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June 16, 2009
With the recent passage of SB 2499 (“Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2009”), all businesses with exposure to tort claims–including personal injury claims–need to be keenly aware of Medicare’s reimbursement rights. Medicare’s reimbursement rules are changing, and businesses should consider modifying their liability and settlement strategies....
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June 13, 2009
For better or worse, the headlines in today's WDweekly present a real snapshot of the today's economic landscape. Read just about any forecast or outlook today, and it will likely include a mix of optimistic signals that the worst is over, but also cautionary notes that the struggles will continue for some time before the economy can truly be considered healthy.
Among this week's stories, I was...
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June 1, 2009
Nothing feels better to me than the beginning of summer. And from an industry perspective, it’s great to see things warming up a bit. With the spring came news that workers were returning to window and door plants, and I suspect many distributors and dealers brought back employees as business picked up in the office and in the field.
Whether you attribute the increase in activity to normal...
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May 26, 2009
As consumer product companies embrace the reality of empowered consumers and the Internet-enabled world, many have been moving to an “open innovation” product development model, report Pat Conroy and Art Ash of Deloitte LLP. This model is based on the idea that information can now be gathered on a mass scale by using both external (end users, suppliers, academia, etc.) and internal (...
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May 13, 2009
Given the worldwide concern over the environment, pollution levels and global warning–and the increasing political and government involvement in these areas–it's no surprise that consumers have an increasing interest in "green" building.
However, caution and care should be implemented by all involved, given the increasing frequency of claims and litigation arising from...
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May 12, 2009
House Majority Leader John Boehner visited Deceuninck North America this week. His district includes Monroe, Ohio, where the vinyl extruder is one of the largest employers, so he has good reasons to visit the company, learn more about its operations, and hear its concerns.
This is the latest example of what appears to be a trend–our industry speaking up more to Washington officials. Viwinco...
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April 22, 2009
Happy Earth Day. It's April 22 and millions of people will be marking the occasion by talking about the environment, global warming, recycling, and more. Many companies are marking the occasion too. What about your company? That's our poll question of the week.
Why do I ask? I guess to see just how many window and door companies are truly embracing "green." Most companies in our...
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March 12, 2009
As a candidate, President Obama promised "change." Although I don't necessarily think it came from the White House, "change" is now evident in the window and door industry.
The change is being applauded by many. With the enactment of the stimulus package, there is now a real tax incentive for homeowners to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes. Manufacturers and...
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March 2, 2009
In an effort to boost the sagging economy and further political agenda items, President Obama and Congress recently enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. One notable element of that legislation is the energy efficient home improvement tax credit.
Under the Internal Revenue Service code, purchase of exterior windows and/or exterior doors that improve energy efficiency of...
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February 24, 2009
In Tucson last week, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association outlined plans to get its members' voices heard in Washington. Given the industry grumbling about the last minute shift in window, door and skylight tax incentive requirements in the stimulus bill, I suspect some wish our industry’s presence was already stronger there.
Would a stronger industry lobbying effort...
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