Today I read this on E-Commerce Times…
[The king of the video rental stores, Blockbuster, is struggling for survival as its business model falters against competition from Netflix and Internet distribution of films. Still, the company has managed to persuade lenders to rejigger its financing, holding back the threat of bankruptcy for the time being.]

The explanation cited in the article for Blockbusters demise was the main reasons they are in trouble was because of Internet distribution and sinking franchises. Of course Netflix was also on their blame radar.

Yes, I…

I read today in Yahoo finance the $819 billion House bill, the so-called “Buy American” provision passed Wednesday. It will with some notable exceptions, ensure that only U.S.-produced iron and steel be used for construction. It expands on a 76-year-old federal law. The Senate, which is likely to take up stimulus next week, would go even further, effectively requiring that any products and equipment be American-made.

Of course, the European Commission said it might challenge such a move if it were signed into law. The proposal also appears to fly in the face of a G-20 agreement reached in November, when world leaders decided not to raise new trade barriers in 2009.

Hat’s off to Senator Bryon Dorgan, D-N.D.who wrote the provision.”The Buy American provision will help stimulate our own economy,” he told CNNMoney. “When taxpayer dollars are used, we should urge that money to support the things produced here at home.”

I totally agree with him and others who believe our country should look after ourselves now. We are always helping everyone else in the world (which is something I love about our country) but its time for America to take care of her affairs and her people first or we won’t be around to help others in the world.

Count me in to do everything in my personal power to buy American made products to support American owned business! I for one am pretty tired of our leaders selling out our best interest for special interest. I am not too naive to know foreign powers pretty much own America. But…they don’t own us Americans and I put my money on the American people and the grace God has on us.

How about you? Will you support Made in America?

P.S. Here is the story is you would like to read it…
‘Buy American’ – Sparks Fly

My 2 cents to Donny Deutsch and The Big Idea show tonight…

I soooooo agree with your caller Craig tonight. Why did your guys keep cutting him off? He has brought up a huge issue that hardly gets any air time! When he addressed the issue of what Hershey is doing laying off American workers and moving to Mexico Jeff Macke shoots him down and asks does he want to pay $10 for a candy bar!

That is not the main reason Hershey and almost every big American company in the US has sold their soul abroad. The…

Most of today’s marketing and advertising models fail to engage with consumers, who, as a result, are becoming less brand-loyal and more trusting of each other. A shift in thinking and approach is critical in order for any size business to compete in this new business economy. An emphasis on “connectivity” and “relationship building” is more important than ever for business growth and survival.

The marketing mindset must move to one that shifts from:

• Pushing messages to nurturing consumer connection

• Talking to listening

• Shifting innovation from the top-down to the bottom-up

…