Anchor Person
Mike Duston
Credit
– CBS 46 TV WGNX News 2016 (U.S. Presidential Campaign Coverage)
– Copyright ©2016 CBS TV Local Affiliate – WGNX CHANNEL 46 CBS ATLANTA GA
– CBS46.com – CBS 46 Atlanta, Georgia – Reporter Mr. Mike Dunston CBS46.com
Small businesses are critical to the U.S. economy, creating about two-thirds of net new jobs and accounting for roughly 44% of total economic activity. As the primary driver of innovation and employment, they constitute 99.9% of U.S. firms and bolster communities through local, specialized goods and services.
Key impacts of small businesses on the U.S. economy:
- Job Creation: Small businesses are responsible for creating roughly 62% to 64% of all new jobs.
- Economic Impact: They contribute to nearly half of all private-sector jobs and produce about 44% of U.S. GDP.
- Innovation: Small businesses produce 16 times more new patents per employee than larger firms.
- Local Impact: $100 spent at a local business keeps approximately 68% of that revenue within the local economy.
- Export Growth: Small businesses represent 98% of all identified U.S. exporters.
The United States Trade Representative notes that small businesses, often with five to 500 employees, represent the backbone of the American economy and are a significant part of the nation. Supporting these businesses is frequently prioritized, with initiatives often highlighting the need to support or, as shown on Instagram, honor their contributions to the American Dream.
Founder
Manager
Amateur Athlete
Community Service
Board member
Leader
Extensive Sports, Travel, Hospitality, and Entrepreneur Experience
- Founder – Manager – Amateur Athlete – Community Service – Board member – Leader
- Certified Professional Ski Instructor (Member – PSIA, Professional Ski Instructor Association)
- Skier (3 years old – present) Skied with the Dutch Ski Team in 1979 Val D’Isere, France (22nd in the Slalom)
- Skied in Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy (Europe) as well as The Colorado Rockies, Utah (USA) for 40+ years.
- Coach, Assistant Coach and Referee: Soccer, coach individuals and teams (11 years and up) several licenses + Soccer Official.
- Completed 19 marathons including Athens, Greece, Berlin, Germany, Turin, Italy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, New York, Boston, Orlando, Las Vegas, NV, Nashville, Huntsville, AL, Atlanta, GA etc.
- Keynote speaker at Emory University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Kennesaw University, and many other organizations, including Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
- At National Seminars Group received the designation of Certified Professional Speaker (CPS)
- Published author and writer; have drafted speeches for board members and C-level executives, have coached many people in sports or with personal development.
- Avid reader of books, articles and other media that allows for lifelong learning
- Visited 28 countries and 35 states. Dual citizenship. (American & Dutch citizen)
- Language skills include, native Dutch, fluent English, German, proficient French, basic Spanish & Italian
- Self-starter, punctual, disciplined, old school, devoted, determined to resolve any issue. (Accountable)
- Healthy lifestyle, stay in shape, run, exercise daily/regularly
- Starred in 50 TV shows (BBC, London-WT and Movies, as a dancer, athlete or extra, including Star Wars – 1979)
- Own trademark and a service mark, as well as 50 URL’s (website names)
- Student Pilot (22 hours)
NONPROFIT & SERVICE (Board Member, Board of Directors)
- Interpreter (Dutch, German) for the President of the USA in Atlanta, GA. (1983)
- President and Officer of the Sandy Springs Toastmasters Club (Speaking Club) (1984-1990)
- Co-Founder of the advanced Roundtable Speakers Club in Atlanta (only two in the USA) (1992-1993)
- President of the Atlanta Association of Interpreters and Translators (250 Members) (1993-1996)
- Class of 1998 – Sandy Springs Leadership (One year program) (1997-1998)
- Trustee of The Heritage Sandy Springs Association (1998-2000)
- Board Member of Keep America Beautiful (In North Fulton/Sandy Springs, GA) (1988-2004)
- Eric Alexander de Groot, Recognized as an International Liaison for the State of Georgia (GA House Resolution HR. 211) (2005)
- Vice Chair, Advisory Committee on International Relations (A.C.I.R.) City of Atlanta, Georgia (2000-2008)
- Invited by the mayor of Sandy Springs, Georgia (Atlanta suburb) to serve on EDAC. (Economic Development Advisory Committee)
- Member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) – served on many boards and committees (1997 – 2007)
- Co-Founded the Global Speaker Federation for NSA, leading to 17 chapters worldwide (2001-2007)
- Member of the Georgia Chapter of the National Speakers Association (Officer) (1995 -2002)
- High Meadows School – Private School – served on Marketing and Finance Committees (2004 – 2009)
- President of the Riverwood ICS Foundation – Public School, 1500 students, Fulton County, GA (2009-2013)
- Mentor for the Veterati Team; Americas Mentoring Network for the Military https://www.veterati.com/
Education
- University of London & DeLeon Liberal Arts College | 1977–1981
- Dutch Military Service (Infantry) | 1981–1982
- Multilingual studies throughout Europe
- Continued post-graduation studies (and mentorship) in the USA
Eric’s Journey
More than four decades of entrepreneurship, leadership, and global impact.