Recent E-Newsletters
SBDCNet Connections Issue 47: Child Day Care
For many parents, crayola-covered walls and orchestras limited to pots and pans bring to mind the thought, "maybe daycare isn't such a bad idea after all." Besides providing parents with a little time off, day care centers offer children under five years of age, an educational and fun environment while parents are at work. These benefits have helped drive the demand for child care in recent years though the supply of quality centers has yet to catch up.
SBDCNet Connections Issue 46: Wineries
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.
SBDCNet Connections Issue 45: Green Construction
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.
SBDCNet Connections Issue 44: Chocolate
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.
SBDCNet Connections Issue 43: Coffee House


