NewzAlert Composer v1.70.8, Copyright (c) 2004-2005 Castle Software Ltd, http://www.NewzAlert.com Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:39:20 -0700 Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:39:23 -0700 With the Plunkett Research News feed, you can quickly and easily see what titles are forthcoming, which conferences we will be attending and what hot new features we are adding to our online database. http://www.plunkettresearch.com en-us Copyright 2009, Plunkett Research Ltd Plunkett's Almanac of Middle Market 2010 covers 500 of the top firms headquartered in the United States with revenues between approximately $100 million and $1 billion. The firms have been filtered from our extensive, proprietary corporate information database. The middle market companies chosen include both private and publicly-held companies primarily focused on health products and services; biotech; energy; computer software; computer hardware and other electronics manufacturing; selected apparel firms; and selected consulting, logistics and transportation firms. This almanac is designed to be used as a general source for researchers of all types. More specifically, the information contained in this volume is of greatest interest to individuals planning business development and marketing campaigns to the middle market, as well as people studying competition among middle market companies. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:06:52 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/418/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/418/Default.aspx Plunkett Research reveals 10 of the biggest trends in telecommunications to date. These not only impact the industry as a whole but also dictate where technology is headed in for in the future. Discover this and more in Plunkett's Telecommunications Industry Almanac 2010. "Globally, the telecommunications industry was about a $3.7 trillion sector in 2009, including about $1.2 trillion in total revenues in the U.S.," says Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "No other industry touches as many technology-related business sectors as telecommunications, which, by definition, encompasses not only the traditional areas of local and long-distance telephone service, but also advanced technology-based services including wireless communications, the Internet, fiber-optics and satellites. Telecom is also deeply intertwined with entertainment of all types, including cable TV systems, since cable companies are now aggressively offering local exchange service and high-speed Internet access." Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:10:58 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/417/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/417/Default.aspx Plunkett Research identified 10 major trends happening in the travel industry today. These trends will also help explain why the industry is facing one of the toughest times in years. This and more is revealed in Plunkett's Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Almanac, 2010 edition. The 2009-2010 period finds the travel industry continuing to face challenging times. Consumers' budgets are tight, and they are cutting down on unnecessary expenses. When the middle class does take a vacation, it is on a reduced budget. Meanwhile, corporate and business travel budgets are tight as well. The travel industry is acutely aware of this problem. Most airlines have cut routes and reduced the total number of seats available, partly by removing older, fuel-guzzling aircraft from service. Travel providers of nearly all types are competing fiercely on price or are offering their customers special inducements and packages. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:31:00 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/416/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/416/Default.aspx Plunkett Research identifies 10 of the most influential trends occurring in the wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID and cellular industries. These trends will not only shape how we communicate today, but they will also dictate how we communicate in the future. This and more is reported in Plunkett's Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry Almanac, 2010 edition. "The wireless world incorporates a great deal more than cell phones, ranging from satellite-based services and Wi-Fi hotspots to remote wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and vast wireless networks on corporate and college campuses," says Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "Mobile communications, including mobile entertainment, continues to remain one of the hottest sectors in the InfoTech market. There were an estimated 3.3 billion global cellular telephone subscribers by the beginning of 2009, including more than 270 million in the U.S. alone." Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:16:17 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/415/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/415/Default.aspx Plunkett Research reports 10 of the most pressing trends occurring in the chemicals, coatings and plastics industry. Closely linked with the oil and gas industry, it is estimated that the chemicals industry will generate approximately $930 billion in revenues in 2009. This and more is revealed in Plunkett's Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry Almanac, 2010 edition. "While the chemicals industry, at present, is most definitely cyclical, gaining and losing ground with changes in the global economy, many long-term trends in the industry point to what will eventually be increasing demand for many types of chemical products once the global economy is back on the upswing," says Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "For instance, a swiftly aging population with growing access to, and budgets for, drugs of all types is making demand for life sciences chemicals soar. We will also begin to see worldwide demand for the construction of new commercial buildings and new housing which will fuel the growth for chemicals used in building products of all types." Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:47:38 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/414/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/414/Default.aspx Plunkett Research highlights 10 major trends happening within the sports industry today. Sports are truly global industry that stirs up a deep passion within spectators and players alike in countries worldwide. "Sports are big business, says Jack Plunkett," CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "Combined, the "Big 4" leagues in America, the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Hockey League (NHL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) leagues bring in about $17 billion in annual revenue, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. U.S. sporting equipment sales at retail sporting goods stores are roughly $41 billion yearly, according to U.S. government figures." Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:34:45 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/413/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/413/Default.aspx Plunkett Research reports 10 of the most prominent trends affecting the outsourcing and offshoring industry today. These trends highlight various segments of the industry that have potential for growth, as well as advances in outsourcing and offshoring that are making it easier to for the industry to expand. This and more is revealed in Plunkett's Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry Almanac, 2010 edition. Outsourcing will be an approximately $500 billion global industry in 2009, with the largest portions created in three broad areas: 1) logistics, sourcing and distribution services; 2) information technology services, including the creation of software and the management of computer centers; and 3) business process outsourcing (BPO) areas such as call centers, financial transaction processing and human resources management. CEO of Plunkett Research, Jack Plunkett states, "For decades now, fully developed nations, such as the U.S., have been shifting to knowledge-based economies as automation takes over domestic factory floors and much of manufacturing shifts overseas." Plunkett continues, "The biggest advances in developing nations are yet to come. Recent studies have forecast that, from 2007 through 2014, an estimated 1 billion people throughout Asia will enter the middle class for the first time, and middle class income levels may rise significantly. However, the global economic slowdown of 2008-2009 will put a damper on this progress, as outsourcing sectors and offshore employment centers suffer from a slow market." Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:57:08 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/412/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/412/Default.aspx Plunkett Research reports 10 major trends happening in the Nanotechnology and MEMS industry. Nanotech is a cutting-edge technology that is slowly beginning to revolutionize many sectors of manufacturing. The U.S. government alone budgeted more than $1.6 billion in nanotech research grants and projects for 2009, up from $464 million in 2001. This and more is available in Plunkett's Nanotechnology and MEMS Industry Almanac, 2009 edition. "Investment in nanotechnology research and the market for nanotech products have expanded steadily," says Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "It is estimated that global funding of nanotechnology research by governments will total $9.75 billion in 2009." Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:20:58 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/411/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/411/Default.aspx Plunkett Research reports 10 of the biggest trends happening in the engineering and research industry. These trends explain the impact this industry has on the global economy, as well as how it merges with several other industries such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, energy and more. "On a global basis, spending on R&D has increased rapidly in recent years," says Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "Large numbers of university students around the globe are enrolled in engineering and scientific disciplines-many of them dreaming about potential rewards if their future research efforts become commercialized. Global research collaboration is booming, as is patenting; in fact, it is difficult for patent authorities in the U.S. and elsewhere to keep up with demand. Globalization and cross-national collaboration have such a dramatic effect on research and design that nearly one-half of all patents granted in America list at least one non-U.S. citizen as a co-inventor." Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:14:39 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/410/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/410/Default.aspx Plunkett Research shares 10 major trends that are impacting the consulting industry in its various segments (including human resources, information technology, strategy, operations management, business advisory services and more). These trends will give an overview of what's happening now in consulting and where the industry is headed in the future. This and more is reported in Plunkett's Consulting Industry Almanac, 2009 edition. "The consulting industry posted significant growth from 2005 through 2007, says Jack Plunkett," states Plunkett Research CEO and Editor, Jack Plunkett. "However, 2008 marked the beginning of a challenging period, in light of the global economic slowdown and shrinking corporate budgets. Government budgets have been under pressure. Corporations, large and small, have been slashing spending, employment and capital investment in an attempt to pay down debt while cutting costs. This has been particularly hard on some consulting sectors, since corporations and governmental agencies are prime clients for consultancies." Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:07:06 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/409/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/409/Default.aspx Plunkett Research uncovers 10 major trends occurring in the apparel and textiles industry. These trends will not only affect apparel and textile producers, but also, workers, importers/exporters, retailers, as well as the global economy. This and more is reported in Plunkett's Apparel & Textiles Industry Almanac, 2009 edition. "Today's environment of a global economic slowdown combined with rising prices has put a damper on the apparel, shoes and accessories sectors," says Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "Consumers in the U.S., the U.K. and elsewhere are drowning in debt and are cutting back on nonessential purchases. While China has gained a dominant position in shoes, apparel and household textiles manufacturing, manufacturers located in developed nations have suffered a long period of decline." Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:43:10 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/408/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/408/Default.aspx Plunkett Research uncovers 10 advertising industry trends that will have a major impact on advertising agencies, media and media buyers. This and more is reported Plunkett's Advertising & Branding Industry Almanac, 2009 edition. "Advertising in the U.S. was about $285.1 billion in 2008. This includes national advertising, which was estimated at $193 billion, plus local advertising such as local TV and local newspapers," states Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "Worldwide advertising revenues were about $653.9 billion in 2008. Among the best growth areas in advertising in recent years have been advertising on mobile devices, advertising on movie screens and advertising online." Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:32:05 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/407/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/407/Default.aspx Transportation is one of the world's largest industries. Its sectors range from taxis to trucks to airplanes, trains, ships, barges, pipelines, warehouses and logistics services. Here, Plunkett Research reports 10 major trends that will impact the transportation, supply chain and logistics industry. "In total, during 2008, the U.S. transportation industry, in both for-hire and not for-hire sectors, was about $1.8 trillion," said Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "Transportation, in its many facets and sectors, directly employs about 4.5 million Americans. At a bit more than 10% of America's economic activity, transportation is remarkably efficient, considering the fact that it is a vital service to every other sector of the economy." Tue, 2 Jun 2009 09:29:58 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/406/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/406/Default.aspx Plunkett Research reports ten real estate and construction industry trends that will dictate the mood of the industry through 2010, impacting not only the real estate industry but also the global economy as reported in Plunkett's Real Estate & Construction Industry Almanac, 2009 edition. "Real estate, the residential sector in particular, has been making bleak headlines around the globe in 2008 and 2009. By early 2009, important trends were developing that will shape the real estate industry of the near future," said Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor. "The ten trends we have identified will have broad effects on the industry and beyond." Thu, 21 May 2009 09:26:17 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/405/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/405/Default.aspx Plunkett Research uncovers the 10 biggest trends in the InfoTech industry. These trends will dictate the wave of progression in this fast moving industry as reported in Plunkett's InfoTech Industry Almanac, 2009 edition. "The InfoTech industry is galloping into globalization at a very rapid rate," says Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "Research, development and manufacturing of components and completed systems have grown quickly in the labs and manufacturing plants of India, China, Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia, among other lands. Computer services continue to move offshore quickly, particularly to the tech centers of India. Asian PC brands are gaining strength, including Acer and Lenovo." Fri, 29 May 2009 09:17:07 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/404/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/404/Default.aspx The nearly $1.57 trillion U.S. food industry encompasses retail food stores and supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, farming and more. Ten of the most important trends affecting this industry and more can be found in Plunkett's Food Industry Almanac, 2009 edition. "In the U.S., at the end of the Civil War in 1865, farmers made up about 55% of the workforce," says Jack Plunkett, CEO and Editor of Plunkett Research. "Today, only about 2.5% of the U.S. workforce is employed on farms. The food industry is being stretched to the limit. The following 10 trends are those of the greatest influence to the food industry." Tue, 2 Jun 2009 09:10:01 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/403/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/403/Default.aspx Plunkett Research reports 10 trends in the E-Commerce and Internet industry that impact consumer buying habits, as well as global business. This and more is reported in Plunkett's E-Commerce & Internet Business Almanac, 2009 edition. "Relatively strong growth was seen in the global Internet and E-Commerce sector in 2007-2008, despite the global economic crisis," states Plunkett Research CEO and Editor, Jack Plunkett. "Growth in 2009-2010 will be centered on worldwide use of the Internet in general, access to the Internet via mobile devices and consumer access to entertainment online." Fri, 29 May 2009 12:19:40 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/402/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/402/Default.aspx Plunkett Research reports six major trends that are affecting the U.S. job market, as well as job seekers in the U.S. These trends will also explain why job seekers are facing one of the toughest hiring climates since 2002, when the economy was suffering broadly due to 9/11 and the end of the dotcom boom. This and more is revealed in Plunkett's Companion to the Almanac of American Employers: Mid-Size Firms, 2009 edition. Tue, 2 Jun 2009 11:52:14 -0600 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/401/Default.aspx media@plunkettresearch.com (Kathi Mestousis) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/401/Default.aspx The 2009 Almanac of American Employers is now available through Plunkett Research, Ltd. The new edition offers a plethora of information on the most successful major corporations in America. It includes a CD-ROM with employer details and contact information. An online edition is also available. This edition is an invaluable tool to all job seekers, researchers, marketing executives and personnel professionals. "The Almanac of American Employers presents a simple premise - anyone looking for a job or a better position ought to select a quality employer as well," says Publisher Jack W. Plunkett. The Almanac of American Employers is especially helpful because it enables readers with no business background to readily compare the growth potential and benefit plans of large employers. To find out more, follow the link Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:37:44 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/400/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/400/Default.aspx The Plunkett's 2009 Almanac of Middle Market Companies is now and available in print and online through Plunkett Research, Ltd. No other source provides this book's easy-to-understand comparisons of growth, expenditures, technologies, corporations and many other items of great importance to people of all types who are researching middle market companies. The data found in the Plunkett's 2009 Almanac of Middle Market Companies is organized into clear, concise profiles and covers more than 500 of the top firms headquartered in the United States with revenues of between approximately $100 million and $1 billion. The middle market companies chosen include both private and publicly-held companies. A vast range of industries are covered in this edition from agriculture to entertainment, energy to health care, manufacturing to telecommunications. It's all right there and ready for you to access for your own personal research needs. To find out more, follow the link Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:34:57 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/399/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/399/Default.aspx Plunkett's 2009 Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry Almanac is available now in print and online through Plunkett Research, Ltd. The forth edition of this fact filled guide is structured to be a foundational resource for researchers of all types. The information detailed in this edition covers a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, various types of businesses involved in the chemicals, coatings, and plastics business, to emerging technologies impacting the chemicals industry, to a comprehensive examination of the top 400 corporations in the industry. To find out more, follow the link above Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:33:33 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/398/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/398/Default.aspx Mobile communications, including mobile entertainment, remains one of the hottest sectors in the InfoTech market. There were more than 3 billion global cellular telephone subscribers by mid 2008, including more than 260 million in the U.S. alone. Portio Research projects 4.9 billion subscribers worldwide by the end of 2012, which would mean that approximately 56% of the Earth's population would have a cellphone. Worldwide, cell phone use continues extremely rapid growth, particularly in China and India. In some nations, particularly in Scandinavia, market penetration exceeds 100% of the population as some people have more than one cell phone subscription. Accessing and transferring data and entertainment via cell phone is growing at a rapid clip. With all this rapid growth and development going on, keeping up with the trends affecting the industry can be challenging. To read the full article and find out more about the exciting trends affecting this industry today, follow the link Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:52:27 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/397/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/397/Default.aspx While it may not seem like it to the casual observer, the sports sector is constantly evolving in terms of personal tastes, popular games and technologies. For example, the number of people playing golf is dropping, while lacrosse and paintball have seen significant growth. Also, evolving technologies and fashions have an immense impact on sales of sporting goods within specific sectors. Sporting goods makers are constantly trying to create reasons for consumers to buy new equipment. In this thrilling thrill-seeking industry, it is important to stay on top of the consumer and business trends affecting how the business will change next. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting trends affecting the industry, follow the link Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:35:30 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/396/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/396/Default.aspx Outsourcing will be an approximately $500 billion global industry in 2008, with the largest portions created in three broad areas: 1) logistics, sourcing and distribution services; 2) information technology services, including the creation of software and the management of computer centers; and 3) business process outsourcing (BPO) areas such as call centers, financial transaction processing and human resources management. Offshoring, on the other hand, covers such a wide variety of nations, products and practices that it would be difficult to put a number on it. A significant share of offshoring revenue is created by contract manufacturing of electronics, laptop computers, cellular telephones and consumer electronics such as iPods. Another major sector in offshoring is contract manufacturing of shoes, apparel and accessories. Competition in the industry is fierce and many changes have been affecting the landscape in this turbulent sector. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link> Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:29:36 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/394/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/394/Default.aspx Nanotechnology will soon become a household word. It is a cutting-edge technology that will revolutionize many sectors of manufacturing over the long-term. The situation is somewhat analogous to that of biotechnology and genetic engineering-a field that, 15 or 20 years ago, few people could even define. Even fewer could envision how the biotechnology industry would fundamentally change the development of drugs and diagnostics. Likewise, few consumers or business executives realize the extent to which nanotech, over the mid-term, is going to change the materials they use everyday. Both investment in nanotechnology research and the market for nanotech products are expanding rapidly. Globally, governments in developed nations are pouring about $12 billion annually into research and development of nanotechnology projects. The U.S. government alone invests about $1.4 billion yearly, an increase of more than 10-fold since 1997. The National Science Foundation in America estimates the global market for products containing nanotechnology to be $1 trillion yearly by 2015. The Japanese government is investing about $1 billion yearly in nanotech research. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:27:44 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/393/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/393/Default.aspx Transportation is one of the world's largest industries. It is made up of companies that supply the systems and software, run the warehouses, operate the airplanes, boats, trucks and trains that move raw materials, finished goods, packages, documents and people throughout the world. These companies act as the arteries of commerce. Transportation continues to evolve globally, no matter what type of transport is involved. The most intriguing changes in this vital industry are to be found in a new report by Plunkett Research, Ltd., which has just been released. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:25:48 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/392/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/392/Default.aspx The entire food industry, from growing to processing to retailing, is an extremely competitive field where profit margins are typically so low that it is often challenging to maintain profitability. The processed food industry worldwide has been challenged by low growth rates, high-energy costs and changing consumer tastes. Nonetheless, there are a few high growth segments, including health foods, energy drinks, bottled water and organics. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/391/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/391/Default.aspx Growth in the InfoTech sector picked up considerably in 2004-2005, as the global economy rebounded from the recession of the early 2000s and organizations increased IT budgets in order to purchase new systems, software and services. Growth slowed to about 6% in 2006, and most analysts were forecasting a 5% to 6% global growth rate in 2007. For 2008, fears of a global economic slowdown will dampen hardware and software sector growth. Nonetheless, sales through 2007 were strong for such items as notebook computers (a sector in which prices have dropped dramatically), along with advanced, Internet-enabled cell phones with color screens, electronic game players, MP3 music players, digital cameras, servers and many other types of advanced consumer and business electronics. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:23:17 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/390/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/390/Default.aspx Real estate, the residential sector in particular, is making bleak headlines around the globe in 2008. Plunkett Research has been warning of a potential crash since 2006 in what was obviously an overheated market. The real estate and construction sectors, including the many professions and fields associated with them, make up one of the largest components of the U.S. economy. here was more than $14.6 trillion in outstanding mortgage debt in America at year-end 2007. Sales of existing homes dropped dramatically in 2007, to about 5 million for the year (from 6.48 million in 2006), and sales of new single-family homes plummeted to about 775,000 (from 1.05 million in 2006). Clearly, homebuilders are suffering. commercial projects remained a strong, positive influence on the construction market through much of 2007. However, by the end of 2007, demand was off, and it was vastly harder to obtain financial backing for new commercial projects. The industry has been undergoing massive changes in recent years, swinging from booming to deteriorating. The major trends affecting this volatile sector are detailed in Plunkett's Real Estate & Construction Industry Almanac 2008. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:21:28 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/389/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/389/Default.aspx Advertisers are faced with daunting new realities when considering the various media they might use to get their messages across. Traditional media are losing control over their audiences. That means that advertisers can no longer feel secure that their ads on TV, on the radio or in print are going to receive mindshare. Gone are the days when television and radio programmers enjoyed captive audiences who happily sat through ad after ad, or planned their schedules around favorite shows. Consumers, especially consumers in younger demographics, now demand more and more control over what they watch, read and listen to, and thus more control over the advertising they might be exposed to. Advertisers are being forced to adapt to a changing industry. Plunkett's Advertising & Branding Industry Almanac 2008 identifies and details the biggest, most notable changes in this mutable industry. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:18:05 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/388/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/388/Default.aspx On a global basis, spending on R&D is increasing rapidly. Global research collaboration (between companies, and between companies and universities) is booming, as is patenting; in fact, it is next to impossible for patent authorities in the U.S. to keep up with demand. Rapidly growing sectors in U.S., Japanese, Indian and Chinese research include alternative energy, such as solar power, to oil exploration technologies, to superconductivity, to nuclear generation. The energy sector will receive even more R&D emphasis due to extremely high global demand for electricity and transportation fuels. In this mutable industry, it can be difficult to keep up with the constantly occurring rapid changes. A recent report published by Plunkett Research, Ltd., provides important industry statistics and analysis of the industry's major trends. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:16:18 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/387/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/387/Default.aspx Significant, continuing growth was seen in the global Internet and E-Commerce sector in 2007. Barring a deep global recession, reasonable growth will continue into 2008 and 2009, particularly in growing worldwide use of the Internet, access to the Internet via wireless devices and consumer purchases via websites. Online advertising expenditures in the U.S. totaled $25.5 billion during 2007, according to analysts at IDC, up 27% over 2006. Major advertisers are expanding their online advertising budgets rapidly. Online advertising in 2008 will account for about 10% of all ad expenditures in the U.S. Retailing online continues to be a booming business. Total online sales reached approximately $131 billion in the U.S. during 2007 (not including sales of travel), according to eMarketer. Travel sales online for 2007 were about $91.3 billion. Successful online marketers continue to post excellent growth. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:55 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/386/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/386/Default.aspx Consultancies posted significant growth in the 2005 through 2007 period. Major consulting firms are hiring again-stalking the ivy-covered halls of America's best business school campuses in search of the best and brightest new MBAs. The fact that new graduates will have trouble getting jobs in the financial and banking industry in 2008 will be a boost to recruiters at consulting companies. However, a question looms about consulting firms' ability to grow and hire in 2008 in light of the latest economic slowdown and shrinking corporate budgets. Government budgets are under pressure as well, particularly at the state level where large deficits loom. Big corporations and governmental agencies are prime clients for consultancies. Outside the U.S., the consulting industry and related sectors have been booming. However, the slowdown of 2008 will temper that growth. Until recently, global business growth from Europe throughout North America to Asia/Pacific were fueling demand for consulting of all kinds, including management consulting, HR consulting, industrial consulting and technology consulting. Meanwhile, many types of consulting and accounting projects are being offshored. Initially this was due to efforts by firms in North America and Europe that wanted to take advantage of lower hourly fees. To a growing degree, however, offshoring of such tasks is becoming. Certain trends have impacted the industry, changing the face of consulting. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:13:05 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/385/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/385/Default.aspx While China is has gained a dominant position in shoes, apparel and linens manufacturing, U.S. makers of these items have suffered a long period of decline. For example, over 98% of the shoes sold in America each year are imports, and the vast majority of these imports come from China. To consumers, this growing reliance on China as a low-cost producer has meant very low retail prices for goods of reasonable quality. However, recent significant increases in the value of the Chinese currency combined with rapidly rising labor costs put Chinese manufacturers in a much less competitive position by the beginning of 2008, and many plants in China are operating far below capacity. Competition, from very low cost nations in Africa, as well as Vietnam and elsewhere, is intense. Today's environment of a global economic slowdown combined with rising prices will put a damper on the apparel and shoes industry. This is an arena where great changes may happen swiftly. To read the full article and see some examples of the exciting new trends affecting the industry, follow the link Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:12:31 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/384/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/384/Default.aspx Revenues are mixed at traditional entertainment and media segments. Book sales at retail were about $55 billion in the U.S. in 2007, according to the Book Industry Study Group, an increase of about 3.3%. The traditional, storefront video rental sector is suffering due to alternatives including Netflix, TiVo and video-on-demand services. Newspapers are finding it increasingly difficult to compete against Internet news and advertising rivals. Recorded music sales on CD-ROM continue to drop while sales of digital music files are soaring. Traditional radio broadcasting is hurting, finding it increasingly difficult to gather listeners for advertising-based radio programming due to such alternatives as satellite radio and digital MP3 players. The burning issue affecting all sectors of the entertainment and media industry is maintaining control of content and audiences while taking advantage of myriad new electronic delivery venues. In this volatile market it is important to keep up with the various trends affecting the industry's development. To read some examples of these trends, as analyzed by a recent report by Plunkett Research, Ltd., and to read the full article, follow the link! Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:28:24 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/376/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/376/Default.aspx There is an increased global focus today on energy as a societal, sociopolitical and strategic resource. In the U.S., the Department of Energy estimates oil production at 5.1 million barrels per day from 501,000 wells during 2006. While production in many of America's largest fields, such as the North Slope in Alaska, is down substantially, investments in offshore production and enhanced recovery in older fields has paid off handsomely. Meanwhile, America's use of petroleum has led to a 288% increase in annual petroleum imports from 7,469,646 billion BTUs in 1970 to 29,029,406 billion BTUs in 2006. In addition, there is a greater focus than ever before on the impact of energy consumption on the environment. This makes for a highly volatile market with sweeping trends rapidly altering the industry. To read some examples of these trends, as analyzed by a recent report by Plunkett Research, Ltd., and to read the full article, follow the link! Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:27:29 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/375/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/375/Default.aspx Retail is the second-largest industry in the U.S. by number of businesses and number of employees. Retail sales in the U.S. (total retail sales include the categories of gasoline, automobiles, and food service) were up about 3.8% in 2007, to $4.49 trillion (Plunkett Research estimate). The 2007 growth was driven partly by higher gasoline costs as well as by deep price discounting during the Christmas season by mass merchandisers and year-long discounting by automobile dealers. To find out what these factors were, as analyzed by a recent report by Plunkett Research, Ltd., and to read the full article, follow the link! Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:26:24 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/374/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/374/Default.aspx The banking industry continues to globalize and evolve rapidly. Giant national and global bank holding companies continue to grow, both through acquisitions and through the opening of new facilities and business units. New business opportunities are opening up globally for major banks, especially in such booming markets as China and India. U.S. and European banks particularly are taking ownership in Chinese banks. Elsewhere, Spanish banks are acquiring banking firms in South America, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States (particularly in Hispanic markets within the U.S.). German and Italian banks are merging to form European banking giants. In this rapidly growing and changing industry, it is important to keep up-to-date on which trends are affecting the industry now and which one may come into play later. To read some examples of these trends, as analyzed by a recent report by Plunkett Research, Ltd., and to read the full article, follow the link! Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:25:10 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/373/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/373/Default.aspx The investment and securities industry in the U.S. remains a vast and vibrant sector. Nearly 4 billion shares trade on an average day on the NYSE, Amex and NASDAQ combined. In late 2007, former U.S. Federal Reserve chief Alan Greenspan estimated the total value of equities traded on major exchanges around the world at $50 trillion, about double what it was five years earlier in 2002. At the same time, he estimated the total value of global long-term securities of all types at nearly $100 trillion, including stocks, bonds and other financial instruments. What with the stock market crash in 2000 and the recent recessions, the investments market has begun to evolve in some new ways to accommodate the changing needs of the investing public. To find out more and to read the full article, follow the link! Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:24:17 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/372/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/372/Default.aspx U.S. energy production from renewable sources was about 10% of the total market in 2006, at 7,00,000 billion BTUs out of total production of about 70,000,000 billion BTUs. (In this case, "renewable" includes conventional hydroelectric and geothermal, along with solar, wind and biomass.) This is up from about 7.6% in 1970. Meanwhile, nuclear generation accounts for another 11.5% of total U.S. energy production, or 8,100,000 billion BTUs. Globally, sources for worldwide generation of electricity in 2007 included about 16% hydroelectric; 16% nuclear; and 2% "renewables" including waste, wind, geothermal and solar, in addition to fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil. Worldwide, there is very rapid growth in wind power. Major technological advances in wind turbines (including much larger blades creating very high output per turbine) and government incentives encouraging investment in wind generation in many nations are fueling very rapid growth in wind turbine installation. In this rapidly growing industry, it is important to keep up with the latest trends affecting that very growth. To read some of the most interesting trends, as analyzed by a recent report put out by Plunkett Research, Ltd., follow the link! Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:23:02 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/371/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/371/Default.aspx Job seekers in 2008 will find a mixed hiring climate. Barring any economic catastrophes due to such continuing risks as terrorism strikes, energy shortages and natural disasters such as hurricanes, there should be a reasonable variety of good employment opportunities.However, job seekers who want good positions will be forced to be better prepared and to do better research than in the boom years of the recent past. Fortunately, Plunkett Research, Ltd. has just released its annual report on the American job market. To find out more and to read the full article, follow the link! Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:25:55 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/370/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/370/Default.aspx Insurance and risk management make up an immense global industry. Recent regulatory changes have heightened competition within this industry - an area in which competition has always been fierce. Massive mergers and acquisitions have resulted, creating financial services mega-firms. Many of these offer a complete range of financial services and products to their customers, from checking accounts to investment products to life insurance. The biggest changes in the insurance industry are detailed in a recent report from Plunkett Research, Ltd. To find out more and to read the full article, follow the link! Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:24:52 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/369/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/369/Default.aspx Particularly in the U.S., continuous increases in the cost of health care, growing at rates far exceeding the rate of inflation in general, are hammering health consumers and payors of all types. Managed care providers continue to struggle to contain costs. Meanwhile, employers are hit hard by vast increases in the cost of providing coverage to employees and retirees. A number of factors contribute to these challenges, all of which are contained in a recent report by Plunkett Research, Ltd. To find out mroe and read the full article, follow the link! Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:22:43 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/368/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/368/Default.aspx There are approximately 244 million vehicles in operation in the United States. Around the world, there were about 806 million cars and light trucks on the road in 2007. By 2020, that number will reach 1 billion. Meanwhile, the Big Three (American automakers GM, Ford and Chrysler) face difficult times at best. The Detroit companies are under intense competitive pressure from foreign-based firms while enduring high labor costs at home. Asian car manufacturers are generally enjoying booming success, with Toyota and Honda at the forefront. European manufacturers have challenges of their own. High costs, tough labor laws, daunting government regulations and a few disappointing model designs have hampered recent results. Keeping up with the global trends causing sweeping changes in this volatile industry can be daunting. Follow th link to find out more and to read the full article. Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:59:57 -0500 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/News/tabid/367/language/en-US/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/367/Default.aspx Globally, the telecommunications industry is about a $3.5 billion sector, including more than $1 trillion in annual revenues in the U.S. Several forces continue to reap major changes in the telecommunications sector today, including: a) mergers and consolidation have completely changed this industry's landscape, b) competition is heating up and cross-border ownership of telecom businesses is making this an increasingly globalized industry, c) deregulation and privatization will have a continual effect on the telecom sector worldwide and d) rapid advances in Internet and wireless technologies will continue unabated, quickly changing consumer preferences and disrupting traditional communication methods. In this fast-paced environment, it can be difficult to keep up with which trends are affecting the industry and by how much. A recent report has come out by Plunkett Research, Ltd. to answer that very challenge. Follow the link to find out more Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:53:27 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/363/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/363/Default.aspx Mobile communications, including mobile entertainment, remains one of the hottest sectors in the InfoTech market. More than 900 million cell phones will sell worldwide during 2007 and again in 2008-making the cellular phone the fastest-selling single item of consumer electronics by far. Worldwide, cell phone use continues extremely rapid growth, particularly in China and India. In some nations, particularly in Scandinavia, market penetration exceeds 100% of the population as some people have more than one cell phone subscription. Accessing and transferring data and entertainment via cell phone is growing at a rapid clip. With all this rapid growth and development going on, keeping up with the trends affecting the industry can be challenging. follow the link to see what experts say are some of the most exciting new trends in this mutable industry Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:27:04 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/360/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/360/Default.aspx The new almanac is now available! Our new Plunkett's Almanac of Middle Market Companies and our online Middle Market Industry Research Center are designed to be time-saving business development tools for professionals, marketers, sales directors, consultants and strategists seeking to understand and reach middle market American companies. It will also be of great use to placement, recruiting and human resources professionals, as well as professionals working in economic development, lending and media. Follow the link to see the full story and find out more Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:29:20 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/361/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/361/Default.aspx The businesses of chemicals, coatings and plastics are closely linked, and those sectors, in turn, are closely linked with the oil and gas industry. Plastics comprise a branch of petrochemicals-that is, chemicals refined from petroleum. Total world consumption of oil for industrial uses is about 30 million barrels daily-mostly for use in chemical processes. Chemicals products include pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, dyes, fibers, packaging, adhesives and explosives, among many, many others. While the chemicals industry can be cyclical, gaining and losing ground with changes in the global economy, many trends in the world today point to rapidly increasing demand for many types of chemical products. Follow the link to find out what they are Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:01:45 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/362/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/362/Default.aspx While it may not seem like it to the casual observer, the sports sector is constantly evolving in terms of personal tastes, popular games and technologies. For example, the number of people playing golf is dropping, while snowboarding and paintball have seen significant growth. Also, evolving technologies and fashions have an immense impact on sales of sporting goods within specific sectors. Sporting goods makers are constantly trying to create reasons for consumers to buy new equipment. In this thrilling thrill-seeking industry, it is important to stay on top of the consumer and business trends affecting how the business will change next. A recent report from Plunkett Research, Ltd. has just come out detailing some of the most exciting of these trends. Follow the link to learn more Mon, 16 Jul 2007 07:58:41 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/359/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/359/Default.aspx Outsourcing will be an approximately $450 billion global industry in 2007, with the largest portions created in three broad areas: 1) logistics, sourcing and distribution services, 2) information technology services, including the creation of software and the management of computer centers, and 3) business process outsourcing (BPO) areas such as call centers, financial transaction processing and human resources management. Offshoring, on the other hand, covers such a wide variety of nations, products and practices that it would be difficult to put a number on it. A significant share of offshoring revenue is created by contract manufacturing of electronics, laptop computers, cellular telephones and consumer electronics such as iPods. Another major sector in offshoring is contract manufacturing of shoes, apparel and accessories. Competition in the this industry is fierce and many changes have been affecting the landscape in this turbulent industry. To see some examples and read the full article, follow the link. Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:19:50 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/357/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (B. Michael Payne) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/357/Default.aspx Nanotechnology will soon become a household word. It is a cutting-edge technology that will revolutionize many sectors of manufacturing over the long-term. The situation is somewhat analogous to that of biotechnology and genetic engineering-a field that, 15 or 20 years ago, few people could even define. Even fewer could envision how the biotechnology industry would fundamentally change the development of drugs and diagnostics. Likewise, few consumers or business executives realize the extent to which nanotech, over the mid-term, is going to change the materials they use everyday. Both investment in nanotechnology research and the market for nanotech products are expanding rapidly. Globally, governments in developed nations are pouring about $4 billion annually into research and development of nanotechnology projects. The U.S. government alone invests about $1.4 billion yearly, an increase of more than 10-fold since 1997. The National Science Foundation in America estimates the global market for products containing nanotechnology to be $1 trillion yearly by 2015. The Japanese government is investing about $1 billion yearly in nanotech research. Throughout this period of rapid growth, several trends have influenced the industry. Follow the link to read the full article and find out more information. Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:39:28 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/356/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (B. Michael Payne) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/356/Default.aspx Consulting services generated about $156 billion in revenues in the U.S. during 2006, according to Plunkett Research estimates. This is an increase of about 12% over 2005 estimates resulting from a survey by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Accounting services generated an additional $110 billion in 2006, up about 8% according to Plunkett Research estimates. Kennedy Information, places the global consulting market (including management, human resources and information technology consulting) at nearly $280 billion in 2006 and $300 billion in 2007. After a decade of sizzling growth and enviable profits, the consulting business was forced to pull in its reins during 2001-2003. However, consultancies are posting significant growth today, and generally the industry posted very good financial gains for 2005-2006. Major consulting firms are hiring again-stalking the ivy-covered halls of America's best business school campuses in search of the best and brightest new MBAs. Consulting is once again ranked as the most desirable industry by new grads at top schools. Certain trends have impacted the industry, changing the face of consulting. To read the full article and find our more, follow the link. Fri, 18 May 2007 09:27:17 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/355/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/355/Default.aspx The real estate and construction sectors, including the many professions and fields associated with them, make up one of the largest components of the U.S. economy. There is more than $13 trillion in outstanding mortgage debt in America, and more than 7 million homes, both new and existing, are sold annually. For the 2000 through 2005 period, residential construction and sales of existing homes were extremely strong. However, by the end of 2006, the residential market had slumped, and home prices were declining in many areas. Early 2007 has seen a steady deterioration in the housing market in the U.S. The commercial and government sectors are seeing good growth. Values of existing properties have soared and total new construction volume has been high. The industry has been undergoing massive changes in recent years, swinging from booming to deteriorating. The major trends affecting this volatile sector are detailed in Plunkett's Real Estate & Construction Industry Almanac 2007. Click the link to read the full article and see some exciting examples Wed, 16 May 2007 08:56:22 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/354/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/354/Default.aspx On a global basis, spending on R&D is increasing rapidly. Global research collaboration (between companies, and between companies and universities) is booming, as is patenting; in fact, it is next to impossible for patent authorities in the U.S. to keep up with demand. Rapidly growing sectors in U.S., Japanese, Indian and Chinese research include alternative energy, which will receive even more emphasis due to high global demand for energy and the high costs of petroleum. In this mutable industry, it can be difficult to keep up with the constantly occurring rapid changes. A recent report published by Plunkett Research, Ltd., provides important industry statistics and analysis of the industry's major trends. Click the link to see more. Wed, 9 May 2007 09:32:12 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/353/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/353/Default.aspx Globally, the World Trade Organization reports that international trade in apparel totaled $276 billion during 2005 (the latest data available), or about 2.7% of all world merchandise trade. World trade in textiles totaled about $203 billion during 2005, or 2.0% of world merchandise trade. Meanwhile, the manufacture of basic synthetic textiles, such as polyester fabrics, is facing a global manufacturing glut, combined with rising prices of basic materials due to the high cost of petroleum. Demographic changes will offer immense opportunities to U.S. fashion merchandisers. To begin with, the nation's 77 million Baby Boomers are beginning to enter the 60+ age category. As more and more of these people become seniors, their tastes and needs will bring great revenues to savvy apparel sellers. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of ethnic consumer groups in America, Hispanics in particular, will offer superb marketing and product development opportunities. This is an arena where great changes may happen swiftly. To see a selection of the trends driving these changes, click on the link and read the full article. Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:19:01 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/351/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/351/Default.aspx Advertisers are faced with daunting new realities when considering the various media they might use to get their messages across. Traditional media are losing control over their audiences. That means that advertisers can no longer feel secure that their ads on TV, on the radio or in print are going to receive mindshare. Gone are the days when television and radio programmers enjoyed captive audiences who happily sat through ad after ad, or planned their schedules around favorite shows. Consumers, especially consumers in younger demographics, now demand more and more control over what they watch, read and listen to, and thus more control over the advertising they might be exposed to. Advertisers are being forced to adapt to a changing industry. Plunkett's Advertising & Branding Industry Almanac 2007 identifies and details the biggest, most notable changes in this mutable industry. Some exciting examples can be found through the link above Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:32:38 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/352/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/352/Default.aspx Transportation is one of the world's largest industries. It is made up of companies that supply the systems and software, run the warehouses, operate the airplanes, boats, trucks and trains that move raw materials, finished goods, packages, documents and people throughout the world. These companies act as the arteries of commerce. Transportation continues to evolve globally, no matter what type of transport is involved. The most intriguing changes in this vital industry are to be found in a new report by Plunkett Research, Ltd., which has just been released. To find out more about what these changes are, follow the link. Sun, 01 Apr 2007 14:18:49 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/317/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/317/Default.aspx The entire food industry, from growing to processing to retailing, is an extremely competitive field where profit margins are typically so low that it is often challenging to maintain profitability. Meanwhile, throughout much of the world, technology and globalization have revolutionized the way that we grow, transport, process, package, purchase and cook food. According to a recent report from Plunkett Research, Ltd., the largest and most important factors affecting this evolving industry are: 1) Wal-Mart Dominates as the World's Biggest Retailer (and now America's Biggest Grocer). Wal-Mart is the world's largest non-oil company, based on revenue ($312 billion during 2006). One way in which the company has expanded dramatically is through its revolutionary entry into the grocery business, and Wal-Mart is now America's biggest grocer, with $93.7 billion in grocery department sales during 2006. Its Supercenters have immense, well-stocked, supermarket-like grocery departments that work on profit margins much lower than those of traditional supermarkets. To read the full article and find out more about these exciting trends, click the link. Thu, 22 Mar 2007 14:16:58 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/318/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/318/default.aspx Significant, continuing growth was seen in the global Internet and E-Commerce sector in 2006. This growth will continue into 2007 and 2008, particularly in growing worldwide use of the Internet, access to the Internet via wireless devices and consumer purchases via websites. The number of American homes and businesses with broadband access capabilities topped 60 million as 2007 began, and a plethora of new services, entertainment options and time-saving solutions have become widely available. The U.S. population is becoming more tech-savvy, with at least 72% of American adults surfing the net on a regular basis. The most significant evolutionary trends may be found in Plunkett Research, Ltd.'s latest report. To see the full story and to find out more about what these trends are, follow the link. Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:14:44 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/319/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/319/Default.aspx The InfoTech revolution continues in the office as well as in the home. A large majority of the workforce uses a computer of some type on the job daily, in every conceivable application-from receptionists answering computerized telephone systems to cashiers ringing up sales at Wal-Mart on registers that are tied into vast computerized databases. This is the InfoTech revolution at work, moving voice, video and data through the air and over phone lines, driving productivity ahead at rates that we do not yet know how to calculate. According to the most recent report from Plunkett Research, Ltd., the hottest, most important trends of the InfoTech industry are: 1) MIMO (802.11n) Is the High-Speed Wireless Wave of the Near Future. The latest leap in Wi-Fi technology is 802.11n (Multiple Input Multiple Output antenna technology-also known as "MIMO"). Its high speed means that MIMO could compete with traditional LANs, offering a true wireless alternative to wired local area networks in the office environment. 2) WiMAX Extends Far Beyond Wi-Fi. A newer standard known as Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access, or WiMAX (802.16), is adding considerable fuel to the wireless fire. WiMAX has the capability to deliver extremely fast Internet connections to wireless devices, such as notebooks and mobile VoIP telephones, with each WiMAX antenna having about a 30-mile broadcast range. To read the full story and to see the rest of the important trends, follow the link. Thu, 22 Feb 2007 14:12:45 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/InternetAccess/tabid/320/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/InternetAccess/tabid/320/Default.aspx Internet portals, web sites and television networks are acutely aware of the potential afforded should television audiences truly turn to their PCs for entertainment. The entertainment industry is largely switching over to purely digital formats, merging TV, radio and even gaming into Internet sites. The implications of these changes are staggering. Some of the most important changes, according to a recent report from Plunkett Research, Ltd., can be found by following the link. Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:11:25 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/Entertainment/tabid/321/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/Entertainment/tabid/321/Default.aspx Both in the U.S. and abroad, the investment business was booming as 2006 came to a close. Many indexes, including the Dow Jones, hit new record highs. Investment markets have clearly rebounded, regaining ground from spectacular losses in 2000-2002. However, several threats remain in the background, including worries about potential inflation, energy costs, terrorism or political upheaval, as well as persistently high U.S. federal deficits, and high levels of consumer debt. The most notable changes in the investment markets are detailed in a recent report by Plunkett Research, Ltd. To read the full story and see what notable changes there are, follow the link. Mon, 01 Jan 2007 14:09:53 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/322/Default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/322/Default.aspx Today, soaring oil and gas prices have created a renewed interest in all things energy-efficient. Smaller cars, high-efficiency homes and even solar power are once again part of popular culture. Sales of gas-guzzling SUVs have slowed while the demand for fuel efficient vehicles is rising steadily. Alternative energy is also attracting rapidly growing interest from investors. Many high-profile investment firms are offering "socially responsible" investment products, with fund profiles as green as the fat returns ethical investors hope to make. The increase in popularity has given rise to significant changes in the industry as a whole. The most vibrant changes are detailed in a recent report by Plunkett Research, Ltd. To see some examples of these changes and to read the full story, follow the link. Wed, 20 Dec 2006 14:07:28 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/323/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/323/default.aspx Retail is the second-largest industry in the U.S. by number of businesses and number of employees. Competition among retailers has never been tougher. A retailer without a significant competitive advantage doesn't stand a chance. Superstores are battling each other on every major corner while direct marketers (including catalogs and online sites) are stealing customers from stores. Online selling at deep discounts is even making immense inroads into consumer purchases of automobiles and travel. The retail war is on and according to a recently released report from Plunkett Research, Ltd., the most intriguing new trends in this tumultuous industry are... To see the full story, click the link. Wed, 13 Dec 2006 14:04:59 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/324/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/324/default.aspx There is an increased global focus today on energy as a societal, sociopolitical and strategic resource. In addition, there is a greater focus than ever before on the impact of energy consumption on the environment. As a result, the industry has been undergoing significant changes, which are detailed in full in a recent report put out by Plunkett Research, Ltd. A few examples of these changes include: 1) The Continuing Deregulation of the American Utilities Industry. Sweeping changes in the industry have occurred at a rapid rate since FERC's deregulation orders. Additional deregulation, and choice of suppliers for consumers, began to take hold on a state-by-state basis. Meanwhile, utility companies have been merging. 2) Power Plant Construction Booms in India and China. India has long been plagued by power shortages. About 56.5% of the population is without any kind of electricity at all. Power companies have avoided the building of new facilities, fearing non-payment by the strapped state electricity boards. However, this started to change in 2005. India's federal government, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has promised electrical access to all Indians by 2012. To find out more about these exciting trends and to read the full story, follow the link. Fri, 01 Dec 2006 14:02:05 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/325/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/325/default.aspx The banking industry continues to globalize and evolve rapidly. On a worldwide basis, giant national and global bank holding companies continue to grow, both through acquisitions and through the opening of new facilities and business units. New business opportunities are opening up globally for major banks, especially in booming markets such as China and India. Cross-border investments in banks are growing. The credit card industry is evolving as well. In short, the banking industry is changing at such a prodigious rate that it is difficult to keep up. Fortunately, there is Plunkett's Banking, Mortgages & Credit Industry Almanac 2007, which details the most important of these changes. To see which changes Plunkett's report deems most notable, follow the link. Mon, 20 Nov 2006 14:00:38 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/326/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/326/default.aspx Insurance and risk management make up an immense global industry. Recent regulatory changes have heightened competition within this industry - an area in which competition has always been fierce. Massive mergers and acquisitions have resulted, creating financial services mega-firms. Many of these offer a complete range of financial services and products to their customers, from checking accounts to investment products to life insurance. The biggest changes in the insurance industry are detailed in a recent report from Plunkett Research, Ltd. To see the full story, including what these changes are, follow the link. Wed, 08 Nov 2006 13:58:45 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/327/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/327/default.aspx Particularly in the U.S., continuous increases in the cost of health care, growing at rates far exceeding the rate of inflation in general, are hammering health consumers and payors of all types. Managed care providers continue to struggle to contain costs. Meanwhile, employers are hit hard by vast increases in the cost of providing coverage to employees and retirees. A number of factors contribute to these challenges, all of which are contained in a recent report by Plunkett Research, Ltd. Follow the link to see a selection of these factors. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 13:55:20 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/328/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/328/default.aspx According to a recent report from Plunkett Research, Ltd., barring any economic catastrophes due to continuing risks such as terrorist attacks, energy shortages and natural disasters, there should be a wide variety of excellent employment opportunities. The best news is that a select set of major companies will offer exceptional job opportunities during 2007. In addition, many firms will feel that the strong growth in the U.S. economy during 2004-2006 encourages them to continue steady hiring in the first half of 2007. The general outlook is that 2007's growth will slow somewhat from 2006's strong results. To see the full story, follow the link. Sun, 15 Oct 2006 13:53:03 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/329/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/329/default.aspx 2004 through 2006 will long be remembered as a pivotal period in the automobile industry. It was a period during which high gasoline prices started a sea change among U.S. consumers that is finally creating significant demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Additionally, there are vast changes taking place in automobile manufacturing. Today, more than ever, car manufacturers and their suppliers are cooperating in the design and manufacture of new cars in ways that are revolutionizing the entire process. Meanwhile, the Big Three (American automakers GM, Ford and Chrysler Group, the American unit of DaimlerChrysler AG) face difficult times at best. Ford, GM and Chrysler are under intense competitive pressure from foreign-based firms while enduring high labor costs at home. Needless to say, fundamental changes are taking hold of the industry. To find out which changes are considered the most important by a recent report from Plunkett Research, Ltd., follow the link. Tue, 03 Oct 2006 13:50:41 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/330/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/330/default.aspx The past several years have seen dramatic changes in the travel industry. The major airlines are recovering from the staggering losses incurred in the early years after 9/11. In North America, a robust business environment and growing stock market values have fostered a rising tide in both business and leisure travel. In the global travel and tourism business, threats of terrorism continue to cause the travel industry to evolve. The most notable changes in this lucrative industry are to be found by following this link. Wed, 27 Sep 2006 13:48:13 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/331/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/331/default.aspx While the 1900s will be remembered by industrial historians as the Information Technology Era and the Physics Era, the 2000s will most likely be marked as the Biotechnology Era because rapid advances in biotechnology will completely revolutionize many aspects of life in coming decades. An advanced generation of drugs developed through biotechnology is emerging on the marketplace. Stem cell research is moving ahead briskly on a global basis, despite the negative effect of restrictive research funding rules of the U.S. Federal Government. Stem cell breakthroughs are occurring rapidly. Amongst all the rapid changes in this hot new industry a recent report from Plunkett Research, Ltd., highlights the trends that are affecting the industry the most. Click the link to find out more. Sat, 09 Sep 2006 13:46:33 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/332/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/332/default.aspx Generally speaking, the telecommunications sector is in much better shape to move forward than it was four years ago. To understand the state of the industry today, bear in mind that a) telecommunications firms worldwide suffered some of the heaviest blows in the technology stocks collapse of the early 2000s, b) mergers, consolidation and financial restructuring have completely changed the landscape, c) globalization is heating up competition, d) deregulation and privatization will have a continual effect on the telecom sector worldwide and e) rapid advances in telecom and wireless technology will continue unabated. To see which trends stand out amidst these industry-wide changes acoording to a recent report from Plunkett Resarch, Ltd., click the link. Wed, 30 Aug 2006 13:44:24 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/333/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/333/default.aspx The new almanac is now available! Our new Plunkett's Almanac of Middle Market Companies and our online Middle Market Industry Research Center are designed to be time-saving business development tools for professionals, marketers, sales directors, consultants and strategists seeking to understand and reach middle market American companies. It will also be of great use to placement, recruiting and human resources professionals, as well as professionals working in economic development, lending and media. Click the link to learn more. Sat, 29 Jul 2006 13:42:58 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/334/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/334/default.aspx While the chemicals industry can be cyclical, gaining and losing ground with changes in the global economy, many trends in the world today point to rapidly increasing demand for many types of chemical products. A worldwide construction boom is fueling rapid growth for chemicals used in building products of all types, from paints to vinyl siding to PVC plumbing parts to vinyl flooring. The extremely rapid industrialization and commercialization of markets in China and India, two nations where an immense proportion of the world's population live, is creating demand for industrial and consumer chemicals. Watch for rapid changes within the chemicals sector, as many factors with the potential for driving the industry in new directions are at work. To see which factors these are, click the link. Sun, 23 Jul 2006 13:40:54 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/335/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/335/default.aspx The wireless world incorporates a great deal more than cell phones, ranging from satellite-based services and Wi-Fi hotspots to vast wireless networks on corporate and college campuses. The ubiquitous BlackBerry device, with its wireless email capabilities, saw subscriptions pass the 5 million mark in 2006. Whether it's through Bluetooth (with about 600 million Bluetooth-enabled devices sold worldwide in 2006), the much faster data transfer speeds of upstart ultrawideband (UWB), satellite, cell phone or Wi-Fi, consumers and business users alike are becoming more and more reliant on wireless-based services and devices in their daily tasks. There is no end in sight to the rapid acceleration of wireless. To see the full story, including which trends Plunkett Research, Ltd., considers the most important factors affecting the industry, click the link. Sun, 16 Jul 2006 13:37:24 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/336/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/336/default.aspx Sports are big business. Combined, the NFL, NBA and MLB leagues bring in about $12 billion in annual revenue, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. U.S. sporting equipment sales at retail are roughly $43 billion yearly, sports apparel $43 billion and athletic footwear $18 billion. A reasonable estimate of the total U.S. sports market might be $375 to $425 billion yearly. To put that in perspective, the U.S. retail food industry, including supermarkets, is only slightly bigger. The sports sector is constantly evolving in terms of personal tastes, popular games and technologies. Other growth sectors in recent years include snowboarding and paintball. To see the most important trends affecting this indusrty, according to a recent report by Plunkett Research, Ltd., click the link. Wed, 28 Jun 2006 13:34:26 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/337/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/337/default.aspx China, India and similar offshore work centers will remain low-cost providers of services and manufacturing for the foreseeable future. At the same time, as their economies grow, their business structures and middle classes will grow, and they will offer lucrative markets for exported intellectual property, goods and services created in the U.S., Europe, Japan and elsewhere. The offshoring boom has been beneficial to major outsourced services and contract manufacturing centers such as India and China. In these two nations alone, millions of jobs have been created, and both GDP and the middle class are growing at admirable rates. The industry is always changing, as mergers and acquisitions continue and international relations vary. To see which trends are considered the most important according to a recent report released by Plunkett Research, Ltd., click the link! Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:30:49 -0700 http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/338/default.aspx information@plunkettresearch.com (Mark J. Cassells) http://www.plunkettresearch.com/AboutUs/News/tabid/338/default.aspx