Details Matter
Experts predict U.S. manufacturing surge—how might this impact your business, and are you ready?
By Karol Aure-Flynn, Entira
After decades of a diminishing manufacturing base in the United States—manufacturing jobs dropping from a peak of nearly 20 million in 1979 to 12 million currently—headlines and reports predicting a "renaissance" of U.S. manufacturing have attracted a lot of attention over the past year. Premised on the diminishing gap between Chinese and U.S. wage levels, driven by double-digit annual growth of average Chinese wages in addition to currency values, the forecast suggests that conditions will become favorable for companies to reverse the trend of manufacturing in China and return production to the United States in specific sectors and geographies over the next several years.
As always, it is the details that matter. Some reports are indicating that in the final quarter of 2011, sectors with relatively lower levels of labor-intensive production processes and modest volumes (such as household appliances, construction equipment, and furniture) will begin to see manufacturing benefits in the United States, especially those combined with higher inventory and shipping costs. In addition, certain states in the Southeast and Central Plains are aggressively positioning themselves as favorable targets for re-location with incentives and attractive business environments. Savvy players in U.S. agriculture will be paying attention.
The development or return of manufacturing opportunities is absolutely good news for the U.S. economy and job creation. At the same time, the areas where manufacturing opportunities are expected to increase are also areas where agriculture is an important–and sometimes dominant–player in the economy. A rapid influx or increase in manufacturing will impact the equilibrium of a region, with far-reaching impacts on resources, infrastructure and the labor market. Agricultural businesses and their farmer-customers with ties to these regions must be prepared. [Read More...]
Beyond Chocolates and Trade Show Freebies
By LeAnne Philips, Entira
As another fall harvest comes to a close, many agribusiness companies are turning their attention to the winter meeting and trade show season. While you are putting the final touches on this year's plans, consider this scenario: Your marketing team has recommended a meeting with more than 500 top customers and influencers, complete with top speakers, receptions, a closing banquet, premium gifts, trade show displays and door prize giveaways. They’re going all out to impress these customers with the organization’s professionalism and leadership. It looks great on paper until you realize that nearly half of the attendees will leave the meeting without receiving a single positive marketing message about your company.
Sound far-fetched? Maybe not. After a few recent experiences and conversations with my colleagues, I’d like to propose that it is actually far too common in agriculture today.
I’ve had the opportunity to play nearly every role at ag industry events and trade shows: reporter, meeting planner, trade show worker, PR rep … basically everything but keynote speaker. Since we moved to my husband’s family farm a few years ago, I’ve also attended meetings in a new role: spouse of a farmer. And, what an eye-opener it has been. [Read More...]
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