July 8, 2004

Inside Veritas -
Article 1 - “Big 3” Still Losing Market; But Find New Ways to Move Jobs
Article 2 - Notes of Interest
Article 3 - Building Homes with Robotic Labor?
Article 4 - Taxation and Finance - Audits — New IRS Audit Initiatives
Article 5 - May Auto Sales Up?
Association News Update From Laura
Economic Update - Jobs’ data raises political concerns
BS: Still about Nothing in particular
Housing Industry Update

Would you like to see a previous Veritas Issues? Click Here

“Big 3” Still Losing Market; But Find New Ways to Move Jobs

In the midst of excitement at January’s Detroit auto show opening, General Motors was optimistic about raising it’s U.S. market share back toward the 30% level. Now, six months later, it’s share is heading in the opposite direction.
The auto industry headlines last week focused on the 2% decline in June sales. However, it was only a “decline” for GM and Ford, as the rest of the “major” players showed a rise in activity. And, if we look at the industry from a “year-to-date” perspective, we find sales up 2.3%, with only Ford lagging behind ‘03’s first half.
But from a local perspective, the danger is evident, because “Detroit” auto makers continue to lose their share of the market while Japan’s “Big 3” (Toyota, Honda, and Nissan) experience soaring growth. As the U.S. companies’ share fell by 1.8%, the 3 Japanese firms gained 2% and now share 25.7% of the American market. And, with the exception of Mazda, we have relatively few Michigan residents employed by Japanese auto makers.
But market share isn’t the only threat to U.S. jobs. Last month, in a feature titled ”Car makers set targets that force firms offshore,” the “Wall Street Journal” focused on GM and Ford using “Chinese auto-parts suppliers as a global benchmark” for prices on auto components such as, “electric-wire cables, radios, speakers, small motors, brakes, suspensions and aluminum wheels.” The companies take the cost of buying the component from China, then tell their domestic suppliers to meet it, or lose their contract.
While building components in China has obviously higher shipping costs, it’s the labor costs that give the most populous nation the advantage; and a big one at that. While China’s average wage cost is 90 cents an hour, the U.S. average is $22.50. So, it’s little wonder that U.S. imports of Chinese automobile parts rose from $200 million in ‘98 to $1 billion last year (up 400%).
The article noted that “ultimately, the only way for U.S. suppliers to match their China-based rivals, is to become more ‘Chinese’ themselves, either by moving jobs there, or by acquiring a majority of subcomponents from Chinese suppliers.” It told of Delphi saving as “much as 40% by shifting production” to Asia. And, it tells of Summit Polymers, a Kalamazoo company that is looking at buying Chinese molds, or shifting some production there.
“Wall Street” also referred to a study by Roland Berger (Strategy Consultant) claiming “133,000 jobs, or 16% of the (parts industry) labor pool disappeared over the past four years” due to higher productivity and shifting jobs to lower cost countries.” And, the same study says a "further 127,000 (18% of those that remain)" will be gone by 2010.

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Notes of Interest

Coming September 30th - Mark LaLiberte One of the nation’s most inspiring lecturers, on building of energy efficient, healthy homes — brought to BAMF by Andersen Window and C&L Ward Bros. At the Holiday Inn, Thursday (9/30)

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The NAR reported existing home sales hit their second highest rate in history in April, at 6.64 million units, bring the annual rate of sales for the year to 6.31 million, or 3.5% higher than the year end record set in ‘03. April was the 10th consecutive month sales topped the Six million rate, a level never hit prior to last July.

# # #

We saw an interesting release of Agriculture Department data which, although preliminary, suggests their really isn’t much evaporation of farms or farm land in Michigan. In fact, if one believes the department, there may be a resurgence of small farms. From 1997 to 2002 the state only “lost” 246 of 53,519 “farms” (whatever is considered a “farm”). That’s a decline of less that 0.001% per year. But it shows farms 10 to 50 acres grew by 3,451 (22.6%), while farms over 2,000 acres grew by 32.4%.

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Building Homes with Robotic Labor?

An NBC “Nightly News” report June 26th featured Behrokh Khoshnevis, Professor of Industrial Engineering at Southern California, who is developing a robotic building system. The professor believes that, “by the end of 2005,” robots will be able to “construct a one-story, 2000 square foot home on site in a single day.” Khoshnevis’ robot “deposits” layers of wall, first with exterior layers, then fills the cavity with concrete or “other filler material.” Of course, we’re anxious to see the robot deal with a building inspector who "red tags" his job!

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Taxation and Finance ---- Pay Now ... or, Pay Later?

If you've ever sold appreciated property and been paid for it over several years, you are probably familiar with the tax law's installment sale rules. They allow you to report your gain in stages, as you receive payments from the buyer, instead of reporting the whole gain in the year of sale.
The installment method usually works well from a cash flow standpoint. After all, why pay taxes today on money you haven't even received yet? But you shouldn't automatically use the installment method. Sometimes, electing to report the gain up front makes more sense.
For most individual taxpayers, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains is currently 15%. (Higher rates apply in some instances.) But it will return to its former level (generally 20%) after 2008. If your sale is structured so that you'll receive large payments after 2008, you could save taxes by reporting your whole gain in the year of sale.
In addition, the tax law lets you offset the year's capital gains with capital losses and include only the net amount in your taxable income. So, if you have an offsetting loss in the year you sell your property, you'll probably win the tax game if you report the whole gain on your return that year.

R, P & T

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May Auto Sales Up?

U.S. auto sales were up 3.4% last month, in comparison to May ‘03, depending on your definition of “U.S.,” as Bill Clinton might say. While the American “Big 3” had a combined rise of 2,000 vehicles, the Japanese “Big 3” (Honda, Nissan and Toyota) experienced an increase of 39,000 units. Furthermore, Korea’s “Big 3,” (Kia, Hyundai & Suzuki) saw sales up by more than 10,000 vehicles.
Of the U.S. companies, General Motors’ sales were up 2.6%, but its gain of 11,000 was offset by a Ford sales decline of the same amount. Chrysler was up the other 2,000 units (0.7%).
So, with those numbers, it’s hardly a surprise the “Big 3’s” market share continued its decline, responsible for just 58.7% of May’s sales, which was 1.6% below the May ‘03 figure. Japanese companies, on the other hand, 30.8%. And, from a year to date perspective, the “Big 3” don’t fare much better. Their collective January - April market share has fallen another 1.1% since the same period in ‘03, while the Japanese are up 1.7%, as Nissan and Toyota have experienced a combined increase of 2%. While Nissan continues the fastest growing pace (its share of the market’s up 24%), Toyota is now just 2.5% short of its bid to become the nation’s # 3 auto maker.
In looking at previous year’s data, it appears the gap between the two was 5.4% at this time in ‘02, and 3.6% a year ago. And, in comparison to the first five months of last year, Chrysler’s sales are up by 17,600 units, Toyota’s by 86,000.

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Beyond Seinfeld: It’s still about "Nothing" in particular

Dumbest Marketing Move in Major Corporate History

Miller Brewing thought it had a catchy idea: Attack the “King of Beers” under the premise Monarchies are “Un-American.” So, unlike Budweiser, Miller would run for “President.” But the challenge opened Miller to a counter charge that, the brewer is not only less filling, it’s less American. We learned, through Bud’s counter, Miller “can’t be President” since it’s owned by South African breweries.
So, Miller’s attempt at patriotic mockery backfired immediately. However, we think “Bud” could have struck another severe blow by reminding “American” beer drinkers that it’s ‘Nextel Cup’ car is American as “Baseball, Hot Dogs and Apple Pie!” Miller Lite’s car company is American as U-Boats and Blitzkriegs!

"Seinfeld" Briefs:

“I’m George W. Bush and I approved this message.” But did he listen to it?
Throughout the final half of June, an “optimistic” ad ran (almost continuously) stressing the economic recovery. And, its highlight was “10 consecutive months of economic growth.” Problem is, at the time, the economy had grown for ten consecutive quarters (30 months). It makes us wonder if “Bush/Cheney ‘04” and Miller Breweries share the same ad agency.
# # #
Michael v. Mel: Some predict the “Best Picture” Oscar will go to Mel Gibson for “Passion of the Christ” or Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11. If nothing else, they can compete for a special Oscar for pre-opening Hype! But we can’t help but see this contest as a war for the image of “Hollywood." Will it be Michael or Mel? At a time when we find plastic surgeons drawing a larger TV audience than most dramatic series, Michael Moore’s success may severely damage the validity of half the “reality” shows on TV ... that is, unless he becomes fodder for a male version of the “Swan,” or, at least, “Extreme Makeover.”
# # #
May brief revisited. Two months ago we questioned if a WRIF report claiming a “Girls of Home Depot” pictorial in Playboy was legit? Well, Tuesday morning the CNN web site said the pictorial is posted on Playboy .com, and included this photograph of “Rachel Parks,” who says she’s a “Supervisor” for the company (no price set on the ladder). CNN also noted that Playboy’s web editor, John Thomas, said 400 Home Depot employees answered the magazine’s “casting call.”

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Association News and Events by Laura

New Members'
Applications

Saratoga Homes
Steve Arabbo
Sponsor: Larry Corbett

Wrightway Heating & Cooling
Joe Wright
Sponsor: Tim Glavin

2004 BAMF GOLF OUTING

Golf Outing’s Sold Out - as has be-come the custom, the Association’s annual golf outing, set for August 9th at Flushing Valley, sold out by the middle of June. We’ve created a waiting list in case there are cancellations — if you want on the waiting list, call the BAMF office at 810.603.2200.

Fall “Parade of Homes” contracts were mailed to prospective participants in late June. The event will open Saturday, October 9th, and run through Sunday, October 24th, with normal hours (weekends - noon to six; Thursdays and Fridays - 4 p.m. to 7p.m).
The entry fee is $2,700 ($1,850 for additional entries by the same builder). The first entry deadline is Wednesday, July 21st! After that date, the fee rises by $200 per home.
If you don’t have a contract and wish to participate, call the association office. # # #
And, along with the Parade, Housing Quarterly advertising contracts for the Fall issue were mailed July 6th, to previous and prospective advertisers.
As always, we ask those who are planning on taking full color ads to let us know of their intentions early, so we can assure accommodation.
On a special note, we’ve redesigned the editorial pages for the fall issue, and are confident it will be the most appealing issue ever. Again, if you haven’t received an HQ contract, but wish to advertise, give us a call.
# # #
The Michigan Association of Home Builders’ (MAHB) board of directors will vote on raising your dues at its summer convention next week. Currently, your MAHB dues are $61. Their leadership’s plan is to raise them to $80 which, when coupled with the final leg of the National Association’s dues increase, means you will pay a total of $230 to MAHB and NAHB...local dues would stay at $279.

Economic Update: Jobs’ data raises political concerns

This morning, a business reporter on CNBC asked what was, previously, an unthinkable question: Would George W Bush be the first president in memory to face reelection with 4 years of negative jobs’ data? The question emphasizes concerns in the investment community regarding the coming election, raising doubts about the president’s electability and fears of the alternative.
While the economy had been creating jobs at a rate of 200,000 per month, the weak June employment report had economists reeling. With a consensus of analysts forecasting roughly 250,000 new jobs, the Labor Department report showed less than half (112,000). Furthermore, the department downgraded its growth estimates for April and May by 35,000.
What we found particularly notable in the jobs’ report, was an 11,000 decline in manufacturing jobs. It was the first time since January that factories cut employment, and it comes despite the fact that the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing employment index showed growth for the 8th consecutive month.
Heading into 2004, the nation’s jobs were roughly 2.4 million short of their level when the current administration took office, and remained roughly 1.1 million short at the end of June. So, it will take the creation of 275,000 jobs per month to get back to the “break even” point by the November election.
So, as the employment concerns hit an investment community that’s fearful of a Kerry presidency, we find a proverbial “double edged sword” is evident. If the financial markets continue in their doldrums, the impact on Bush’s reelection can be fatal. Not only will he have to face an electorate with virtually no job growth throughout his term, he’ll be looking at investors who have suffered throughout thr period.
Even if we avoid comparisons of the NASDAQ index, which was victim to, what Fed Chairman Greenspan called, “irrational exuberance,” in the 1990s, we find the Dow Industrial average down 5.3% since the end of 2000, and the Standard and Poors’ 500 down a whopping 16.3% since Bush took office. So, without a substantial rally in the stock market prior to November, not only can the Kerry-Edwards team attack on the jobs’ issue, they can use equity prices to their advantage. So, investors’ concerns about the possibility of a Kerry presidency may actually make that “possibility” a probability.
Economic Notes:
Though a lower than expected rate of consumer spending is partially responsible for lower 1st quarter growth, the end of the 2nd quarter saw a big jump, as June’s data came in with an increase of 1%, well above the 0.7% forecasted.
# # #
A measure of consumer confidence hit a five month high last week. The ABC/Money magazine Consumer Comfort Index rose 3 points in the week ending July 4th, meaning the index has risen 12 points in three weeks.
# # #
On June 16th the Federal Reserve reported Industrial Production surged a surprising 1.1 percent in May, the biggest rise in six years. The report was in line with the continued growth in the ISM manufacturing index.

Housing Activity Records Abound

As nearly everyone is aware, single family housing activity set records across the proverbial board last year, virtually smashing previous peaks. Well, through the first five months of 2004, the record pace has accelerated. In May, new homes sold at a 1.369 million unit pace, well beyond the record set in March, while existing homes reached a new record rate of 6.8 million. And single family starts were at 1.64 million, just short of last November’s pace.
The data represent the 12th consecutive month the starts’ rate was over 1.5 million, and unheard of number prior to the 21st century; the 11th consecutive month existing sales’ rates broke 6 million (sales hit 4 million for the first time in ‘96, five million in ‘99); and the 22nd time in 23 months new homes sold above the 1 million pace. But what’s most notable about the May data are the actual numbers in comparison with last year’s record pace. For example, U.S. Department of Commerce data suggest new home sales hit 554,000 January through May, 23.7% above last year’s record pace. And, single family starts are up 15.2% from ‘03’s pace, at 652,000.
As you can see in the corresponding charts, ‘04’s single family activity has beaten last year’s pace in each month (in-cluding December ‘03 v ‘02).
Local Housing
Regionally, permit authorizations for single family and condominium homes are up 17.3% from the first five months of ‘03, according to Housing Consultants. However, Genesee Co. is only 11.5% ahead, as Grand Blanc continues to lead the way with 129 units (HC now combines township and city).
However, Fenton (37), Linden (42) and Fenton Twp. (60) continue to have the most active community, at 139. Mundy (98) and Davison (85) Townships were the 2nd and 3rd leading authority, followed by Burton.
Michigan
The Commerce Department estimates single family permit authorizations at 17,175 across the state, up 11.3% from January through May of ‘03; while total permits are up 7.7% from last year’s pace.

Housing Notes: An interesting report from Fannie Mae suggests there’s a “downside” from the soaring rate of homeownership. It note the rise in “urban minority home ownership has been accompanied by an even greater surge in the number of people ‘straining’ to pay for their homes.” According to the study, 39% of black homeowners are spending at least half their income on housing, and the number of Latino homeowners with severe affordability problems nearly doubled during the 1990s.
# # #
Of course, there are some communities where homeownership can bring hardship to most buyers. The Wall Street Journal listed ten zip codes in Metro areas with a median income of $40,000, along with the average home sale price in the area. The highest price (NY 10128) was $753,000, the lowest (Phoenix 85044) is $220,000. The mid point was between Philadelphia (19106 @ $420,000) and Danvers (MA - 01923 @ 336,200).
# # #
From ‘95 to ‘01, homeowners under age 65 spent over $2,000 on home improvements annually according to Harvard’s “Joint Center for Housing Studies.” Consider the impact on real appreciation!

Look Here for Previous Issues of Veritas

Volume 16 Issue 6 June 7, 2004 - Articles include (1st Quarter Metropolitan Price Data Raises Serious Questions,
What about North America’s Border War?, May Auto Sales Up?, “Pistons:” Economy’s Last Defense?)
Volume 16 Issue 5 May 14, 2004 - Articles include (Parade Opens: Response defies weekend's stormy weather, Awesome Facility sets up “Empire” to Strike Back, New IRS Audit Initiatives, Jobs strong for 2nd month; Rates?)
Volume 16 Issue 4 April 14, 2004 - Articles include (Proposal “A” 10 Year Coverage Lacked Sense of Facts; History,
Builders Note: Grand Blanc Sewer/ Water; Mich. Code, State Funding Begets Desperation)
Volume 16 Issue 3 March 5, 2004 - Articles include (4th quarter existing home prices plunge while home values soar, Warning! OSB Price Replay?, Auto Sales: Still the Same Old Story, Audits — New IRS Audit Initiatives)
Volume 16 Issue 2 February 6, 2004 - Articles include (Vehicle Sales Tell Different Story, Taxation and Finance - Supplying a Company Auto to Employees, Growth strong; but those markets?)
Volume 16 Issue 1 January 7, 2004 - Articles include (Treasury “Witch Hunt” Targets Michigan’s Builders, Building Remains Target, Price v Value May Suggest “Base” Interest Rate, Keeping “growth” in perspective )
Volume 15 Issue 16 December 2, 2003 - Articles include (Michigan’s home appreciation still lags behind the nation, Housing Industry News Briefs — November, New tax revisions make year end review particularly important in ‘03)
Volume 15 Issue 15 October 30, 2003 - Articles include (Grand Blanc Moratorium Ends as BAMF Accepts Twp. Agreement, Regarding Veritas’ Schedule, Tax Act of 2003 — Dividends and Capital Gains Rate Reductions)
Volume 15 Issue 14 September 2, 2003 - Articles include ( Meeting will Focus on Michigan Land Use Council’s Report,
Maybe Warren Buffett has a Point; California Property Taxes too Low?, Business and Nonbusiness Bad Debts)
Volume 15 Issue 13 August 18, 2003 - Articles include (No surprise as Land Use Council Ignore’s Causes of Urban Decline, “Peoples’ Republic” Jumps First; Ann Arbor Plans Green Belt “Mote”, Selling Investment Property)
Volume 15 Issue 12 July 30, 2003 - Articles include (Brace Yourself: “Land Use Council” Report Coming in August, Sprawl and “Flynt’s” growth industry, Gephardt: New "Monarch" in Waiting, Signs point to improvement -- but!)
Volume 15 Issue 11 July 8, 2003 - Articles include (Faulty Federal Jobs’ Data May Invigorate “Anti-Sprawlers”, “Metro Home Sales Sputter”, Gephardt: New "Monarch" in Waiting, Investment Property, Employment Degeneration Continues)
Volume 15 Issue 10 June 24, 2003 - Articles include (Habitat House Dedicated; Case Family Become Homeowners, “Metro Home Sales Sputter”, “Mein Kampf” Dogma Evident In Sprawl; Smoking Attacks)
Volume 15 Issue 9 June 3, 2003 - Articles include (House Deflation: Economists haven’t figured it out yet,
‘03 Tax Bill — Breaks for Individuals, Growth ; manufacturing; deficits )
Volume 15 Issue 8 May 14, 2003 - Articles include (CCIF Decision Critical for Fight Against Anti-Sprawl Forces, Auto, Prices and other briefs, Myron Orfield: U-M’s Second Coming of Ed Martin?, Economy sluggish but still growing)
Volume 15 Issue 7 April 23, 2003 - Articles include (April Speaker to Focus on that Chronic Building Crisis, Water rates; autos and other briefs, MAHB’s Policy; The Irony of it All, Auto industry impact really shows )
Volume 15 Issue 6 April 3, 2003 - Articles include (Granholm Enlists her “Republican Guard” in War on Sprawl (action needed), Changes in the Michigan Single Business Tax, War news impact beats economics)
Volume 15 Issue 5 March 17, 2003 - Articles include ( Newly Published OFHEO Data Highlights Impact of Proposal “A”,
MAHB’s Policy; The Irony of it All, Promotional Expense Deduction Limit, Weak jobs' data shakes confidence)
Volume 15 Issue 4 March 3, 2003 - Articles include (8 month nightmare could soon be over with County bond resolution, MAHB’s Policy; The Irony of it All, Now business side showing strength)
Volume 15 Issue 3 February 12, 2003 - Articles include (Biggest “Exhibitors’ Night” Ever!, Crisis Management Plans for 2003, Sewer and Water Update, So, the jobless rate dropped 0.3%?)
Volume 15 Issue 2 January 23, 2003 - Articles include (Tell Your Story! Meeting to Focus on Sewer/ Water Impact, Local activity skewed by “Top 20”, What’s with these local rentals?, Sewer/Water Focus Shifts to County)
Volume 15 Issue 1, January 8, 2003 - Articles include (Granholm’s dilemma: Can’t slow “sprawl” and balance the budget,
GM gains market share again in ‘02, What’s with these local rentals?, Crisis Management Plans for 2003, Sewer/Water Focus Shifts to County, Manufacturing sets off stock rally)
Volume 14 Issue 22, December 19, 2003 - Articles include (Health Benefits’ Costs Up 14.7% in ‘02; A drag on employment?, BAMF/Habitat for Humanity: In Progress on Nichols Ave, Health Insurance: It’s “Deja Vu”, Planning 2002 Stock Capital Losses)
Volumce 14 Issue 21, December 3, 2002 - Articles include (3rd quarter appreciation down slightly: “Flint” leads Michigan, Planning 2002 Educational Expenses, Sewer and Water Update, Confusion adds to confidence woes )
Volume 14 Issue 20, November 13, 2002 - Articles include (Guess who’s under attack from California’s environmentalists?
2002 Elections’ Anecdotes, Planning 2002 Educational Expenses, Pretty Quiet for an Election Year)
Volume 14 Issue 19, October 29, 2002 - Articles include (New Home Sales break record for second consecutive month
Leadership Set for 2003, Cost Segregation, Pretty Quiet for an Election Year, Housing impact even more dramatic)
Volume 14 Issue 18, October 10, 2002 - Atricles include (Steve Easley to Speak: “Mold and Mildew, a Growing Concern”, Area’s Industry was Base for WSJ article, Options for Business Auto Expenses)
Volume 14 Issue 17, September 24, 2002 - Aricles include (“Habitat House” taking shape after active framing weekend, Moratorium Still in Affect, Squeezing Small Builders, When legal action’s the only alternative)
Volume 14 Issue 16, Septenber 9, 2002 - Articles include (Jeff Wright to speak: Moratorium, water line, head 9/18 agenda
Squeezing Small Builders, Your Company's Business Plan: Roadmap to Success, Jobless rate falls, so does confidence)
Volume 14 Issue 15, August 22, 2002 - Articles include (Despite denials, housing "bubble" could burst; but probably not here, Sewer/Water Moratorium, Education Savings Program, Indict Secretary "Don" Evans,Was Commerce "cooking" the books?)
Volume 14 Issue 14, July 30, 2002 - Articles include (MAHB directors run for cover on statewide sewer and water crisis,
Sewer/Water Moratorium, Three Critical Primary Races, Weak employment - weak confidence)
Volume 14 Issue 13 July 16, 2002 - Articles include (Moratorium draws focus to statewide sewer and water crisis, The Feeling of Helplessness, Job Applicant Background Check, Insurance Premiums Choking Employment?)
Volume 14 Issue 12 June 25, 2002 - Articles include (Your health insurance premiums now finance European socialism,
After 12 Painful Years, Relief on the Architects’ Seal, Financial Records' Retention, Insurance Premiums Choking Employment?)
Volume 14 Issue 11 June 6, 2002 - Articles include (The "Real" winners in Income Growth: Gaines/Argentine Twps,.Census exposes "Farm" legend, Financial Records' Retention, Dollar's decline is cause for concern)
Volume 14 Issue 10 May 29, 2002 - Articles include (Revenue Sharing: What the State Withholds; Housing can Give Back, Cancellation of network news?, New 2001 Audit Statistics, Road Commission's Subdivision Development Progress online)
Volume 14 Issue 09 May 9, 2002 - Articles include (Farm Bill Legacy: As Always, Policy Comes in Second to Politics,
Court Strikes Rogue Law, Home Office Deduction Rules, Growth Up; Jobs Down; Markets Schizoid)
Volume 14 Issue 08 April 29, 2002 - Articles include (Sewer and Water Capacity: The Primary Issue for Michigan Growth, “Fortune” knows “Flint” 2002, Employees Called to Active Duty, Local Existing "Prices" Soar)
Volume 14 Issue 07 April 3, 2002 - Articles include (Can't clone your best employees? profiling can be the next best option, What about North America's Border War?, Local Existing "Prices" Soar)
Volume 14 Issue 06 March 20, 2002 - Articles include (Michigan's leadership in home appreciation values seems over,
"Max Bickford" Educates America on Sprawl, Early Withdrawal from Individual Retirement Accounts)
Volume 14 Issue 05 March 5, 2002 - Articles include (When National Retailers Bring About Blight, Rules for Deducting the Cost of Computer Software, Home Builders’ Liability Crisis, Is it “Dewey Defeats Truman;” Circa ‘01?)
Volume 14 Issue 04 February 20, 2002 - Articles include (Little Change in Local Housing Trends as South/East Dominate, Independent Contractors; how to classify workers,Warning! Grand Blanc Builders)
Volume 14 Issue 03 February 5, 2002 - Articles include (More than thirty exhibits set for fifth annual “exhibitors’ night”,
Need a different type of economic thinking, Benefit: Group - Term Life Insurance, Reality: area activity fell in ‘01)
Volume 14 Issue 02 January 23, 2002 - Articles include ( Local housing data surprises, Local affordability slips in Housing Opportunity Index, ‘02 Rates for Mileage; FICA threshold, As signs point up; why the uneasiness? )
Volume 14 Issue 01 January 7, 2002 - Articles include ( Former Governor/Ambassador to speak at January 16th meeting,
State’s #1 in Home Ownership, How times change in 12 years, 1 negative quarter a recession makes?)
Volume 13 Issue 23 December 10, 2001- Articles include (State Housing Activity Plummets in Fall, “Recession” Aside: It’s mostly a banner year for housing, There’s Tax Relief for Bad Debts, 1 negative quarter a recession makes?)
Volume 13 Issue 21 October 31, 2001 - Articles include (State’s New Housing Activity Down 5.8%, A New Danger Lurks in Detroit, Tired of Unsolicitated Mail, Telemarketing and E-mail?, Anti-Sprawl issues take ‘back seat’)
Volume 13 Issue 20 October 18, 2001 - Articles include (Parade shows little fallout from Sept. 11, Most Important Parade: Ever!, Charitable Donations and Tax Deductibility, Anti-Sprawl issues take ‘back seat’ to economics)
Volume 13 Issue 19 October 5, 2001 - Articles include (‘Flint’ area activity still leads the state, Most Important Parade: Ever!, Thought there were no inflation worries?,“big” question; what’s the impact of 9/11?)
Volume 13 Issue 18 September 19, 2001 - Articles include (Housing comes together for victims, The day we learned so much!, Sales and Use Tax for Contractors, What if home prices collapse?, “big” question; what’s the impact of 9/11?)
Volume 13 Issue 17 September 4, 2001 - Articles include (U.S Real Estate values soar 8.6% in Q2, Farmers whine; Americans pay!, New Rules Regarding Making Mid-Year Plan Elections,What if home prices collapse?).
Volume 13 Issue 16 August 17, 2001 - Articles include (Administration imposes 19.3% tariff, Biting the Hand that Feeds You, Assisted living residents’ monthly fee deductibility, Economy weakens and sentiment rises)
Volume 13 Issue 15 August 1, 2001 - Articles include (State Housing activity may be sliding, The industry that defies gravity, BAMF Truck for local events?, GDP falls, but corporate profits could rise)
Volume 13 Issue 14 July 17, 2001 - Articles include (Senate Bill 351 gets immediate effect, Nightmare on Pennsylvania Ave, Education Tax Breaks in 2001 Tax Act, Sprawl Battle: State v County, Vanishing Surplus is story of the week)
Volume 13 Issue 13 July 2, 2001 - Articles include (State/region: single family activity falls, Rulings explain last fall’s “big $”, Employee v. Independent Contractor or ‘W-2 v 1099’, Gasoline Prices + Confidence = Growth?)
Volume 13 Issue 12 June 19, 2001 - Articles include (Did weather hurt existing home sales?, They should read there own paper!, Opportunities & Pitfalls: “Tax Relief Act of ‘01”, Slowdown: continuing or bottomed out?)
Volume 13 Issue 11 June 5, 2001 - Articles include (East Coast/N. Calif: Prices go Wacko, Left Wing Attacks on NAHB Staffer, New Retirement Plan Distribution Rules, Surprise! Confidence up; jobless down)
Volume 13 Issue 10 May 23, 2001 - Articles include (The “New Frontier” of Metro-Detroit?, Census data made economists look like morons, Greenspan limbo: How low will he go?)
Volume 13 Issue 9 May 8, 2001 - Articles include (Spring Parade Opens Saturday, Business News & Issues, Term limits + new salary = pension opportunity, Taxation and Finance, GDP’s growing, and so are jobless lines)
Volume 13 Issue 8 April 24, 2001 - Articles include (Local tax base growth exceeds population, Housing gets its due; but are “they” listening?, Consumers are spending; but business?)
Volume 13 Issue 7 April 2, 2001 - Articles include (County plan calls for $1,000 tap-in Fees, Home values soar; area prices recover, The Equity Affect & America’s Economic Psyche, Michigan Legislative Update)
Volume 13 Issue 6 March 20, 2001 - Articles include (Does “Fed” action impact mortgage, How much power over private business is legit?, MRC Delay: New Target - 7/31, How big will tomorrow’s rate cut be?)
Volume 13 Issue 5 March 5, 2001 - Articles include (State's appreciation rate below U.S. in '00,Venice: A 21st Century Atlantis?/Michigan’s “Greens” take action, Economy: Recalling a mid ‘50s commercial)
Volume 13 Issue 4 February 21, 2001 - Articles include (An historic 1st: Local economy’s in 6 year period of stability,
New housing stand’s alone?, “Triggers” to protect from surplus’ euphoria, Stair Geometry Confusion?)
Volume 13 Issue 3 February 6, 2001 - Articles include (Michigan housing activity off by 1620, Local; Regional permit decline in line with state & nation,“Chrysler” situation brings bad memories, Single State Code Coming May 30th?)
Volume 13 Issue 2 January 16, 2001 - Articles include (New code is focus of 1st meeting of ‘01, Cost of business operations, “Exec” government in county’s best interest, Environmentalists attack Interior nominee)
Volume 13 Issue 1 January 3, 2001 - Articles include (3rd quarter existing home prices soar, Building Officials’ 2 Day Training, Will surging economic fears be self fulfilling?, The big question: soft landing, or recession?)
Volume 12 Issue 23 December 7, 2000 - Articles include ( Time for another burning of “Money?”, Building Officials’ 2 Day Training, Economic expectations often unrealistic, Is the Fed getting ready to cut rates?)
Volume 12 Issue 22 November 16, 2000 - Articles include ( 3rd quarter local data show prices fall, Vehicle sales showing softness, Perhaps election results were definitive, Economy strong amid “modest” slowdown)
Volume 12 Issue 21 October 31, 2000 - Articles include (Building activity down 17.8% thru Sept?, County Leaders deserve reelection, Vote ‘divide and conquer’: its our only hope, Q’3 GDP cools; but is slowdown imminent?)
Volume 12 Issue 20 October 17, 2000 - Articles include (Beyond Prescription Drugs & Education, The $230 billion surplus: real or fantasy?, Looks like growth may well have returned)
Volume 12 Issue 19 October 3, 2000 - Articles include (Campaign: “Housing is Forgotten Issue”, Job Creation study’s analysis ignores local economic reality, Preserve America’s Sanity: End soft money, Poverty low; Spending up; etc)
Volume 12 Issue 18 September 19, 2000 - Articles include(Despite rates, sales still near record, Job Creation study’s analysis ignores local economic reality, Maybe it is time for a County Executive)
Volume 12 Issue 17 September 5, 2000 - Articles include(Area’s “affordability ” continues slide, NAHB comes to S.E. Michigan, Save our forests: Cut rather than burn, Some act like the economy surrendered )
Volume 12 Issue 16 August 15, 2000 - Articles include(County wide home prices fall again, Primary results teach important lesson, Selling Investment Property Like Kind Exchanges, More Indications of cooling economy)
Volume 12 Issue 15 August 2, 2000 - Articles include(Housing starts fall throughout region, Locally, Primaries are crucial,
Surprise: Fieger party attacks high court, Suspicions on Flint sales confirmed, 2nd quarter growth surge puzzling?)
Volume 12 Issue 14 July 17, 2000 - Articles include (Jobs’ discrepancies could be explained, Illinois farm town gives grants to extend “Sprawl”, More proof that BAMF serves the public, Local control or minority rule?)
Volume 12 Issue 13 July 5, 2000 - Articles include ( An end to the claim that housing “costs”, “Suburban Beauty ... Why Sprawl Works”, Taxation and Finance .. by Rachor, Purman & Tucker, Psychotic world of economic analysis)
Volume 12 Issue 12 June 21, 2000 - Articles include (May Housing Activity Declines from '99, Past two weeks said much about the area’s future, Attacking the goose who lays golden eggs, State still tops in appreciation)
Volume 12 Issue 11 June 6, 2000 - Articles include (“How builders buy (political) access, influence", Business Briefs: Sugar update; autos roll on ...,Why Developers Contribute in Local Races, So, the economy’s slowing, you say?)
Volume 12 Issue 10 May 19, 2000 - Articles include (Builders Now Oppose Farm Preservation Bill, Business Briefs: Sugar update; autos roll on ..., Now Rosie’s “My Friend;” Where’s Kathie Lee?)
Volume 12 Issue 9 May 4, 2000 - Articles include (State Windfall from Proposal ‘A’ is Enormous, Business Briefs: Why Agriculture always wins, Parade, Housing Quarterly & Industry Pride, Tax Planning for the year 2000)
Volume 12 Issue 8 April 19, 2000 - Articles include (Town Hall meeting on Sprawl bombs badly, Where Government Appreciates Housing, “Inflation is back!” says Disney News)
Volume 12 Issue 7 April 7, 2000 - Articles include (Final Answer? “Cows don’t go to school.”, Briefs: With local industry impact, Mr. Gore: It's Still "The Economy Stupid!", Equity v Savings; Plastic Timber; & More)
Volume 12 Issue 6 March 15, 2000 - Articles include (State's Home Values soar fastest in U.S., Briefs with local industry impact, Finally, that NIKE factory makes sense)
Volume 12 Issue 5 February 29, 2000 - Articles include ("Sprawl"; Its "costs" may be benefits, Briefs with local industry impact, Policy v Politics: The latter Usually wins)
Volume 12 Issue 4 February 16, 2000 - Articles include (Auto World II? or Legitimate Venture?, Briefs with Local Housing Industry or Economic Impact, The Dilemma that Killed the Coronation)
Volume 12 Issue 3 January 31, 2000 - Articles include (Table Top Exhibitors Nearly Double, Single Family/Condos: Up 14.6%, The "Era of Big Government" is Back!)
Volume 12 Issue 2 January 19, 2000 - Articles include (Local Single Family/Condo Activity Up 9.7%, Special Interest beats another development, Downtown Ramada up for Auction)
Volume 12 Issue 1 January 4, 2000 - Articles include (Local Housing Data Stronger Than Expected, State Code Brings Immediate Change, New Challenges for a Totally Different Era)
Volume 11 Issue 23 December 14, 1999 - Articles include (Housing's Incredible Growth Marked '90s, Proposal A Made Michigan #1, Oh! How U hate to see the nineties go)
Volume 11 Issue 22 November 17, 1999 - Articles include (No Resolution of Single State Code, Water Control in the 21st Century, Term Limits? Bring back the Pros!)
Volume 11 Issue 21 November 2, 1999 - Articles include (Genesee continues to lead region, Governmental Affairs Update, Editorial Credibility: Free Press Blows It!)
Volume 11 Issue 20 October 21, 1999 - Articles include (Single State Code Makes it to Floor, Judge adds $20 million in Novi Case, Government Policy and a fragile economy)
Volume 11 Issue 19 October 5, 1999 - Articles include (NAHB's HOI finds "Flint" at midpoint, Battle over States' Ability to violate Federal Law, Time for a builder/developer President?)
Volume 11 Issue 18 September 16,1999 - Articles include (Sprawl Forum sets agreeable tone, Are we losing another institution?, and Wonder what conference they were at?)
Volume 11 Issue 17 September 1, 1999 - Articles include (County home prices take 12% leap, The Image that just keeps on Haunting, and "A Bumper Crop of Subsidies")