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The RSI Industry News Articles are
focused on the over eighteen Verticle Markets Reaction
Search International services across the United States
and World-Wide.
:: Current Featured Industry Articles ::
Number of Home Based Businesses on the Rise
February 1st, 2010
In many service industry jobs such as professional services, construction, retail, and personal services, many companies are beginning to be headquartered in a home instead of a physical office location. In fact, according to BusinessWeek, more than half of all businesses are headquartered in somebody’s home. This may seem like a very high number, but if we take a look at the reasoning behind it, it really begins to make a lot of sense. A lot of the at home businesses came about as a result of America’s adjustment from working mainly in the manufacturing industry to more knowledge based, problem solving jobs.
Read More "Number of Home Based Businesses on the Rise" »
GM Gives Taxpayers a False Sense of Hope
January 1st, 2010
As the current recession began to make its impact on the United States, one of the industries that got hit hard was the automobile industry. United States auto makers, such as General Motors, were having a tough time keeping up as people began to cut back on their spending. As a result, the company was left filing for bankruptcy, but was soon saved by a superhero, also known as United States tax dollars. Many people were skeptical about using tax dollars to bail out all of the large corporations that had fallen into financial troubles during the recession. Many individuals felt that the bail out money should have been given back to the individual tax payers to help with common struggles, but that is not the direction that the government decided to head in.
Read More "GM Gives Taxpayers a False Sense of Hope" »
Sustainability: Don’t just think it, do it.
December 1st, 2009
The topic of sustainability is no stranger to headlines. There has been a lot of hype around sustainability in recent years but most of that emphasis has been on an introduction and explanation of what the concept really means to the people living on this planet. There is evidence that humanity is living unsustainably and the facts and figures that have surfaced in the past decade have started to convert even the harshest of critics to believing in this idea. The idea of sustainability is to incorporate practices into our daily lives that ensure the continued viability of resources well into the future. In other words, protecting what we have today so that it is here tomorrow.
Read More "Sustainability: Don’t just think it, do it." »
Rebuilding the Construction Industry
November 1st, 2009
The economic downturn has wounded many industries but it seems that the construction industry has been completely paralyzed. Due to tight credit markets, high unemployment rates and many more contributors, the construction industry has been hit hard this year. We are seeing less plans for growth, less backing from investors, and less construction workers in the workforce.
Read More "Rebuilding the Construction Industry" »
Healthcare Industry Stays Healthy
October 1st, 2009
Healthcare may be taking up headlines and dragging on the economy, but it’s still a great place to find a job.
According to the New York Times, the recession made the lure for midcareer managers and other workers to migrate to healthcare jobs even stronger. Hospitals, which employ more than four million people, added 135,000 jobs last year and 19,400 more in the first half of 2009, even as millions of American workers wound up unemployed.
Read More "Healthcare Industry Stays Healthy" »
Wal-Mart Still Reigning through the Storm?
September 1st, 2009
In January we reported that despite the grim status of the economy, Wal-Mart held its own and continued its legacy of making money regardless of its peer’s losses. Analysts suspected that Wal-Mart was actually benefitting from the weak economy because many consumers were being forced to trade down. But come nine months later, is the empire superstore beginning to feel some of the recession’s daunting repercussions?
Read More "Wal-Mart Still Reigning through the Storm?" »
Incorporating the Triple Bottom Line
August 1st, 2009
While most companies share profit as their main focus, industry leaders must also begin incorporating social and environmental practices into their business plans. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the Securities and Exchange Commission has been called upon this week by activists, investors and social groups to create a mandate requiring businesses in all industries to create environmental and social reports following a set of standard guidelines. Now is the time to spotlight your environmental and social practices if your business has not already done so.
Read More "Incorporating the Triple Bottom Line" »
Food and Beverage Industry Support Limits on Junk Food Sales in Schools
July 1st, 2009
America’s battle with obesity is prompting Washington’s involvement in looking for solutions to reduce obesity rates, particularly in children. Critics fault vending machines and the unhealthy food choices they often carry as a component in rising childhood obesity cases. Additionally, school nutrition programs are being scrutinized and revamped in an effort to provide more nutritious and healthy food choices for children.
Read More "Food and Beverage Industry Support Limits on Junk Food Sales in Schools" »
SBA to Offer Financing to Automobile, RV Dealerships
June 1st, 2009
According to a statement released by the U.S. Small Business Administration on May 28, 2009, automobile, recreational vehicle and boat dealers will be eligible as of July 1st to apply for government-guaranteed loans to finance dealership inventories. According to SBA administrator, Karen Mills “Countless small businesses, including dealerships, across the country are facing significant challenges as a result of the uncertainty in the auto industry…Floor plan financing can offer some dealerships the opportunity to get through these tough economic times by allowing them to keep their inventory and cash flow intact, as well as save the jobs these small businesses provide,” she said in the released statement.
Read More "SBA to Offer Financing to Automobile, RV Dealerships" »
Education Witnesses Growth
May 1st, 2009
As the economy continues to play hide and seek with stock market and employers continue to downsize their staff in an effort to keep afloat, industries across the board have felt the impact of a down market. As analysts continue to predict when the economy will recover, individuals that have lost their jobs, been subject to furloughs, pay cuts and any other action that has decreased their income are looking for better opportunities; occasionally accepting lesser pay in favor of greater job stability and flexibility.
Read More "Education Witnesses Growth" »
Cooking Utensils & Cleaning Products See Increase in Consumer Spending
April 1st, 2009
Despite the recession certain industries have been witnessing growth due to shifts in consumer spending and economic trends. Consumers are saving their money, spending more time at home, investing in “do it yourself” equipment, lowering overhead, and “going green.” The house ware industry has seen substantial evidence in consumers spending more money on kitchenware and cleaning products as opposed to eating out or hiring outside help.
Read More "Cooking Utensils & Cleaning Products See Increase in Consumer Spending" »
Technology brings hope to the recession
March 1st, 2009
Many of us may be faced with the realities of an economic downturn and challenged to remain productive and positive in an environment that says otherwise. However as the great George Bernard Shaw once remarked, “If all of the economists were laid end to end they would not reach a conclusion.”
Read More "Technology brings hope to the recession" »
Social Media
February 1st, 2009
How would you like to be alerted in real-time of events going on across the globe instead of having to wait for your morning newspaper the next day? Or implement a novel marketing campaign that allows you to connect with your consumer base and solicit their feedback when launching a new product or service? Or rather than maintain an antiquated, dusty rolodex of business contacts that is only reviewed when sending out holiday cards, imagine the opportunity to engage with them on a frequent basis through discussion forums, network with them and their contacts to receive business leads, referrals, and the like.
Read More "Social Media " »
Wal-Mart Reigns King of Retailers
January 1st, 2009
As we welcome a new year, most couldn’t be happier to bid farewell to 2008. It was no doubt a year filled with imposing predictions about the state of the economy that were often seeded with a strong dose of cynicism, especially during the holidays when historically consumers spend more than any other time of the year. While economic conditions often prevail consumer habits, some retailers are experiencing or at least maintaining their growth during what economists have declared a recessionary period.
Read More "Wal-Mart Reigns King of Retailers" »
E-Learning
December 1st, 2008
Online education has seen a tremendous amount of growth in recent years as the internet becomes more accessible and the demand for a college degree or specialty training becomes a necessity in today’s job market. E-learning enables mothers to finish their college degree while staying at home with their children, allows executives to enhance their resume with additional online training without missing out on their work experience, enables many individuals to receive certification in a variety of areas, and allows language learning for traveling professionals.
Read More "E-Learning" »
GE Introduces Smart Appliances Looks to Save Consumers Money
November 1st, 2008
GE Consumer & Industrial recently announced that it has initiated a pilot program designed to conserve energy and help consumers manage the cost of utilities. Comparable to the current ENERGY STAR ® appliances present in the market today, GE’s new suite of “smart” or Energy Management Enabled Appliances will be energy efficient, but go a step further and allow consumers to manage energy costs throughout the day.
Read More "GE Introduces Smart Appliances Looks to Save Consumers Money" »
Food Makers Look to Protect Profits
October 1st, 2008
Economy woes are more pronounced than ever as Wall Street faces a long road of recovery and Main Street does its best to avoid being collateral damage. As economic conditions weaken, companies are being forced to tailor their marketing strategies to meet the needs of their bottom line, while still encouraging consumers to purchase their product over their competitors. Any individual catching the occasional commercial on TV today can tell you that many products are being marketed to prove their value over their quality. No more pronounced is this than in advertisements for the food industry.
Read More "Food Makers Look to Protect Profits" »
Technology Trends
September 1st, 2008
Companies are constantly fighting against the competition. Every company wants to be on top and stand above their competitors. In this day and age this is hard to do this without technology. Many successful companies watch technology trends to make sure they are one step ahead of the competition. According to McKinsey Quarterly on cnetnews.com, there are eight business technology trends to watch:
Read More "Technology Trends" »
401k for Generation Y
August 1st, 2008
According to NAS Insights, Generation Y, those born between 1977 and 1994, make up over 20% of today’s population, or 70 million people. When you talk to Generation Y how many of them do you think are already saving money for retirement? Not as many as there should be. If you look at articles that have been written about this generation the trend seems to be that Generation Y is looking for instant gratification in all parts of their life. Whether this is true or not is open to discussion, but it makes sense in this case. If you analyze a 401k plan there is no instant gratification. A 401k plan is something that is ensuring that you will be able to support yourself when you retire. For Generation Y that may seem to far away to be of any immediate concern.
Read More "401k for Generation Y" »
Carbon Emissions Tightened
July 1st, 2008
Regulators in Europe, Japan and North America are beginning
to clamp down on carbon emissions and auto manufacturers
have found themselves in the firing line.
Armed with fuel economy legislation and biofuel mandates,
the European and the U.S. are attempting to calm fears
over climate change and energy security, according to
data from Integer Research LTD. Their hand has recently
been strengthened by speculation in the oil market pushing
the price of crude oil to US $111 barrel.
Read More "Carbon Emissions Tightened" »
Consumer Debt On The Rise
April 7th, 2008
Credit cards and payday loans can provide short-term
convenience for some people, but consumers’ shift
toward greater debt could have a long-term, negative
impact on the U.S. economy, according to analysts.
The 2004 Survey of Consumer Finances showed that the
percentage of families holding debt rose from more than
72 percent in 1989 to more than 76 percent in 2004. The
median value of the debt more than doubled during that
time, from $22,000 to more than $55,000, according to
research analyst Kristie M. Engemann and economist Michael
T. Owyang in the April issue of The Regional Economist.
Read More "Consumer Debt On The Rise" »
Small Business Lucrative For Financial Institutions
March 17th, 2008
Small businesses generate slightly over half of the
nonfarm private gross domestic product in North America,
according to an industry report.
The United States is home to more than 26 million small
businesses, accounting for $9 trillion in revenues and
over $2 trillion in assets. A new report from Packaged
Facts, Financial Services for Small Businesses in the
U.S., indicates that small businesses can produce up
to $350 billion in financial service and product revenues
annually, including almost $200 billion in banking and
$137 billion in insurance premiums.
Read More "Small Business Association: Review, Reform Regulations" »
Small Business Association: Review, Reform Regulations
March 3rd, 2008
The U.S. Small Business Association, Office of Advocacy,
recently announced the Top 10 Rules for Review and Reform.
“The strongest and most compelling cases made
our Top 10 list of rules,” said Thomas M. Sullivan,
Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “These rules, nominated
by small business, need to be reviewed by federal agencies
to determine if they are outdated, ineffective, duplicative,
or overly complex. Streamlining and updating these regulations
will help ease the disproportionate federal regulatory
burden placed on small business.”
Read More "Small Business Association: Review, Reform Regulations" »
Grocery Manufacturers Call For Tighter Controls
February 18th, 2008
The Grocery Manufacturers Association recently unveiled
its plan for improving control over food safety and food
ingredients imported in the U.S.
The plan, “Commitment to Consumers: The Four Pillars
of Food Safety,” is designed to protect consumers
by strengthening, modernizing and improving food safety
regulations on imports.
Read More "Grocery Manufacturers Call For Tighter Controls" »
Biotech Supports FDA On Cloning
February 4th, 2008
A national biotechnology industry group is supporting
the FDA in its recent report that cloned meats and milk
meet food safety standards.
“BIO strongly supports the FDA’s risk assessment,
which concludes that meat and milk products from animal
clones and their offspring are safe for human consumption,
and are no different from foods from livestock produced
through other breeding methods,” said Jim Greenwood,
president of CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization.
Read More "Biotech Supports FDA On Cloning" »
Late Credit Card Payments Continue Fall
January 21st, 2008
Credit card delinquencies continued to fall during the
third quarter of 2007, according to the American Bankers
Association’s Consumer Credit Delinquency Bulletin.
Late payments on credit cards fell 21 basis points to
4.18 percent of accounts in the third quarter (seasonally
adjusted).
Read More "Late Credit Card Payments Continue Fall" »
Grocery Sales Won't Pace With Inflation
January 7th, 2008
Growth rates for six retail formats are not expected
to keep pace with inflation, according to The Food Institute.
The formats include four grocery retail formats, convenience
stores that sell gas and military outlets.
“This is a conservative estimate given that rising
energy prices could push the inflation rate even higher,” said
Jim Hertel, Senior Vice President of Willard Bishop,
who prepared the report.
Read More "Grocery Sales Won't Pace With Inflation" »
Workers Critical Of Wage Disparity
December 17th, 2007
Flight attendants across the commercial air travel industry
are upset over the widening gap between their pay and
executive compensation, according to House testimony.
“I cannot escape the conclusion that executives
used the bankruptcy laws to enrich themselves at the
expense of workers like me,” Flight Attendant Antoinette
Muoneke explained in written testimony to the House Judiciary
Submission on Commercial and Administrative Law.
Read More "Workers Critical Of Wage Disparity" »
Call Revenues Continue To Fall
December 3rd, 2007
Traditional call revenue is to continuing to decline,
while mobile revenues are still growing, according to
an industry report from TeleManagment Forum.
The report, “Growth Strategies: Getting the Balance
Right,” highlights the need for service providers
to pursue a mixture of short-term and long-term revenue
growth strategies. The report combines key analysis of
data gathered by the TM Forum Business Benchmarking Program
with OSS Observer’s revenue and subscriber growth
expectations through 2011.
Read More "Call Revenues Continue To Fall" »
Food Safety Action Plan Unveiled
November 19th, 2007
The Grocery Manufacturers Association recently unveiled “Commitment
to Consumers: The Four Pillars of Food Safety,” a
proposal designed to protect consumers by strengthening,
modernizing, and improving the system governing the safety
of food and food ingredients imported into the United
States.
“Ensuring the United States has the safest food
supply in the world is priority No. 1 for the food and
beverage industry,” said Cal Dooley, president
and CEO of the association.
“Because we cannot simply inspect our way to a
safer food supply, industry can apply its vast knowledge
and practical experience along the entire supply chain
to prevent problems before they arise. And, under our
proposal, a fortified FDA will be right there with us,
side by side, to make sure we do it right,” he
said.
Read More "Food Safety Action Plan Unveiled" »
Constructions Starts Continue Slide
November 5th, 2007
An industry giant predicts that construction starts
will continue to decline in 2008.
McGraw-Hill Construction has predicted an overall decline
of 8 percent in construction starts by the end of 2007,
with another 2 percent drop forecasted for 2008, according
to an article in Engineering News-Record.
The reality of the market is more dire than McGraw-Hill
predicted only a year ago. The corporation had predicted
that 2007 starts would drop only 1 percent, with the
single-family home market weakening and other sectors,
such as institutional work, remaining steady.
Read More "Constructions Starts Continue Slide" »
Mexican Truckers On U.S. Roads Questioned
October 22nd, 2007
Federal agencies and teamsters are butting heads on
whether Mexican trucks should be allowed be travel within
the United States, despite approval from the White House.
The Dept. of Transportation’s Office of Inspector
General has questioned the safety of Mexican truckers
and has ordered the truck to meet standards (as required
by law) before operating on U.S. roadways.
The report was ignored, however, when the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted permission
for trucks from Transportes Olympic of Apodaco, Mexico
to begin operating in the U.S. in September.
Read More "Mexican Truckers On U.S. Roads Questioned" »
Retirees Planning To Purchase New Homes
October 1st, 2007
No longer are home buyers purchasing homes they plan
on retiring in, meaning movement is certain in the real
estate market, according to a real estate industry survey.
A recent survey of home buyers by Fulton Research & Consulting,
Inc., showed that more than half of homeowners plan to
move when they retire, meaning real estate executives
can look to more market inventory.
“When you combine a high intent to move with the
very large number of Baby Boomers in or approaching their
retirement years, it means increased interest in active
adult housing,” says Dan Fulton, president of Fulton
Research.
Read More "Retirees Planning To Purchase New Homes" »
Realtors Applaud FHA Reform
September 17th, 2007
Real estate executives are lauding President George
Bush’s support for changes to loan refinancing
through the Federal Housing Administration.
“The National Association of Realtors has been
advocating regulatory changes to the FHA program to help
families keep their homes in light of the decline of
the subprime market and impending interest-rate adjustments,” according
to the NAR Website.
In mid-August, President Bush signaled his support for
such an effort in “making sure that financial institutions
like the FHA have got flexibility to help these folks
refinance their homes.”
Read More "Realtors Applaud FHA Reform" »
U.S. Chamber Rebuilds America
September 3rd, 2007
A new initiative announced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
will spur billions in infrastructure investments, meaning
a boom for industrial construction executives and financial
and banking executives looking to new investments.
“We’re rapidly running out of capacity,
and it’s already costing us jobs, productivity,
competitiveness, mobility, and most tragically, innocent
American lives,” said chamber president and CEO
Thomas J. Donohue. “We must begin now to build
a modern and safe infrastructure system. The business
community must lead the way to make this happen.”
Donohue announced that the chamber would organize, fund,
and lead a multimillion-dollar initiative called “Let’s
Rebuild America.”
Read More "U.S. Chamber Rebuilds America" »
Health Care Contractors Meeting Demands
August 20th, 2007
Fee-for-service health care contractors are meeting
health care demands for Medicare providers, according
to a national report providing valuable data to health
care executives.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently
announced that 85 percent of respondents in a survey
of Medicare health care providers rated contractors between
4 and 6, with 6 being the highest, according to the Medicare
Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey.
The survey included more than 36,000 randomly selected
providers, including physicians, suppliers, health care
practitioners, hospices, federally qualified health centers,
and institutional facilities that serve Medicare beneficiaries
across the country.
Read More "Health Care Contractors Meeting Demands" »
The Motorist Choice Awards
August 6th, 2007
The Motorist Choice Awards for model year 2007 have
chosen Toyota and GM as the year’s best vehicles,
bringing good news to automotive executives.
The Motorist Choice Awards are conducted by PRIMEDIA’s
IntelliChoice.com and AutoPacific. The Motorist Choice
Awards recognize the vehicles that delivered both the
highest customer satisfaction and the lowest cost of
ownership.
Toyota scored winners in eight segments, including the
overall winner – Lexus LS – while GM followed
in second with five segment winners, including the Cadillac
DTS and GMC Yukon XL.
Read More "The Motorist Choice Awards" »
Agricultural Loans Strong Financial Sector
July 16th, 2007
Agricultural success is closely linked to the financial
services provided by the U.S. banking industry, total
nearly $28.7 billion yearly.
The American Bankers Association reports that farm credit
is on the rise with most of the economic boom coming
from loans of under $100,000 to small farms, according
to the “Farm Bank Performance” report produced
by the association’s Center of Agricultural & Rural
Banking.
“Thanks to the banking industry, rural Americans
enjoy unlimited opportunities to finance their farms,
ranches, businesses, and homes,” said John Blanchfield,
director of the Center for Agricultural & Rural Banking. “Banks
provide the broadest array of financial products and
services to guarantee that rural Americans have access
credit when they need it.”
Read More "Agricultural Loans Strong Financial Sector" »
Real Estate Industry Technology
July 2nd, 2007
The Real Estate industry has become increasingly dependent
on technology, according to a new survey.
The National Association of Realtors reports that 50
percent of brokers, sales agents, associate brothers,
and managers spent more than $1,000 on technology in
2006. Of that, 25 percent reported spending at least
$2,000.
“Realtors have invested a lot of time and millions
of dollars in building and improving real estate technology,
and the demand for additional technology is high,” said
Mark Lesswing, NAR senior vice president and chief technology
officer.
Read More "Real Estate Industry Technology" »
Pharmaceutical Sales Practices Inefficient
June 18th, 2007
Pharmaceutical sales reps are spending more than 13
hours weekly on internal communications, causing sales
executives to take notice and search for more efficient
methods.
On average, pharmaceutical sales reps spend 13.7 hours
managing e-mail, checking voicemail and talking on a
cell phone, according to the research and consulting
firm Best Practices, LLC.
About 32 percent (or 4.4 hours) is unnecessary communication,
the survey states.
Read More "Pharmaceutical Sales Practices Inefficient" »
Technology Integration Critical To Banking Industry
June 4th, 2007
Corporate clients expect financial institutions to improve
their integration technology services to meet their growing
banking needs.
New research from TowerGroup finds that clients require
solutions that allow them to select communications protocols,
data formats, and security methods to best meet their
own requirements and integration capabilities.
To meet these demands in a cost-effective manner, TowerGroup
advises that banks must partner with technology providers
offering deep expertise in business-to-bank (B2Bank)
integration.
Read More "Technology Integration Critical To Banking Industry" »
Small Business Big Player
May 21st, 2007
Small business generates 50 percent of the private,
nonfarm GDP in the United States, according to the U.S.
Small Business Administration.
“Small business plays a big role in our economy,” said
Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy. “This
study confirms just how important small business is to
our economic growth and prosperity.
“It makes clear that economic policy needs to
take into account the needs of small businesses, because
those businesses drive our economy,” Moutray said,
advising executives across all sectors to take note of
small businesses’ role.
Read More "Small Business Big Player" »
Doctors Bring Millions To Health Centers
May 7th, 2007
Cardiologists alone can generate millions in revenue
annually, according to a new national survey of revenues
generated for hospitals by doctors.
The survey, conducted by Merrit, Hawkins & Associations,
states that a single, full-time invasive cardiologist
generates $2.66 million annually for his or her affiliated
hospital. A physician will generate about $1.5 million
in net revenue for his or her affiliated hospital.
The survey asked hospital chief financial officers to
quantify how much revenue a single physician in 17 specialties
generated for their hospitals in the last 12 months.
This included both net inpatient and outpatient revenue
derived from patient referrals, tests, and procedures
performed in the hospital.
Read More "Doctors Bring Millions To Health Centers" »
Employer Initiative Aimed At Fighting Diabetes
April 30th, 2007
A national effort to combat diabetes and stem the rising
tide of health care costs has executives at 31 corporations
teaming up for the Diabetes Ten City Challenges.
The initiative, organized through the American Pharmacists
Association Foundation, with support from GlaxoSmithKline,
establishes a voluntary health benefit for employees,
their dependents and retirees; provides incentives through
waived co-pays for diabetes medications and supplies;
and helps people manage their diabetes with help from
a pharmacist coach in collaboration with physicians and
diabetes educators.
“This is an important and exciting milestone for
our program,” said foundation CEO William M. Ellis. “More
than 1,000 people already are participating in this innovative
employer-based diabetes management program.”
Read More "Employer Initiative Aimed At Fighting Diabetes" »
Mature Market Wields Spending Power
April 23rd, 2007
The stereotype of the blue-haired grandmothers rocking
while knitting a sweater has been replaced an active “mature
market” populace, and executives across the spectrum
should take note.
The mature market has replaced the “senior citizen”,
and is wielding its power to the tune of $1.6 trillion
in spending according “The Mature Market in the
U.S.” by Packaged Facts.
The market, which spans from the over 50 crowd well
into the 90s, spends $1 trillion on goods and services
alone, with Internet spending totaling about $7 billion
annually, according to Packaged Facts.
Read More "Mature Market Wields Spending Power" »
Chamber: Tighten Aviation Control System
April 16th, 2007
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently called on Congress
to transform and strengthen the nation’s aviation
control system, which includes specific modernization
initiatives and the funding needed to support them, as
well as time frames for the FAA and other aviation stakeholders.
“The nation’s economy demands a safe, secure,
and efficient aviation system,” said Janet Kavinoky,
director of transportation infrastructure at the chamber. “The
FAA proposal is a starting point for discussion on how
to accelerate the modernization of America’s air
traffic control system.”
Read More "Chamber: Tighten Aviation Control System" »
U.S. Hotel Transactions Hot Market
April 9th, 2007
Private equity funds are fueling activity in the U.S.
hotel transactions market, including for such well-known
companies as Four Seasons and LaQuinta.
“The lingering question on investors’ minds
is how to maximize yield in a capital-induced frenzy
that continues in the face of lowered revenue growth
expectations, increasing upward pressure on operating
costs, and questionable exit expectations further out
on the investment horizon,” said Scott Smith MAI,
vice president in the Atlanta office of PKF Consulting,
of the survey.
Read More "U.S. Hotel Transactions Hot Market" »
Vaccine Market Booming
April 2nd, 2007
The pharmaceutical industry is developing new vaccines
to prevent or mitigate the effects of diseases across
the globe, which will substantially boost market demand.
The worldwide vaccine market is expected to reach more
than $10 billion in 2007, according to “Vaccines:
The World Market,” a report from the medical market
research firm Kalorama Information.
The report states that vaccines are being tested in
several areas including for HIV, several forms of cancer,
and other diseases including Epstein-Barr virus, Hepatitis
C, and herpes.
Read More "Vaccine Market Booming" »
Patients Health Literacy Low
March 26th, 2007
Low health literacy is putting patients at risk, an
industry group is warning executives in the medical and
pharmaceutical industries.
“Many Americans have low health literacy, or difficulty
understanding medical speak, a problem affecting more
than one-third of patients in the U.S. health care system.
Those with literacy issues come from all walks of life;
however, educational level, nativity, socio-economic
status, and elderly age are all associated with lower
levels of health literacy,” reports The Joint Commission.
Read More "Patients Health Literacy Low" »
Real Estate Market Ready For Investors
March 12th, 2007
The foreclosure rate is fluctuating in the first of
the new year, as Real Estate Executives in some markets
are reporting a drop while others are experiencing significant
gains.
These fluctuations mark an excellent time for investors
to dive into the market.
The real estate firm Default Research reports that in
locations like Michigan, Real Estate Executives are experiencing
an 8 percent decrease in foreclosures, while Washington
state is been hit by a 15 percent increase.
Read More "Real Estate Market Ready For Investors" »
Carpal Tunnel May Be Genetic Condition
March 5th, 2007
A new medical study suggests that carpal tunnel syndrome
may be genetic, rather than cause by repetitive use.
“The idea that CTS is related specifically to
typing or overuse of the hands in general is pervasive
in modern society,” said David Ring, MD, senior
author of the study, to the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons. The findings provide important data to human
resources directors and could influence treatment options
being developed in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Read More "Carpal Tunnel May Be Genetic Condition" »
Family Leave Act Remains Complicated Issue
February 26th, 2007
An industry study reports that 4 out of 5 Human Resources
Executives do not fully understand their rights and responsibilities
under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
“The fair application of family and medical leave
rules is one of the most important challenges and responsibilities
facing Human Resource professionals today,” said
Susan R. Meisinger, president and CEO of the Society
for Human Resource Management. “Our survey demonstrates
that 14 years after the bill was signed into law, the
rules – especially those related to the definition
of what constitutes a serious medical condition – continue
to create more questions than answers.
Read More "Family Leave Act Remains Complicated Issue" »
1 In 5 Workers Job Hunting
February 19th, 2007
With the New Year comes the hunt for a new job with
20 percent of the workforce, according to national survey.
“January is one of the busiest job search months
of the year as workers put their New Year's resolutions
into action,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president
of Human Resources at CareerBuilder.com. “Job seekers
may have more negotiating power as employers offer sweeter
deals to fill productivity gaps and headcount quotas
impacted by the Baby Boomers' exit from the work force."
Read More "1 In 5 Workers Job Hunting" »
Stock Market Investment Strategies
February 12th, 2007
Stock market investors must develop an action plan to
maximize investment opportunities while minimized losses,
advises GorillaTrades.com.
A well-devised plan should follow a few basic guidelines,
according to GorillaTrades.com:
- Be patient when entering new trades as some stocks
will show returns over time
- Reduce trade risk after a “confirmation day” or
time that marks a combination of significant volume
and price action
- Spread out the portfolio's capital to avoid large
capital losses
Read More "Stock Market Investment Strategies" »
Workplace Health Plans Help Productivity
February 5th, 2007
Healthier employees give corporations a greater competitive
advantages by maintaining a higher level of productivity
and lower health-care costs, according to a new book.
Workplace wellness programs that will help workers stay
healthy is a must in the wake of rising health-care costs,
advises Tom Weede, author of “The Entrepreneur
Diet: The On-the-Go Plan for Fitness, Weight Loss and
Healthy Living.”
According to Weede, large corporations can realize a
nearly $5 savings for every dollar spent on making workers
healthier, while small businesses can realize a return
by using creative strategies.
Read More "Workplace Health Plans Help Productivity" »
Commercial Real Estate Market Growth
January 29th, 2007
The “Commercial Real Estate Outlook” analyzed
quarterly date in the office, industrial, retail, multifamily
and hospitality sectors.
“We’re setting another record this year
for investment in commercial real estate,” said
James Marrelli, NAR vice president of commercial real
estate. “Institutional investors, pension funds
and foreign investors have focused on commercial-grade
properties to diversify portfolio assets, with expectations
of solid long-term gains.”
Read More "Commercial Real Estate Market Growth" »
Sandwiches Billion-Dollar Business
January 22nd, 2007
Call them what you will – clubs, gyros, melts,
po’boys, muffalettas, wraps, or subs – Americans’ love
of sandwiches created a market worth more than $121 billion
in 2005, according to an industry study.
As varied as the sandwiches themselves are, the outlets
where they are purchased are even more diverse. From
retail outlets and warehouse clubs to convenience stores,
restaurants, and institutions, sandwiches continue to
be a dominant force, making up 25 percent of the total
U.S. foodservice sales, according to Packaged Foods.
Read More "Sandwiches Billion-Dollar Business" »
Automation Key To Pharmaceutical Growth
January 15th, 2007
Automation can be the answer for future growth in the
pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors, suggests an industry
analysis.
Faced with tighter margins and regulatory issues, automation
and software improvements can help pharmaceutical manufacturers
produce drugs at a lower cost and at a faster pace, according
to Frost & Sullivan’s “Strategic Analysis
of the Automation and Software Solutions in the World
Pharmaceutical Markets.”
Read More "Automation Key To Pharmaceutical Growth" »
Top 10 Medical Innovations For 2007
January 8th, 2007
The Cleveland Clinic, a leading U.S. medical center,
recently published a list of the top 10 medical technologies
it Health Care Executives and Medical Device Executives
should be on the watch for in 2007.
The innovations named to the list were selected by a
panel of Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists,
reported the Association for the Advancement of Medical
Instrumentation:
- Convection-enhanced drug delivery: Drug delivery
method to administer medication directly to the site
where it is needed without exposing the rest of the
body to the effects of the medication.
Left Ventricular Assist System: An implantable device
that helps the left side of the heart push blood to
the aorta. The device can sense when to increase or
decrease blood-flow rate.
Read More "Top 10 Medical Innovations For 2007" »
Medical Record Access Growing Consumer Issue
January 1st, 2007
Consumers are increasingly demanding electronic access
to their medical records, according to a new survey released
by the Markle Foundation.
“Americans understand that quality of care could
improve and costs decrease when their health information
is available over the Internet to them and those who
care for them. And they are clearly ready to do their
part to improve our health care system,” said Zoe
Baird, president of the
Markle Foundation.
“It is encouraging to see that so many Americans
recognize the opportunity to improve their health care – and
their own health – by accessing and using their
health information,” said Carol Diamond, M.D.,
managing director of the Markle Foundation Health Program. “People
not only
want to see their medical records, they want to use the
information to communicate with their doctors and be
more involved in managing their care.”
Read More "Medical Record Access Growing Consumer Issue" »
Customer Satisfaction Linked To Customer Loyalty Programs
December 25th, 2006
Customer Loyalty Programs are essential to increasing
customer satisfaction, according to a sales and marketing
expert.
”Increasingly organizations are becoming dissatisfied
with their customer satisfaction surveys and turning
instead to designing and implementing customer loyalty
programs,” said Adam Ramshaw, a director of Genroe. “The
reason is simple, after 10 years of running national
customer satisfaction surveys, the American Customer
Satisfaction Index has, basically, not moved at all.”
Read More "Customer Satisfaction Linked To Customer Loyalty Programs" »
New Retail Model: Give To Charity
December 18th, 2006
A recent New York Times articles states that retailers
can realize increased revenue by linking their sales
efforts with charitable enterprises.
“After decades of treating charity as an afterthought — and
using cheap trinkets as an incentive for shoppers to
give — retailers across the country are putting
philanthropy at the center of their product lines, whether
it is clothes, books or shoes,” states a Times
article by Michael Barbaro.
This new type of business model can drive sales, while
giving charitable ventures much needed capital and exposure.
Read More "New Retail Model: Give To Charity" »
Banker Association Warns Of Farm Credit System
December 11th, 2006
The Farm Credit Systems needs to be corralled, warns
the American Bankers Association in a report presented
at an industry conference.
“The Farm Credit System: Lending Everywhere But
on the Farm” was released recently at the ABA’s
2006 National Agricultural Bankers Conference in Las
Vegas.
”The banking industry has become increasingly
concerned since the release of the Horizons project by
the Farm Credit Council in January 2006. According to
the report, many of the proposals being advanced could
harm the very people Congress intended to help when FCS
was created 90 years ago – young, beginning and
small farmers,” warns the report.
Read More "Banker Association Warns Of Farm Credit System" »
Tax Reform Tops Business Priorities
December 4th, 2006
Tax reform topped the issues facing many corporations,
according to a recent annual survey of the nation’s
business community.
The “National Business Agenda Survey” of
more than 1,140 corporations was conducted by the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber asked executives to prioritize the top issues
facing them, including Tax/Economic Policy, Legal Reform,
Regulatory Reform and Environmental Policy, International
Policy, Transportation Infrastructure, Labor/Employee
Benefits, Other Federal Government Regulations, Homeland
Security, and Work force Issues
Read More "Tax Reform Tops Business Priorities" »
Develop Strong Marketing Strategies
November 27th, 2006
Marketing executives need to define “moments of
truth” to enhance the business lifecycle, according
to a leading industry expert.
“How a marketer interacts with the customers can
significantly increase (or decrease) the long-term viability
of that relationship. Identifying and anticipating those
points of clarify is critical to maintain and grow a
profitable customer relationship,” states Joseph
Fiochetta, director of strategy for marketing firm Hatre-Hanks.
Read More "Develop Strong Marketing Strategies" »
Compliance Growing Concern
November 20th, 2006
Compliance matters are a growing issue among General
Counsel, according to a national study.
The study, as reported in the New Jersey Law Journal,
indicates that 86 percent of 169 corporations surveyed
in 2005 cited their main concern as “keeping track
of company activities that might have legal implications.”
“Such concerns have been heightened by the increasing
complexity of regulatory requirements, driven by Sarbanes-Oxley
and related laws, along with a series of high-profile
trials involving executives and in-house counsel,” according
to the Managing Outside Counsel Survey Report, prepared
by the Association of Corporate Counsel and Serengeti Law.
Read More "Compliance Growing Concern" »
Food Products Industry Sees Growth In Boston
November 13th, 2006
The City of Boston is experienced a “rediscovered
vitality” in the food products industry as national
chain supermarkets realize the city’s growth potential.
Boston-proper has a seven times great concentration
of income within its limits than in the suburbs - $257
million per square mile versus $35 million in suburban
areas, according to the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
Since the early 1990s, the Boston Redevelopment Authority
cites more than 23 major supermarkets consisting of more
than 700,000 square feet of new, replacement, or expansion
space, have opened in 17 Boston neighborhoods.
Read More "Food Products Industry Sees Growth In Boston" »
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Interpol Join Forces To Combat Counterfeiting, Piracy
November 6th, 2006
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a partnership
with Interpol, the world’s largest police organization,
to combat counterfeiting and piracy across the globe,
good news to many executives facing these issues daily.
“The Chamber’s new collaboration with Interpol will allow law enforcement
and business to work together to detect and investigate the criminal networks
engaged in counterfeiting and piracy globally,” said David Hirschmann,
senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Counterfeiting
and piracy is big business and law enforcement needs the intelligence tools and
resources to track down and bring these criminals to justice.”
Read More "U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Interpol Join Forces To Combat Counterfeiting, Piracy" »
Construction Industry Growth Continues
October 30th, 2006
The U.S. construction market is expected to continue
its two-year upswing, according to the Engineering News-Record.
Construction executives can take note of the growth
as evidenced in the Top 600 Specialty Contractors report,
released by Engineering News-Record.
The Top 600, as a group, generated $57.44 billion in
revenue in 2005, an increase of 11.7 percent over 2004’s
figure of $51.41 billion.
Read More "Construction Industry Growth Continues" »
Construction Materials Hit By High Inflation
November 23rd, 2006
Inflation costs continue to plague construction materials,
despite a downturn in the rest of the economy in September,
according to The Associated General Contractors of America.
“Inflation took a vacation in September for most of the economy but remains
a problem for construction materials,” said Ken Simonson, Chief Economist
for AGC, in a news release referring to the Producer Price Index.
Read More "Construction Materials Hit By High Inflation" »
CPG Remains Strong Despite Gas Prices
October 16th, 2006
The consumer packaged goods industry has not been negatively
impacted by the summer’s high gas costs, which
is good news to many corporations, and in particular
to consumer product executives and food products executives.
Information Resource Inc. reported in its October “Times & Trends” report
that while the average household spent an additional
$535 extra on gasoline in 2005, industry sales in consumer
packaged goods remained strong as consumers cut spending
in luxury categories, such as entertainment and dining
out.
Read More "CPG Remains Strong Despite Gas Prices" »
Biofuels Use Touted to United Nations
October 9th, 2006
Biofuels can be used to meet the world’s ever-expanding
energy needs, according to biotechnology industry experts.
“Biofuels such as ethanol made from both grains
and crop residues or energy crops can reduce worldwide
reliance on oil, produce income for farmers and rural
economies, and reduce net carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gas emissions,” said Jim Greenwood, president and
CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization in a statement
to the U.N. Commission for Sustainable Development.
Read More "Biofuels Use Touted to United Nations" »
Grocery Retail Sales Growth Not Keeping Pace With Inflation
October 2nd, 2006
Inflation is expected to outpace sales growth for grocery
retailers, according to a report presented by The Food
Institute.
Six retail formats – four grocery retail, convenience
stores that sell gas, and military outlets – will
be impacted.
“This is a conservative estimate given that rising
energy prices could push the inflation rate even higher,” said
Jim Hertel, senior vice president and co-founder of Willard
Bishop, in their report to The Food Institute.
Read More "Grocery Retail Sales Growth Not Keeping Pace With Inflation" »
U.S. Firms Losing Ground Leading Innovation
September 25th, 2006
United States Firms are Losing Ground on New Frontiers,
according to the American Management Association.
“The American lead in innovation may be at risk,” said
Edward T. Reilly, president and CEO of American Management
Association. “U.S. firms need to avoid becoming
complacent; clearly, foreign companies are adopting formal
structures for fostering innovation, which may erode
America’s competitive edge in the years to come.”
Read More "U.S. Firms Losing Ground Leading Innovation" »
Retirement Pension Reform
September 18th, 2006
Congress has passed landmark legislation to protect
the retirement benefits of more than 44 million employees
and retirees under the Pension Protection Act. The White
House is expected to approve the legislation.
The legislation will “help to secure the long-term
financial health of many endangered multiemployer pension
plans whose financial security was jeopardized by the
severe contraction of U.S. equity markets early this
decade,” states the Multiemployer Pension Plan
Coalition in a news release.
Read More "Retirement Pension Reform" »
Internet Protocol Television
September 11th, 2006
Internet Protocol Television is a “potentially
multi-billion dollar industry in the very near term”,
according to report from the New Millennium Research
Council.
The growth will come not from the popularity of YouTube.com,
which features amateur videos, or the free downloads
of the hit series “Lost”, but from demand
for more customized programming from professional organizations
of allied individuals including senior citizens, hobbyists
and trade association members, the report predicts.
Read More "Internet Protocol Television" »
Google and Viacom Test Online Video Model
September 4th, 2006
MTVN Hit Programs Also Available Now for Download-To-Own on Google Video
NEW YORK, and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/
-- Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) and MTV Networks, a unit
of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , are collaborating
to test an innovative video distribution model that will
serve consumers, web publishers and advertisers. Google
will distribute ad-supported content from MTV Networks
to targeted website publishers, allowing publishers to
showcase clips from premium programming.
Read More "Google and Viacom Test Online Video Model" »
Biodiesel Demands Fuel Growth in Food Markets
August 25th, 2006
Food markets are facing an historic boom as consumer
demand for biodiesel and biofuels is rising nationwide,
according to industry researchers.
Consumer needs are driving up demand for vegetable oils,
leading to higher prices for vegetable oils relative
to meals and causing soybean crushers to reevaluate their
business models, according to Rabobank’s Food and
Agribusiness Research group.
Read More "Biodiesel Demands Fuel Growth in Food Markets" »
U.S. Broadband Use Soars
August 18th, 2006
High-speed Internet subscriptions are soaring as more
than 50.2 million lines were added in the United States
in 2005 – a jump of 33% over the previous year,
according to the Federal Communications Commission.
Read More "U.S. Broadband Use Soars" »
Networking on the Net
August 11th, 2006
The online virtual community has opened the door to
an opportunity for small businesses to network, according
to StartupJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal’s
guide for entrepreneurs.
Read More "Networking on the Net" »
International Telecommunications Study Results
August 4th, 2006
A strong correlation exists between customer self-service
programs and cost savings, according to an international
telecommunications industry survey.
Read More "International Telecommunications Study Results" »
Weigh Options on Home Equity Loans
July 28th, 2006
Renovations, credit card debt, big ticket purchases.
These are all common reasons why homeowners tape into
their home’s equity. However, beware of jeopardizing
your credit and your home, warns the American Banker’s
Association.
Read More "Weigh Options on Home Equity Loans" »
Gas Prices Don't Slow Spending
July 21st, 2006
Despite rising gas prices that show now sign of slowing
down anytime soon, retail industry sales rose 8.2 percent
in May, according to the National Retail Federation.
Read More "Gas Prices Don't Slow Spending" »
Food Firms Expect Food Retailing Changes
July 14th, 2006
Changes in the retail food marketplace
will impact 92% of food companies, according to a survey
conducted by The Food Institute in which 44% foresee
significant changes. More and more non-grocery retailers
are entering the food retailing arena and within the
next decade non-traditional retailers will sell more
food and consumables than traditional grocery retailers,
according to Willard Bishop's yet to be released.
Read More "Food Firms Expect Food Retailing Changes" »
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