AFL-CIO Grades Congressman: 107 in the 108th Get Perfect Score
The AFL-CIO is watching over the U.S. Congress and grading each senator and representative based on whether they vote “right” or “wrong” on key issues of importance to organized labor. An analysis of demographic characteristics unearths some interesting differences between the constituencies of the representatives that tend to vote for or against union-supported legislation.

You CAN Have You Cake and Eat it Too: Novel Real Estate Structure Plows Profit Back to Tenant
The Walker Companies are pleased to announce the creation of an Equity Investment division, which will acquire or develop facilities in second and third tier cities. An innovative deal structure Walker will utilize is creation of a joint venture with the corporate client. Walker will take the primary development risk, but the client, who is the tenant, is also an owner and participates in the cash flow, equity buildup and capital appreciation.

Offshoring of American Jobs: A Political Patsy
Worried that your white-collar job might be exported overseas? Some say it’s the cause of our sluggish economy. However, these statistics are misleading. This article explores the benefits of offshore outsourcing for America.

RFID – The “Wave” (radio that is) of the Future
Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves for product identification. This article explores the positive and limiting characteristics of this technology, which could dramatically reduce labor costs, improve efficiencies in order selection, inventory counts, shipping and receiving and much more.

Free at Last, Free at Last: Tax Freedom Day at 37 Year Low
We all worked for the federal, state, and local government from January 1 through April 11, 2004. According to the Tax Foundation, the average American’s income over the first 100 days of 2004 went to pay federal, state, and local taxes. What’s more, this is the earliest Tax Freedom Day since the 70s, but it won’t last long.

I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up! Union Membership Dips Again
Union membership has been steadily declining over the past 20 years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 13% of all wage and salary workers belong to a union. This analysis gives a state-by-state comparison of union membership as a percent of total employment.

Internet-based Site Search? Please Lower Your Expectations
A recent research study among corporate real estate executives and economic development agencies sheds light on why so few corporate site seekers rely on the Internet as a research tool, and why it’s unlikely to be a valuable aid in the near future.

Profit Floats, Service S(t)inks
As ocean carrier profits rebound, service has deteriorated, according to major importers and exporters. Lately ocean freight companies have gained some measure of profitability, but at a cost in customer loyalty and satisfaction.