On Saturday, nearly 100 business owners converged at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta to share insights on navigating the complexities of trade and tariffs.
This year marked the fourth iteration of Agate’s Mayday event, held in collaboration with International Supply Partners.
Teasley, the event organizer, crafted this one-day conference around timely issues impacting the business landscape.
This year’s theme, “Tactics to Thrive in Trade and Tariffs,” aimed to equip attendees with actionable strategies for success.
Teasley articulated her dual objectives for Mayday: to deliver practical advice and to foster networking within a supportive environment.
“My hope is that attendees leave not just equipped to survive, but to truly thrive,” Teasley emphasized.
The ongoing trade war has left consumers and small business owners feeling uncertain, creating hesitation in expansion plans due to fluctuating costs associated with importing and exporting goods.
In May, consumer sentiment showed signs of recovery, rebounding slightly from five consecutive months of decline, as reported by The Conference Board.
Jennifer Barbosa, founder and CEO of International Supply Partners, reinforced the need for “knowledgeable, accurate information” and advocated for a proactive mindset in the face of challenges.
It is essential to shift from mere survival to making impactful decisions that contribute to building lasting legacies, Barbosa stated in her keynote address.
The program incorporated two panels focused on operations and global markets, complemented by keynote speeches from Teasley and Barbosa.
All sessions centered around the imperative to “not just compete, but compete and win globally,” as articulated by Teasley.
Throughout the event, speakers consistently highlighted the importance of adaptability.
The rapid policy changes spurred by tariffs have created significant anxiety, making it crucial for business professionals to maintain composure and adapt to the shifting landscape.
David Hughes, a panelist during the global markets discussion, stressed the necessity of patience, noting that navigating these changes will require time and perseverance.
Attendees were encouraged to embrace flexibility while remaining committed to their core missions, recognizing that challenges are inevitable and their responses will define their success.
Larry Yon, co-founder and president of Cyber Alliance, urged attendees, “Don’t pause when you hear bad news,” reiterating the importance of continuous action.
Adaptability also extends to enhancing one’s skills and knowledge, as emphasized by multiple speakers.
Teasley reminded participants that education should be a lifelong pursuit, suggesting that learning about tariffs, legal workarounds, and industry certifying can empower business owners against economic uncertainty.
“The world is being put in a position to break down every false security,” Teasley remarked in her keynote address, urging attendees to prepare for inevitable challenges.
Another key theme that emerged during the day was the significance of building solid relationships, particularly among professionals with diverse skill sets.
Teasley pointed out that successful collaborations often stem from meaningful connections, which is why the conference limits registration to 100 participants.
This intimate setting fosters more deliberate networking, making it easier for attendees to forge connections that can lead to fruitful business relationships.
Barbosa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “no business works in a silo, and no business can grow in a silo.”
She encouraged attendees to forge relationships with individuals who excel in areas outside of their own expertise.
Beneath the emphasis on connections, the importance of mentorship was also a recurring theme.
Agate offers accredited continuing education opportunities through its Agate Scholars program, which has reached about 5,000 students over the past three years.
A selection of Agate Scholars were recognized at this year’s event, highlighting their achievements and the program’s impact.
As part of its outreach initiatives, International Supply Partners is working to mentor high school and college students, teaching them about careers in the supply chain.
Additionally, they launched a new program aimed at helping small businesses navigate partnerships with global companies, ensuring that attendees have the tools they need to thrive in today’s complex trade environment.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/business/2025/06/how-to-navigate-business-amid-uncertainty-heres-what-atlanta-professionals-say/
