Featured Article

Trump’s Tariffs

By Tim J. Smith, PhD March 12, 2025

Trump initiated tariffs with major U.S. trading partners on 1 February, then retracted them on 3 February. Executives across the North American continent expressed uncertainty regarding their preparedness for the possible supply chain and economic shocks. For executives at manufacturing and distribution companies with supply chains that stretch across borders, pricing decisions must be made at a highly accelerated pace to manage the economic shocks associated with new tariffs. Today, more than…

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In This Issue

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Is Starbucks in an Existential Wilderness?

By Tim J. Smith, PhD April 1, 2009

What is Starbucks? Is it a momentary retreat from the stress of work and life? Is it a fast-service coffee chain? Is it a snack shop? Is it a luxury coffee manufacturer? What is Starbucks reason for existence?

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Recession Takes Toll on Brand Values

By James T. Berger April 1, 2009

If you want to see the winners and losers in the current economic downturn, look closely at the 2008 brand valuation numbers produced jointly by Interbrand and Business Week Magazine. Companies suffering on the stock exchange are also taking a beating the calculated value of their brands. Those in distressed industries that are holding their own in sales and profits are likewise holding their own in brand value. New growth companies are picking up the slack and are moving into ever higher positions on the brand valuation scale.

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Opportunities starting to sprout as entrepreneurs pick up the pieces from shattered economy

By James T. Berger April 1, 2009

The funny thing about recessions is that only after you’ve been in one do you realize that it began nearly a year before. The same thing happens when you come out of it. Usually at the most depressing time, the subtle turnaround begins and six to nine months later the, the economic experts will announce the recovery has been here for nearly a year. Like the cliché – it’s darkest before the dawn.

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Wiglaffs

By J.D. Gershbein April 1, 2009

MEET WILL BANTER Meet Will Banter: networker extraordinaire, pay-it-forward specialist, Social Media rock star and purveyor of good karma.  Will is the…

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