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| NAW SmartBrief |
| July 31, 2009 |
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Durable goods orders in U.S. jump 1.1%, excluding transportation
Excluding automobiles and aircraft, orders for U.S. durable goods jumped 1.1% in June. General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC closed factories for at least part of the month because of bankruptcy proceedings, and total durable goods orders dropped 2.5% for June. The U.S. economy is also showing other signs of stabilization, according to the Federal Reserve. The Washington Post (7/30) Bloomberg (7/29) Forbes/Reuters (7/29)
U.S. home prices in major metro areas rise for first time in 3 years
Home prices in 20 urban centers nationwide showed a gain on a monthly basis for the first time in almost three years, according to Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller index, a development that suggests the real-estate downturn may be abating. Home prices rose 0.5% for the three-month period ending in May, compared to the three-month period ending in April. The Wall Street Journal (7/29)
Consumer confidence index slips in July
U.S. consumer confidence fell to 46.6 in July, down from 49.3 in June, per the Conference Board's monthly index. Consumer spending comprises in excess of 70% of economic activity, and may continue to decline through the fall. "Even though we have seen an improvement in economic indicators, there hasn't been any meaningful improvement in household finances," said Mark Vitner, senior economist at Wells Fargo. American City Business Journals/Columbus, Ohio (7/28) Google/The Associated Press (7/28)
Freight volumes could hit bottom soon, ATA says
Freight volumes may be close to hitting bottom, according to the American Trucking Assns. However, the ATA cautions that freight tonnage may not rebound quickly in the current economic climate. Fleet Owner (7/28)
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Marketers increasingly reach out to bloggers, Tweeters to spark buzz
Companies enlightened to the power and widespread influence of the blogging community are increasingly finding creative ways to get their marketing messages out to bloggers. The unlikely sponsor of a lounge at the recent BlogHer conference in Chicago, for instance, was Procter & Gamble, which used the lounge to promote its new Swiffer Wet Jet cleaning mop, and bloggers were provided with samples and asked to provide honest opinions. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (7/26)
Employees likely to welcome a standards of behavior contract
Managers shouldn't assume that employees will feel their rights are being infringed upon if rules governing behavior are set down, and most are apt to appreciate the clear guidelines, an expert says. Some tips for putting together a standards of behavior contract with your company include seeking input from all employees, aligning desired behaviors with corporate goals and holding an official rolling-out of the rules. SmartPros (7/27)
Writing e-mail subject lines that will get the mail opened
The subject line in a marketing e-mail is critical in getting recipients to open the mail, and too often companies miss the mark. Some effective lines include a date if trying to secure an appointment, or the sharing of an insight, such as a hiring idea or thought about managing files. The Customer Collective (7/26)
Developing new strategies to "survive and thrive"
Small-business owners are challenged now to redefine liquidity, credit and value in the wake of the financial crisis. Most have realized that neither government, big business nor banks will help them and they have to learn new ways to "survive and thrive," writes Andy Birol, author of "Focus. Accomplish. Grow: The Business Owner's Guide to Growth." Small Business Trends (7/27)
Featured Content
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Legislation would increase deduction for meals
Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, has introduced legislation that would increase the portion of a business meal that can be deducted from taxes. The legislation, backed by the National Restaurant Association, would increase the deduction from 50% to 80%. QSRMagazine.com (7/28)
The challenges and rewards of mountain wines
Throughout the world, vintners who make wine in the mountains face challenging conditions ranging from erosion to mountain lion attacks. But grapes grown at high altitudes tend to be smaller and more concentrated, yielding wine that is rich and complex. The Oakland Tribune (Calif.)/Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.) (7/27)
NAW's Large Company CEO/COO Roundtable -- Sept. 16 and 17
Benchmark and network with CEOs and COOs of wholesale distribution companies with revenues of more than $100 million up to $1 billion. This CEO/COO Roundtable is a valuable business tool where you will learn about cutting-edge business strategies. Executives will share how they are surviving this economy and how they are positioning their companies for the rebound. NAW members receive one free registration. Register now.
Order Brent Grover's new book "Strategic Pricing for Distributors"
For many distributors, gaining control over pricing is their last "unplowed field." Strategic Pricing for Distributors: Tools and Rules for Building Higher Margins is a combination of business novel and guidebook with real-world lessons for distribution managers. It takes you through a plan using market-driven pricing guidelines and tools for reaching and sustaining strategic pricing improvement -- and ultimately, increased profitability.
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