Americans Upbeat on Future Income	Half of U.S. residents believe they will belong to the "upper middle class" or be "well off" in five to ten years, though only 16% feel that they are well off now, according to a survey by Citigroup Inc. Are you upbeat about your business?
Manufacturing Continues to Lead	The Institute for Supply Management reported that manufacturing activity rose for a 21st straight month in April. Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at MFR Inc. in New York, said the solid March increase in factory orders showed the first quarter ended with momentum, an encouraging sign for future economic growth. A weak dollar is making U.S. exports cheaper overseas and tax cuts are encouraging business investment in capital goods. For March, orders for durable goods and items expected to last at least three years and rose 2.9 percent. That's slightly better than preliminary estimates the government reported last week. We specialize in helping manufacturers grow.
Non Profit Fundraising Strategy	Philanthropy habits get passed on from generation to generation. Affluent young people develop interests and affiliations early in life. By the time their parents pass on, it may be too late to entice them. Organizations that reside in the non-profit sector would do well to tend to multiple generations of the same family. Each may find something uniquely compelling. Let us help you engage them early. We have aided non-profits with sucessful fundraising campaigns for over twenty years.
Digital-Only Agencies Need Integrated Services	In a survey of decision-makers, nearly 70% felt digital-only agencies need to offer more traditional services to remain relevant. In fact, over 50% of respondents thought full-service firms (like Huntington) will win more digital assignments in the next three years because they can augment those efforts with publicity, direct mail, and traditional consumer media. All tatics must work together to properly support a brand or an organization.
Client Spotlight	You Have a Gem in Arnold's Since 1998 we have assisted Arnold's Fine Jewelry. It's a busy time for Bruce and his knowledgeable staff. Lots of gift-giving occasions are at hand. He's Celebrating 100 years of his family's business in Pasadena, he reminds us that watch and jewelry cleaning can be critical in protecting them. "Many times I find loose stones in rings we are cleaning or weak threads in strands of pearls that get dull with normal wearing," says Bruce. Better go see him at 350 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena or call 626-795-8647.
The Crazy Corner	There is a serious push by the Administration to tax drivers for each mile traveled, ostensibly to help pay for roads. The White House understands this is going to be a tough sell, so there is a plan to establish the Surface Transportation Revenue Alternative Office housed within the Federal Highway Administration. This office would work on a game plan to get people to accept being monitored and taxed every time they hit the road. Speaking of dreams, while you drive you would have to spend half the time listening to NPR as a government mandate. This office will be staffed and cost taxpayers $300.0 million through FY17. Have you heard something crazy you'd like to share? Write us.