| January 9, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- DCV survey: 43% of respondents pessimistic about economy in 2009
About 43% of DC Velocity readers participating in a survey were pessimistic about the 2009 economy overall, according to the results of a recent online poll. "This will be the worst year in three decades for manufacturers," said one respondent. Another 34% were unsure of what to expect from the economy in 2009, whereas the remaining 23% said they were optimistic. DC Velocity magazine
(1/2009)     
- EIA predicts flat U.S. oil consumption in 2009
For first time in over two decades, the United States' rate of oil consumption this year is expected to remain essentially flat, according to the Energy Information Administration. EIA predicts the price for crude oil will average $63.53 per barrel in 2009, down from a 2008 average of $101.46 per barrel. Fleet Owner
(1/6)
- Report: Bribery No. 1 risk concern for global companies
Ensuring compliance with anti-bribery requirements tops the list of the top 12 risk concerns for global corporations, according to a report from the Integrity Interactive Corporation. Bribery charges against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich have brought the risk into the national spotlight. Rounding out the top three risk concerns are conflicts of interest and gifts in the No. 2 spot, and antitrust contact with competitors as No. 3. Business Finance
(1/5), Supply & Demand Chain Executive
(12/2008)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Local beats outsourcing when it comes to customer service
 As budgets get squeezed, companies may be inclined to outsource customer service operations as a cost-cutting measure. But one business owner argues that the return on investment from a team of skilled, local workers is more than the savings that result from using lower-cost, outsourced employees. Also, in the name of keeping jobs alive in the U.S., something is to be said about the importance of having U.S.-based customer service reps helping U.S.-based customers. E-Commerce Times/Business Week Online
(1/6)
- Hard times' silver lining
Tough times sometimes turn out to be one of the best things to happen to companies. Difficult circumstances can motivate some to diversify and move into new geographic markets and sectors. Experts suggest viewing adversity as an opportunity to make potentially successful adjustments. Chicago Tribune
(1/5)
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- If you think they can't handle the truth -- tell it anyway
When a sale is on the line, some salespeople may not be able to resist the urge to fudge the facts just a little or use softball phrases to disguise the truth. To keep denial and distortion from creeping into the conversation, remember that the truth counts: Even when the reality is painful, salespeople are responsible for making it clear to the client. Selling Power (free registration)
(1/5)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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| Executive Life | | |
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- Commentary: Stimulus may rely too heavily on tax cuts
President-elect Barack Obama may be relying too heavily on tax cuts to stimulate the economy, New York Times columnist Paul Krugman writes. "Other things equal, public investment is a much better way to provide economic stimulus than tax cuts," Krugman said. He did note, however, that a public-investment-only package would not work because "there's a limited supply of 'shovel-ready' projects that can be started soon enough to deliver an economic boost any time soon." NYTimes.com
(1/5)
- Firms hire crisis specialists to aid business travelers
Business travelers have long dealt with lost hotel reservations, delayed flights and missed connections, but there is increasing reason to worry that they might have to deal with more troubling matters, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Companies are therefore finding that firms that specialize in risk assessments, monitoring and crisis response for business travelers can be helpful. Companies realize that "protecting the business traveler's safety and security, especially in increasingly unsettled and dangerous times, is no longer discretionary," said Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition. NYTimes.com
(1/5)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Preventing driver slips and falls
Slip and fall accidents are a significant factor in driver injuries, causing approximately 22% of injuries to drivers. Next to motor vehicle collisions, driver slips and falls are the most expensive type of driver accident. The Hartford shares some tips to help drivers protect themselves from slips and falls on the job. Learn more here.
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