“Wheel of Fortune” or “Jeopardy”?
Retail wheeling, the practice of allowing one utility or power supplier to sell electricity in another supplier’s territory directly to the end user, will affect changes to electric utilities, industrial consumers and residential users once it is introduced to the marketplace.

Where Does the 800-Pound Gorilla Sit?
The Machinists (IAM), Steel Workers (USA), and Auto Workers (UAW) have announced intentions of merging into a powerful giant equipped with increased bargaining power, heightened union negotiating power, and lobbying power. Instead of fighting against each other, unions are now teaming up to take down corporate America.

Full-Steam Ahead for Intermodal
Sharing more of the market and becoming the preferred mode of transportation, intermodal is starting to steal business from the trucking industry. Data are presented showing intermodal market share over time and level of satisfaction versus truck transport.

Ever-Evolving Incentives
An examination of which site selection incentives are most important to industry, including examples of unique incentives offered to selected corporations.

IRA To Nowhere
Saving for retirement is certainly not aided by the government’s IRA program, which fails to adjust for inflation and discriminates against non-working spouses. As medical costs rise and the social security system dies, it is a wonder whether any Americans will have enough money for retirement.

Electricity Futures
The price volatility and homogeneity of a kilowatt-hour make electricity a good candidate for futures trading. If electricity futures work, then it will help manage increased risks and allow for a smooth transition into a more competitive industry.

The Government Downsizing Fallacy
Contrary to popular opinion, state and local governments are adding to their personnel - 1.5% over the past year, mostly due to increases in educational staffing. Texas leads government employment additions while New York leads in cuts.

Legal “Ease”
Companies are slowly beginning to adopt the cafeteria-style plan that includes pre-paid legal aid to employees. This plan covers wills, house closings, divorce proceedings, debt collection problems, and the like.

Federal Regulation—Burden or Blessing?
Federal regulations, particularly environmental, cost businesses $500 billion annually. However, when new technologies and modifications are introduced, the cost of meeting government guidelines is insignificant.