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| Top Story |  |  |
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| Industry Buzz | | |
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- Kawasaki to concentrate on 4-cycle engines
Kawasaki's line of handheld-power products -- which includes hedge clippers and trimmers; blowers; and string trimmers -- will halt production as of Dec. 31, according to the Engines and Power Products Division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA. The decision allows the company to concentrate its resources on premium four-cycle engines, the firm's core business line. GreenIndustryPros.com
(3/21)     
| Economic Indicators | | |
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- U.S. economic indicators point up
The economy appears on track for further gains in the next three to six months, according to an index of leading indicators compiled by The Conference Board. A 0.5% increase for February was identical to January's reading and topped expectations. "This reading increases hope that [the economy] may pick up some momentum in the second half of the year," said Ken Goldstein, a Conference Board economist. Bloomberg
(3/21)
- 4-week average of U.S. jobless claims lowest since 2008
U.S. claims for initial jobless benefits rose slightly last week, though less than forecast, and the four-week running average fell to fell to 339,750, the least in more than five years. The Federal Reserve pointed to lingering unemployment in its decision to maintain its bond-buying program. Reuters
(3/21)
| Inside & Out | | |
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- Talking about yourself, and other missteps in marketing
Your marketing efforts are unlikely to be successful if you overlook your current customers, fail to measure key metrics or focus too much on yourself, writes Alyssa Ennis. "To successfully market your small business, don't sell the customer your product (or service); sell them your solution," she recommends. Lifehack.org
(3/20)
- Let customers drive your customer service
Customers know what they want out of an experience with a company, and it's consistency among the service channels, attention after their business is initially won, and respect for their privacy and preferences, writes direct marketing and customer service expert Ernan Roman. Customers don't want to be manipulated, he writes. Instead, the "goal of customer experience marketing must be to improve the customer experience through engagement." DMNews
(3/18)
| Policy Update | | |
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| Diversion | | |
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| OPEI News | | |
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Registration for GIE+EXPO 2013 is now open
Registration is now open for GIE+EXPO (the Green Industry & Equipment Expo), Oct. 23 to 25, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Dealers, distributors, landscape contractors and anyone working in the lawn maintenance, landscaping and turf-care industry can register online at www.gie-expo.com. Dealer Day -- back by popular demand -- will be on Wednesday, Oct. 23. It's a premier event for dealers and technicians to participate in valuable seminars followed by a preview of new products. They will meet one-on-one with exhibitors on the show floor at GIE+EXPO and the co-located Hardscape North America. On Thursday and Friday, Oct. 24 and 25, GIE+EXPO, HNA and the popular 19-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open to all industry participants. GIE+EXPO -- the ninth-largest trade show in America -- is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Professional Landcare Network and Professional Grounds Management Society. Learn more about GIE+EXPO 2013 at www.gie-expo.com or contact Sellers Expositions at 800-558-8767, 812-949-9200 or info@gie-expo.com.
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