Timely
Tidbits from Media II Advertising, Public Relations, Sales
Promotion
Good
News: Orders for Durables Climb
The Commerce
Department reported that orders for cars, appliances,
business equipment and other durable goods rose for a
fifth straight month in April as manufacturing is finally
rebounding with the rest of the economy. The 1.1 percent
increase was twice as much as economists had expected
and followed a 0.2 percent rise in March.
Orders for
automobiles and parts surged 12 percent in April, the
biggest increase since
August 1998,
following a 1.2 percent decrease the previous month. The
increase has prompted some manufacturers to increase production.
Durable-goods
orders excluding transportation equipment jumped 2.9 percent,
the largest increase in six months, after rising 0.8 percent
in March.
Machinery orders
increased 4 percent last month. Orders for computers and
electronic products rose 2.5 percent in April, the biggest
rise in six months. Communications equipment orders jumped
12 percent.
The government's
report also showed inventories of durable goods fell 0.3
percent last month, the smallest since April of last year.
Durable goods shipments rose 3.5 percent.
More
Good News: Manufacturing Activity Grows
The Institute
for Supply Management said its index of business activity
rose to 55.7 percent in May from 53.9 percent in April.
An index above 50 signifies growth; analysts had been
expecting a reading of 55.0.
May's manufacturing
figure caps four straight months of growth and is the
fastest pace since February 2000, according to the ISM.
Eighteen of the 20 industries tracked by the
ISM reported
overall growth last month.
Contributing
to that, economists say, are increases in orders and production
as manufacturers begin to rebuild inventories. Manufacturers
were the hardest hit by the downturn in the economy, which
officially slid into a recession in March 2001.
A weaker dollar
also should give manufacturers more pricing power and
exports, while employment in the sector appears poised
for growth in the coming months.
And
More Good News: Media II Assists Tooling University
Media II has
been selected by Tooling University to provide marketing
communications support. Tooling University provides online
training for metalworking, as well as advanced manufacturing
technologies. Courses include everything from basic blueprint
reading and shop math to tooling and locating principles
and CNC part programming.
And
the Winners Are…
Congratulations
to James May and Greg Jones for winning autographed Bob
Feller baseballs in our Swing Into Spring autographed
baseball contest. We will have more drawings for Jim Thome
autographed baseballs. To enter, simply log on to www.mediaii.com
and register.
Pros
for Hire
We have several
friends that are looking for new positions. If you are
interested in any of the descriptions below, contact us
for a copy of their resume. Or, if you are looking for
a position, let us know and we’ll add you to this
section free.
- Sales &
Marketing Manager, OEM Components and Services. Strong
sales channel development and management skills with a
proven track record of exceptional results in building
sales in OEM and user markets.
- Financial
Analyst / Accountant. Experienced in providing global
financial, systems, and analytical support to senior marketing
management. Medical equipment, health services and manufacturing
background.
- Marketing
Communications Manager. Experienced in small company and
Fortune 500 company environments managing advertising,
public relations, sales promotion materials, tradeshows,
e-marketing, sales channel promotions and more.
- Sales &
Marketing Manager, Electrical Products. Strong sales channel
development and management skills. Proven track record
in Fortune 500 companies and smaller firms.
- Sales &
Marketing Manager, Engineered Materials. Highly experienced
in product development, sales, marketing, and promotion.
Excellent strengths in analysis and problem-solving.
- Controller/Finance
Manager. Solid background in all areas of finance. Recognized
for forming exceptionally strong relationships, providing
leadership and direction, and developing an organization
focused on results.
- Public Relations
Professional. Results-oriented professional with experience
in ad agency and corporate environments. Exceptional writing
skills, strong base of editorial contacts.
Quote
of the Month
"Damn
foolishness to one person, is a breath of life to another."
— Unknown
The Public
Bath?
In ancient
times, public baths were places that men of learning and
curiosity gathered to exchange ideas. Today those places
no longer exist (unless you count hot tubs), so we've
tried to adapt the bath's open freewheeling tone into
a newsletter. We hope you'll read our Public Bath in just
that spirit.
The Public
Bath is not "first-thing-on-Monday" reading. Rather, it
is more like "fifteen-minutes-till lunch on Friday" or,
"on hold" reading. Some material is amusing, some sociological,
some newsy and we hope ... all thought-provoking.
We also want
to answer your questions and hear your reactions. Have
a topic you would like us to explore? Let us know that
too. After all, public baths are places for both listening
and talking.
If you have
a topic you would like to see us address or if you would
prefer not to receive this newsletter, please let us know.
Email roy@mediaii.com
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