Sound Strategies in the Downturn.
Sound Strategies in the Downturn ELIOT SEFRIN, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Things are tough out there in many markets -- there's no doubt about it. The U.S. economy is either in the midst of a recession, or will be soon, leading economists contend. Inflation worries...

2007 Offers Time to Better Ourselves.
2007 Offers Time to Better Ourselves JANICE COSTA, EDITOR Well, the inevitable housing slowdown is finally here. And surprisingly, it's not bad news at all for kitchen and bath dealers and designers. We all knew the out-of-control housing boom couldn't last forever. And...

Housing market continues to slow.
The U.S. housing market continued its slowdown in the second half of 2006. Among the key statistics released by government agencies, research firms and industry-related trade associations in recent weeks were: HOUSING STARTS While the overall U.S. housing market is gradually cooling, some states continue...

2004 seen closing on positive note.
As predicted throughout the year, 2004 is apparently finishing on a strong note, as the housing industry and related kitchen/bath sector continue to benefit from low interest rates, strong home sales and an improving economy. Among the key statistics released by government agencies, research firms and industry-related trade associations...

OPEI predicts slow down for 2000-2001.
The outdoor power equipment institute (OPEI) economic forecast for consumer and some commercial turf equipment shows a slight slowdown in 2000 and 2001. For the 2000 model year, industry shipments will generally be flat to negative. Consumer walk-behind mowers will lose 2.5 percent to ship 5,777,730 units,...

Recession-proof? We ask our readers how they're doing.
RECESSION-PROOF? We ask our readers how they're doing. It's official. The local economy is in recession -- and has been since last summer. That's the word from Mike Vizvary, the former business editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune who's preparing to launch Land and Law, a publication...

Bubble trouble? Oil cost, housing slump may burst U.S. economy.
Dark clouds are gathering. There's a chill in the air. In the distance is the low rumble of thunder. That's the "weather report" for the U.S. economy. Experts fear the economy may be in for some hard times, but they disagree about just how bad things will...

The Sky Is Far From Falling in '08.
The Sky Is Far From Falling in '08 ELIOT SEFRIN, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER There's a story making the rounds which suggests, quite convincingly, that the nation's housing market is on the brink of collapse and that, by implication, the kitchen and bath market may...

Survey: Majority of Americans Believe Going Solar Is 'More Important Than Ever'.
ENERGY RESOURCE-30 May 2007-Survey: Majority of Americans Believe Going Solar Is 'More Important Than Ever'(C)2007 JeraOne - http://www.jeraone.com Nearly 90 percent of Americans think that solar electricity should be an option for all new home construction, up significantly from one year ago (79 percent), and three-quarters of...

Cooling underway in housing market.
The housing market, while still posting historically strong numbers, is in the midst of an inevitable cooling-off period--with the pace of new-home construction, buying activity, consumer confidence and builder confidence all off from previously-posted highs. Among the key statistics released by government agencies, research firms and industry-related trade associations...