Recent E-Newsletters

16 January 2008

The wine industry has experienced major growth since 2006 and industry executives expect this growth to continue indefinitely. This demand for wine is increasing among younger college students incorporating wine into their lifestyles as well as Baby Boomers who spend an increasing amount of money satisfying their palates.

According to the American Wine Society, the nation’s top wine producing states are California, New York, Washington and Oregon respectively. California's production is greater than 90% of this volume. As an economic generator, the wine industry contributes more than $45 billion to the U.S. economy, along with 556,000 jobs accounting for more than $12.8 billion in wages and $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenues.

This industry is expected to grow exponentially in the years to come.

Green Construction

By Monique De Vries

New Single-Family Housing Construction
NAICS Code: 236115 - SIC Code: 1521

New Multifamily Housing Construction
NAICS Code: 236116 - SIC Code: 1522

New Housing Operative Builders
NAICS Code: 236117 - SIC Code: 1531

Residential Remodelers
NAICS Code: 236118 - SIC Code: 1521, 1522, 1531

Why is everyone going green?
 

There is a growing interest in going green or buying products and construction that are environmentally friendly -- meaning natural, sustainable, recyclable and more energy and water efficient.¹ One reason for the increase in green construction is rating systems that give builders clear-cut methods to obtain certification through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Energy Star and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.² Another reasaon is the growing concern about climate change as well as an interest in lowering monthly bills due to increased energy costs.³

In short, everyone is going green because green is good; Good for the pocket book, good for the environment, good for health and good for business.

July 15, 2008

Chocolate

To view as a PDF, click here.

Specialty foods, whether gourmet, organic or all natural are the rage these days. Formerly available only through farmers’ markets or specialty foods stores, premium fares have gained far-reaching acceptance.  Consumers only have to go to the local chain grocery and drug store to find their daily fix. The market for gourmet foods and beverages is currently valued at over $42 billion and is expected to exceed $62 billion by 2009.¹  Americans might not need premium treats, but we surely want them and want them daily.

June 16, 2008

Coffee House

Are you one of the 108 million people who had coffee this morning as a part of your daily routine? You might be reading this article from your wireless laptop computer at your favorite coffee house and not know that going wireless is a popular trend in the coffee industry. The coffee market is highly competitive with business owners trying to create the best flavored drinks and the best atmosphere to go above and beyond the competition.