Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll focused on globalization. Would American businesses have proceeded with the transfer of production to lower-cost labor centers outside of the U.S. even if they’d known of the domestic factory shutdowns and unemployment that would result?
Every box of tile has a secret. If you read this entire blog entry and promise not to post bad comments, I’ll tell you what it is. First though, I’ll tell you where it is.
This week, Bloom Energy made ceramics sexy again. The hip, new photo opportunity is to be standing next to a Bloom Box holding a square of tape-cast zirconia.
Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll dealt with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s proposed jobs bill. The majority of readers (64.8%) are not in favor of the bill, while the same number of readers either support the bill or are unsure (17.6% each).
In last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll, we asked readers if they think that the growth illustrated by the recent jump in GDP can be sustained. Do you agree with the results?
As if the housing collapse, lending crisis and general worldwide financial malaise weren’t enough challenges for the brick industry, two news items recently came across my desk that gave me pause.
Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll focused on opportunities for the growth of the ceramic market. Which segment did respondents consider to be the most promising?
In last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll, we asked readers if they felt that the collapse of the housing market was caused chiefly by lax regulation or the failure of the Fed’s monetary policy. What did they say, and which would you choose?
Tile is formed in much the same way that a diamond is formed—through incredible pressure. What takes nature millions of years to achieve underground takes a few seconds in the factory.
Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll focused on portable electronic devices. Of the total respondents, 57.89% regularly use a traditional/standard cell phone, while 42.11% use a smart phone (iPhone, Blackberry, etc.).
I heard the news about Ben Bernanke being named TIME’s Person of the Year for 2009 with a fair amount of trepidation. I’ve had nightmares about him, you see.
Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll asked respondents about their opinion of the current state of the U.S. economy. The majority of respondents (65.8%) rated current economic conditions as “poor.” Do you agree?
We may not admit it, but most of us in the business of turning dirt into tile have just a little bit of pyromaniac in us. Putting on those thick, silver gloves to rescue test samples from the kiln reminds us that we’re playing with fire… literally.
Though 2009 has been a very tough year on a number of levels, we still have much to be thankful for. I’d like to offer a very special thanks from all of us at Ceramic Industry to all of you.
In the CI CyberNews CyberPoll last week, we asked respondents what factor would be the key indicator that the recession is turning around. Do you agree with their assessment?
Our November issue includes articles on nondestructive testing, advances in microwave technologies, and product design software, plus lots more! Be sure to check it out.
I remember when I was six years old and my grandfather asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I looked him in the eyes and with a seriousness that belied my young age, I told him, “I want to be a tile engineer, Grandpa!” OK, so that never happened.
Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll focused on the Obama administration’s plan to require the seven companies that received the most bailout assistance to cut the compensation of their highest-paid executives. Do you agree with our poll respondents?
I attended my first virtual trade show today, and it was definitely an interesting experience. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I was hopeful and looking forward to having access to useful and interesting information without having to leave the office.
On one hand, I’m not at all crazy about the government dictating compensation packages—for anyone. On the other hand, the situation reminds me of the state of my room when I was a teenager.
Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll focused on financial expectations for next year. Overall, respondents expect to be better off in 2010 (31.5% by a little and 21.1% by a lot). Do you agree?
According to a new report from the Economic Policy Institute, the U.S. glass industry lost almost 30% of its workforce from 2001-2008, while glass production in China increased by 67% beginning in 2003.
In a huge surprise, the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Barack Obama. The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”
Of the total respondents, the majority (73.7%) believe that interest rates are artificially low. A smaller majority (57.9%) think that the zero interest rate will lead to inflation, and the same number (57.9%) believe that it’s time for the Fed to boost the rate.
The October issue features a number of articles regarding material advances, as well as industry regulations, glass glazing, refractories and more. Be sure to check out the digital edition as well!
Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll focused on President Obama’s decision to add tariffs for some Chinese tire imports over the next three years. Participants’ opinions were split evenly at 50% for and 50% against the idea.
In last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll, we asked readers about the Obama administration’s new manufacturing “czar,” Ron Bloom. The majority of respondents (88.2%) do not believe that Bloom has the experience necessary to solve the problems faced by U.S. manufacturing.
Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, said earlier this week that the recession is over and that the economy has entered a recovery period. That’s good news, right? Well, unfortunately, he also said that we’re not going to feel like we’re in a recovery for quite a while yet.
This morning, I couldn’t stop imagining a neighborhood made up of 9/11 victims’ families, each home missing at least one someone. The scope of the loss is truly appalling.
Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll focused on the Cash for Clunkers program and the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. Of the two programs, Cash for Clunkers was more popular among respondents and the people they know.
"It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership—the American worker.”
Last week, we asked CI CyberNews readers to share the challenges their businesses are facing in terms of personnel, raw materials and regulations. Here's what they had to say.
In last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll, we asked respondents to share the challenges their businesses are facing in terms of energy costs, health care costs and fair trade impediments. Here's what they had to say.
The CI website will continue to feature each issue’s print content, including feature articles, case studies, columns and more. In addition, each issue is now also available as a complete digital edition!
The majority of CI CyberNews CyberPoll respondents (62.2%) are encouraged by the June increase in new home sales, though some appear to be at least somewhat skeptical.
The CI CyberNews CyberPoll last week focused on the proposed government health insurance plan. Most respondents (79.2%) do not think that the government plan can coexist with private insurance. Do you agree?
Downloadable, printable and fully searchable, digital editions offer yet another vehicle for CI to deliver outstanding content to help our readers succeed.
Last week’s CI CyberNews CyberPoll focused on Wal-Mart’s announcement that it will require manufacturer-provided eco-ratings on all of the products it sells.
Of the total respondents, 82.5% agree that H.R. 2998 is “the biggest job-killing bill that has ever been on the floor of the House of Representatives.”
We’re always looking for new ways to bring all of our readers the latest information they need to be successful in their businesses. Toward that end, we’ve started a new Twitter feed for Pottery Production Practices.
Though the pace of layoffs seems to be slackening somewhat of late, the need for potential additional headcount reductions remains on nearly everyone’s mind. But do layoffs always make financial sense?
Though many (most?) ideas that come from a good brainstorming session really just won’t work, these creative-thinking tsunamis often result in leaps of imagination that provide amazing benefits.
The CI CyberNews CyberPoll from last week asked our readers what factor would be key in getting the economy on track. Of the total respondents, 27.0% chose bank stabilization. What was #1?
I’m so excited about the ideas we’ve been discussing for CI’s various platforms in 2010. It’s going to be a great year, and I’m wondering what suggestions you might have for us?
The CI CyberNews CyberPoll from last week asked our readers if they thought that the stock market is an accurate predictor of economic recovery. Of the total respondents, 60% answered no.
While we’re enjoying this extra break, while we’re having great food and good times with our families and friends, let’s pause and remember why we have these opportunities.
For the next several Wednesdays, we’ll be featuring a multi-part series of articles titled "Are You Doing All You Can to Keep Your Job?" Each installment offers quick tips to help you succeed at work.
If you’re a salesperson or sales manager, the measurement of success can be pretty straightforward. The sales goal is either met or it’s not. For others, measuring success can be a little bit more tricky.
PNNL researchers recently discovered that the smallest nano-sized silica particles used in biomedicine and engineering likely won’t cause unexpected biological responses due to their size.
First things first: it’s Friday, and that’s always good news. On the economic front, CNN reports that “the unemployment rate hit a 25-year high in April, but there were signs of hope..."
If your company is experiencing hard times, remember this simple axiom: profits grow the business while negative cash flows bankrupt it. When you are in survival mode, cash is king and profits are secondary.
As always, this issue includes many informative feature articles—as well as case studies, columns, industry news and more—to help you succeed in your business.
Our IT department has outdone themselves in revamping the home of the online DataBook & Buyers’ Guide. Not only does it look fantastic, but it offers improved functionality as well.
The majority of our readers use social media for keeping up with friends and family (62.5%), while 37.5% use it for networking with colleagues (37.5%). What sites are their favorites?
We’re so excited about the new social media methods we’re using to bring you the latest industry news and information. You can now follow CI on Twitter, connect on LinkedIn and find us on Facebook®.
The CPSC has issued another stay of enforcement for the CPSIA, this time for lead standards regarding youth-model ATVs and motorcycles. As previously reported, this isn’t the first time the CPSC has acknowledged, at least tacitly, that the legislation is flawed.
It’s becoming more clear every day that the sustainability movement is here to stay. Though “greening” our manufacturing operations can cause serious challenges, opportunities abound.
I don’t know about you, but when I see all of that bad news I actually start to feel a little defeated and pessimistic. I have to remind myself that good things are happening everywhere, all the time.
The Fed released a report yesterday indicating some stabilization in the economy. This morning, the Labor Department announced that last week’s new jobless claims were much lower than expected. Is the end finally in sight?
The CI CyberNews CyberPoll last week asked about job furloughs. Of the total respondents, just 20% have not been affected, while the majority (56%) know someone whose job had been furloughed.
An increase in growth initiative spending is expected by 26.7% of survey participants, while 6.7% expect their company’s spending for growth initiatives to decrease this year.
I wake up each and every year on April Fools Day with a feeling of deep trepidation. I don’t like surprises. Well, let me rephrase: It’s not very often that I like surprises.
The CI CyberNews CyberPoll for last week asked respondents if they believed that their business’ sales and ROI/profitability levels would ever return to pre-recession levels.
President Obama is scheduled to sign a $410 million omnibus bill today that will enable the government to operate through the end of the fiscal year. That’s the good news.
Last week's CyberPoll asked CI CyberNews subscribers to look into their crystal ball and predict the length of the recession, both in the U.S. and worldwide. What did they see?
Ceramic Industry’s May 2009 Brick & Clay Record will feature a Brick Industry Roundtable focusing on the challenges faced by the brick industry as a result of the ongoing economic recession. We'd love to hear from you!
I’m thrilled to let you know that our March issue, which is packed with informative and relevant editorial to help you succeed, is now available online.
Last week’s CI CyberNews e-newsletter survey asked “What is your company’s main goal right now?” Avoid layoffs and survival model each received 25% of the responses. The remaining 50% of survey participants chose invest in growth.
Despite the Administration’s various stimulus and bailout packages, no one expects the economy to rebound any time soon. Job losses continue to mount and industrial output just keeps going down.
It’s unanimous: 100% of respondents to last week’s CI CyberNews e-newsletter survey believe that the government has a right to cap executive salaries/bonuses and be involved in other spending decisions for companies receiving Federal stimulus money.
To be fair, the government didn’t really stipulate how the banking industry had to use the money it received through TARP. On the other hand, the package wasn’t called the Gazillion-Dollar Bonus Program or the Woo-Hoo, Let’s Party Fund.
Over 71,000 people lost their jobs yesterday. I have the same feeling now that I get when I hear about a horrible natural disaster: I can’t stop wondering what all of those poor people are going to do.
Everyone at CI is excited about the possibilities that 2009 could offer. We’re looking forward to continuing to bring you the latest news and information to help you succeed.
As the White House continues to consider a bailout package for the struggling auto makers, dealers are complaining that the continuing credit crunch has reduced the number of sales they’re able to close by 20-25%.
I went out to a large discount-type store for groceries and miscellaneous Christmas items last night after work. What I was thinking to venture out there—on a Monday, on the 15th of the Month, during Christmas season—is truly beyond me.
November was truly a dismal month in terms of unemployment, with over half a million jobs lost. Unfortunately, the cuts are proceeding apace in December.
One aspect of Barack Obama’s plan to revitalize the economy will reportedly address the lack of energy efficiency in government and other public buildings.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and we’re happy to bring you great articles on topics ranging from the solar energy market to advanced glass coatings and sputtering innovations.
I noticed early this week that our little town already has all of its Christmas decorations up. I love these decorations, don’t get me wrong, but it’s only the middle of November!
If you’re in the market for a house, now’s the time to start shopping in earnest. Prices are ridiculously low, and—if you could find a bank actually willing and able to offer a loan—you could possibly get the house of your dreams for a song.
According to “Consumers, Brands and Climate Change 2008,” consumers are motivated to address climate change issues, and they believe that doing so will help the economy.
The observance of Veteran’s Day can be traced back to 1919, when Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 Armistice Day to celebrate the end of World War I.
Wherever you fall on the Democrat or Republican scale, whether you consider yourself liberal, moderate or conservative, it must be acknowledged that this is an exciting milestone for our country.
It’s possible that Congress could put together a second economic stimulus package aimed at pulling the U.S. out of what is certainly at this point a recession. Considering the state of the budget deficit, is that really a good idea?
In today’s economic climate, it can be tough to increase sales of even the most high-quality, innovative products. Keeping costs under control is vital to maintaining a healthy bottom line.
I was listening to the radio this morning and
was pleasantly surprised to hear a nice feature about the history and
energy-saving benefits of low-emissivity (low-e) glass.
We finally have some good news out of the
financial sector, as the Dow enjoyed its highest single-day point increase ever
yesterday with a 936-point gain.
In essence, American taxpayers are bailing out the reckless and the greedy, demonstrating once again that being irresponsible in this country has limited consequences.
When I was younger, I distinctly remember shaking my head and rolling my eyes at parents, grandparents and all of the other adults who would always marvel at how fast time went by. I thought they were crazy.
The Average Joe might not be interested in building a new home or remodeling their kitchen or bathroom in this market, but those with plenty of cash to spare are not holding back as much.
Every year, I try to take stock and ponder if I’m better off now than at this time last year. Truth be told, I’ve actually been kind of terrified lately.
The EPA recently launched a new online tool to provide Americans with tips and information on how to save energy and protect the environment in the workplace.
The US-EU Match network "encourages transfers of innovative ideas and technology by helping American companies and research institutes establish links with EU counterparts.”
The National Association of Home Builders will honor excellence in green residential design and construction practices and outstanding green advocacy efforts with the 2009 NAHB National Green Building Awards.
Kevin Costner got by quite nicely with the “If you build it, they will come” concept in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams. Not so with the current housing market.
Our subscription department will soon be removing readers who haven't yet responded to renewal requests in order to make room for new industry professionals.
Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio, recently unveiled a new permanent light installation illuminating its historic glass John F. Wolfe Palm House.
Does anyone else find it just a little curious that the latest Batman movie has made $440 million dollars in less than a month in the midst of what some financial experts are calling a recession?
Recycled glass is used in glass, brick and tile manufacturing, but a major roadblock is that the type of glass needed is not often readily (or cheaply) available.
I’m sure we’ve all seen the same news reports about lessened rates of traffic accidents and fatalities. If that’s not good news, I’m not sure what qualifies.
