The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® for the U.S. Increases

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. rose 0.2 percent in January to 94.1 (2004 = 100), following a 0.5 percent increase in December, and no change in November.

Says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board: “The U.S. LEI rose again in January, pointing to a slow but continued expansion in economic activity in the near term. Despite continued weakness in manufacturers’ new orders and consumer expectations, improvements in housing permits and financial components helped boost the LEI in January. Meanwhile, the CEI also advanced in January, despite the slight decline in industrial production. Both the LEI and CEI have experienced widespread gains among their components over the past six months.”

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State of Our Union Can Be Strengthened Through Manufacturers’ Growth Agenda

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons issued this statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union address this week: “Manufacturers welcomed the President’s remarks on immigration reform and STEM education, which show a true commitment to developing the skilled workforce desperately needed. It is encouraging to see a promise of infrastructure investment that will serve as a foundation of future manufacturing. The announcement of negotiations toward a free trade agreement with the European Union represents a significant step forward in leveling the playing field in foreign markets. However, equally important is creating an atmosphere where employers can hire workers and invest in their businesses.

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That “Made in USA” Label May Be Worth More Than You Think

Ask most Americans if they prefer products made by American workers, and they readily say, “Of course!” But do they put their money where their mouth is? The common assumption is that, when given the choice of saving a few dollars by buying a toy, a pair of sneakers, or a cell phone made in China versus purchasing a more expensive product that says “Made in USA,” the vast majority of Americans go for the bargain. It may be time to rethink that assumption. Our research suggests that a “Made in USA” label may be worth a lot more than many retailers and manufacturers think.

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U.S. CFOs Remain Cautious About the Economy in Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2013 CFO Outlook

Economy Gets Higher Scores Than in 2012 Survey, but Executives Still Concerned About Growth

Financial executives at U.S. companies continue to be concerned about the economy, with only two out of five executives expecting growth in 2013, according to the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2013 CFO Outlook.

The 602 executives who participated in the 15th annual survey gave the U.S. economy an average score of 49 out of 100, up from 44 in the 2012 report. CFOs gave the global economy a score of 45, up from 43 a year ago.

Optimism about economic growth remained muted, with only 39 percent of CFOs predicting expansion in 2013, compared with 38 percent last year. Perhaps more telling, 24 percent of executives said they expect the economy to contract this year, up significantly from 11 percent in 2012.

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Governors offer renewed focus on advanced manufacturing

NGA Report Focuses on State Policy Agenda for Manufacturing

The competitiveness of U.S. businesses and their ability to hold and return manufacturing jobs to the United States will depend in part on success in advanced manufacturing, according to a report released today by the National Governors Association (NGA).

“Making” Our Future: What States Are Doing to Encourage Growth in Manufacturing through Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Investment examines how states are looking to bring new focus to advanced manufacturing, setting the stage to ensure their companies and workers are ready for the challenges ahead.

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Pizzas 4 Patriots and DHL Express Score a Touchdown for U.S. Troops

IMA member Great Kitchens to provide 21,000 Chicago deep-dish pizzas to be sent to soldiers in Afghanistan and Kuwait for Super Bowl Sunday

Pizzas 4 Patriots is teaming up with the world’s leading international express shipping provider, DHL Express, to quarterback the special delivery of 21,000 pizzas to U.S. servicemen and servicewomen on Super Bowl Sunday — America’s biggest day of the year for eating pizza.

With DHL Express donating the services of its global express shipping network to the non-profit organization, Pizzas 4 Patriots will be able to send enough deep dish pizza to feed every soldier stationed in Afghanistan and Kuwait. IMA member AT&T is also a sponsor of the Pizzas 4 Patriots mission.

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Super Bowl Sunday is Coming — Relevant Considerations for Employers

Suggestions from IMA member Jackson Lewis LLP

Millions of Americans will tune in on Super Bowl Sunday to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year. For employers, the effects of the Super Bowl may be felt far beyond the big game. 

While office camaraderie and positive working relationships can result from coworkers socializing over this event, employers can suffer lost productivity in the days and weeks leading to the big game. Employees may spend parts of the work day discussing the game and earlier playoff match-ups, as well as related statistics and player injuries. Social event coordinating and even betting on the outcome (such as through workplace pools) may occur during working time. Many employers even have reported decreased productivity on the Monday after the Super Bowl, when employees discuss game highlights, the commercials, and the halftime show. 

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SBA Presidential Innovation Fellows Launch Innovative Online Contracting System: RFP-EZ

A Limited Number of Low-Dollar Contracts Now Available Through New Online Marketplace

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in conjunction with the White House¹s Presidential Innovation Fellows, has launched a “beta” (pilot) version of RFP-EZ, a new online marketplace that streamlines the government contracting process, making it simpler for small businesses to find and bid on low-dollar contracts from federal agencies.

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Nominations for Small Business Innovation Research Awards due by January 31st

2013 SBIR Tibbetts Awards and SBIR Hall of Fame Awards to be presented in May 

The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking nominations for awards honoring the critical economic role small businesses play in federally funded research and development through SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Two awards will be given: the “Hall of Fame” award recognizing companies that have an extended period of extraordinary success of research, innovation, and product commercialization; and another, the “Tibbetts Award” with two categories, one for companies that have participated in the SBIR/STTR programs, and another for individuals who advocate on behalf of the programs.

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WEBINAR: Health Care Reform Update — January 22, 2013

Please join IMA member The Benefit Source, Inc. for a Webinar to learn what you need to know about health care reform developments in light of the recent election results.

Webinar on January 22, 2013 — 1:00 PM CST

The Benefit Source, Inc., will review upcoming compliance deadlines and other issues employers need to know.

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