Sault Ste. Marie is at a tipping point.

In this long-form episode, I explore the six critical challenges our city is facing—and how we can turn the tide. From economic fragility to the drug crisis, from government reliance to leadership voids, I offer bold but achievable ideas to help the Sault thrive again.

This isn’t political. It’s personal. And it starts with honesty, unity, and hope.

Why our population, wages, and workforce are in decline

What’s actually working to reduce drug use (hint: we can borrow from Vancouver and Portugal)

Why government grants and consultants won’t save us

What comparing Sault, ON and Sault, MI reveals about entrepreneurship

Why hope is the greatest growth strategy of all

How leadership (using the CALM model) can unite us around a real plan

📚 Sources (select highlights; full links in show notes):

Opioid death rates – Ontario

Portugal’s Drug Policy Model – Drug Policy Alliance

[Insite Vancouver – CMAJ & The Lancet](https://www.cmaj.ca, https://www.thelancet.com)

Sault College & Algoma U international student stats – SooToday

Building permit values – City of Sault Ste. Marie

Employment data – Statistics Canada

Let’s save the Sault—together.

🔗 businessisgood.com

Connect with Chris Cooper:

Website - https://businessisgood.com/

What if your business could grow without more risk or more work?

In this episode of BusinessIsGood, I unpack the powerful concept of intrapreneurialism—where staff build businesses inside your business. It’s not just delegation or profit-sharing; it’s about giving your team a platform to grow something remarkable while you both win.

I’ll define what intrapreneurialism really is, break down the value for staff and owners, and share five real-world examples from service industries (including one from the fitness space). Plus, I’ll give tips for structuring revenue-sharing and avoiding common pitfalls like overpaying, underexplaining, or doing too much of the work yourself.

If you're a founder who wants to scale impact and reward great people—without adding overhead or stress—this episode will show you how.

🔗 businessisgood.com

Connect with Chris Cooper:

Website - https://businessisgood.com/

Description:

In this episode of BusinessIsGood, we delve into the timeless wisdom of Sun Tzu's The Art of War and explore how its principles can be applied to today's service-based businesses. Discover how to:

• Leverage strategic deception to outmaneuver competitors.
• Prepare thoroughly to ensure victory before entering the market.
• Seize opportunities proactively to multiply success.
• Achieve victories without direct confrontation.
• Gain deep self-awareness to navigate business battles effectively.

Tune in to learn how ancient military strategies can provide a competitive edge in the modern business landscape.

Connect with Chris Cooper:

Website - https://businessisgood.com/