idea, consider taking the opportunity to reevaluate and reorient. It doesn’t mean you have to totally flip your business strategy on its head, but now’s the time to make the little adjustments that there just hasn’t been time for; you’ll thank yourself when you look up and 2027 is already here. So, if you need a sign to finally get that one little thing done, this is it!