🥳 The Ecential Turns 1 - What Do Our Readers Think?

Today’s Issue: Bye Bye Cash; What do Ecential Readers Think?; ECE in the News = 3/4 cup of coffee.

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💵 Cash is “Cringey?”: 29% of Gen Zers think paying with physical cash is “cringe” or “out of touch,” according to a recent Cash App survey of 2k+ US adults between the ages 18-28. Even more are reluctant to use it at all, with 53% calling it a last resort when paying for things. These payment trends are important to flag as those Gen-Zers in their late 20s could be your next customer. At least you won’t have to worry about them coming into your center and paying with a jar full of quarters.

Check out the trend details 👉👉👉 HERE!!

Quick Reader Poll

🥳 The Ecential is Officially 1 Year Old!

What a fun year it’s been. We don’t need to be burped at this stage, but we wanted to take a second and say thanks to our readers for supporting us over the last year. We thought we’d share some of the reader feedback that we’ve received over the last 52 issues. We are an open book (or newsletter at least 😊) and you should know what the readers think!

With almost 400 votes over the year, over 75% of our readers say they loved the newsletter! Yay!!!

Here are some thoughts shared by our readers:

“It's my first issue and I'm appreciating great ideas already! Time to get creative. Thanks!”

“The ideas and suggestions were on point. I am eagerly looking forward to my next issue!”

But, alas, 7% also said the prior issues Stunk 💩 with one reader mentioning “I dislike that most of the newsletter is obviously AI-generated.” Ouch, this one kind of hurt. Now, don’t get us wrong, we use AI tools to help find relevant content and articles that are current and pressing. But we try hard to make sure we have our own unique voice, and, ahem, write our own content. Sounds like we might need to sound less like a robot. Noted. 😊

ECE In The News

⛫ 50 New Centers in Saudi Arabia : We know about the acquisition activities happening across the US. Private Equity and other investors are growing their portfolio of childcare centers at rapid rates. Looks like the Saudis and Swiss struck a deal to co-own 50 centers across the kingdom. Tapping into existing know-how and a diversifying economy, this partnership is going to quickly expand access in a new part of the world. Check 👉👉 HERE to get the details.

🤬 Distraught and “Pissed Off”: Business leaders in North Carolina are sounding the alarm to expand access to childcare. The impact of moms and dads not being able to go to work is having a big hit on the NC economy. Business leaders are taking the stage and pushing through new partnership ideas to expand access. Want the juicy details? Click 👉👉 HERE.

The Internet is a Playground:

🗓️ On this Day in History: In 1922, British archeologist, Howard Carter and his crew found the entrance to the famous tomb of King Tut. Everyone thought all the tombs of the pharaohs had been found. But after years of searching, they found the tomb intact and filled with riches! 𓀛

🔍 Nerdy Games: Move over Kevin Bacon, check out Six Degrees of Wikipedia.

🐦‍⬛ Awwww: Birth bath.

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

Is there a topic you want more info on or want to share a funny story? Then let us know! Shoot us a quick email at [email protected]. This newsletter is for you, and well, you should have a say, don't’ you think?