The Michigan Boating Industries Association has put together a collection of positive findings from different sources which point to an economic rebound for the state and the boating industry. Take a few minutes to read our collection of positive news articles that might make you feel better about the New Year and beyond.
Survey finds the rich returning for familiar spending habits
From Ad Age Magazine, Sept. 2009
The Ispos Mendelsohn affluent-tracking 'barometer' finds significant increase in the percentage of wealthy feeling optimistic about the U.S. Economy in the latest poll ending Sept. 1: 54 percent vs. 50 percent in April and July."
Experts say economy is improving
Soundings Trade Only, Sept. 16, 2009
"...economists and government officials were encouraged by a recent report showing a surge in retail sales for August. The Commerce Department said retail sales climbed 2.7 percent last month after declining 0.2 percent in July. It was the biggest monthly advance since January 2006 and well above expectations on Wall Street for a 2 percent gain, according to a report from Reuters. 'Retail sales show the recovery is here. This wasn't just autos, it wasn't just gasoline. This was the U.S. consumer getting out of their foxhole.' T.J. Marta, market strategists at Marta on the Markets in New Jersey, told Reuter. 'The is indisputably a good number.'"
Fishing License sales soar
From RBFF
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) announced today the publication of a quarterly fishing license sales index to track trends that have an impact on the industry and the entire recreational fishing community.
"Not since the 1970s have we seen a single-year increase in fishing license sales like we've seen so far in 2009," said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. "Understanding how the needle moves in terms of sportfishing participation is important not just for the sportfishing industry, but for the entire outdoor recreation community. This new license metric will provide everyone with important sales and participation information."
As of September 1, 2009, state fish and wildlife agencies reported a 7.7 percent positive change in the number of licenses sold year-to-date compared to the same months last year (January - July 2009 vs. January - July 2008). The same states also saw a seven percent increase in the number of licenses sold in July 2009 compared with July 2008.
+CEO confidence index
From NMMA boating news net
"CEO confidence jumped in the second quarter of 2009 to 55 after dropping to a record low in the last quarter of 2008. Thirty-two percent of CEOs stated conditions had improved from six months ago, compared to 0% last quarter. Looking ahead, 55% of CEOs expect conditions to improve in the next six months, compared to 17% last quarter. Forty-five percent of CEOs also anticipate improvement in their own industries, compared to 26% last quarter."
(Source: Conference Board)
Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show receives best attendance since 2003
From Marvac
MARVAC wrapped up its 20th annual Fall Detroit Camper and RV Show in Novi on Oct 4th with a 40 percent increase in attendance. MARVAC Director Bill Sheffer stated "It's been a difficult economic year, especially in Michigan, and to see the number of potential buyers and camping enthusiasts at this year's show helps bring the whole industry's attitude up a level." Issued on 11/9/09
Michigan employers report improved six-month outlook in ASE survey
From Crain's Detroit Business, Dec. 3, 2009
Half of the Michigan employers that responded to a recent survey done by the American Society of Employers say their six to 12-month business outlook has improved over the past six months. Survey results indicate:
• 18 percent of employers plan to increase their hiring in 2010, with 15 percent all employers who responded indicating they expect to do so over the next six months.
• 56 percent have plans to reverse the hiring freezes they started in 2009, many within 12 months.
• 68 percent said they plan on reversing mandatory furloughs within the next nine months.
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