The monthly roundup from Editor-in-Chief Susan Sutton.
I was lucky enough to get a new computer a
few days ago, and I think the exhilaration and relief I feel must be akin to a
lottery winner’s. I know the computer won’t solve all of my problems, but it
sure will make them
much easier
to deal with. Finding a new market for your products in this tight economy is a
lot like winning the lottery. You’re struggling, you need a miracle, and
then-bingo-opportunity strikes.
Alternative energy markets are offering the ceramic and glass industries a
number of exciting opportunities. According to one new report, “global energy
consumption will increase by close to 40% by 2030 to nearly 700 quadrillion
BTUs from its present level of 500 quadrillion BTUs.” Since traditional
resources like oil, natural gas and coal are limited-and pricing erratic but
certainly rising overall-new sources of energy are increasing in demand.
While many sources of alternative energy are available (including wind,
nuclear, biofuels and geothermal), “solar energy has long been the most widely
supported alternative energy source, theoretically because it offers the
greatest potential and has an extremely low level of CO
2
emissions.” The key to solar power’s continued implementation is the development
and commercialization of efficient solar cells. Read “Harnessing the Sun” to
discover how your company might be able to tap into the expanding solar power
market.
The December issue also includes our second
Services Directory and Business Guide. Talk
about winning the lottery-finding a dependable service provider can be a
life-saver for many manufacturers. Service providers ranging from attorneys and
consultants to firing, lab and processing experts are all included in our handy
annual reference tool.
The Address Index includes complete supplier contact information and a brief
description of the services offered by each company, while chart-style listings
specify each service provider’s area(s) of expertise in an easy-to-read format.*
In addition, be sure to visit the
Services Directory online at
www.ceramicindustry.com/servicesdirectory for links to service
providers’ websites and e-mail addresses.
The
Business
Guide includes several articles that aim to help
manufacturers operate more efficiently and effectively. I’m excited to announce
that a new column called “Business Briefs” is debuting in this issue.
Refractory industry veteran Thomas Maskell discusses “Thinking Outside the Box”
in this first installment.
Subcontractors can offer varying degrees of services depending on a
manufacturer’s particular needs. “Subcontracting 101” defines the concept and
parameters of subcontracting relationships while offering advice to both
manufacturers and subcontractors. One positive aspect of today’s high
unemployment rate is that the pool of available personnel is broad and deep.
Learn how to find and manage the best new hires in “Recruitment Fundamentals."
And finally, “IP Protection of Ceramic Creations” discusses how intellectual
property protection can help manufacturers improve their competitiveness.
Despite the economic turmoil and uncertainty that swirls around us these days,
I hope that all of us can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with our
families. Best wishes to you and yours from everyone at
Ceramic Industry.
*Listings indicate paid advertising. Contact
Ginny Reisinger at
reisingerg@bnpmedia.com or (614) 760-4220 for pricing and additional details.
Links
