Spending on Water Projects Still Rising But Clouds Loom

Spending on Water Projects Still Rising But Clouds Loom
As concerns grow over water shortages and the quality of
the world's supply, a recent industry survey finds
increased water project spending for 2008 ' but not at the
levels of previous years. And there may be trouble ahead.

According to the survey of 147 professionals working in the
water industry, two-thirds (67%) think water project
spending will increase over the next 12 months ' but that
represents a sizable 14-point drop from the previous survey
in June 2007.

Despite the decline, these results are still relatively
upbeat. However, the survey shows clouds looming over the
industry that could push spending numbers down further '
and they're centered in the U.S.

Zeroing in on the United States

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that 40% of fresh
water consumption in the U.S. is from industrial
applications and that water use normally falls during an
economic recession. Moreover, the stock prices of many U.S.
water utility companies have declined recently on fears of
a recession.

Add to this the findings of our survey, which shows a drop
in the percentage of U.S. water industry respondents who
think project spending will increase over the next 12
months within the private, federal and local government
sectors.

Note the main reason for these more conservative growth
projections is very straightforward: By better than a
2-to-1 margin, industry respondents believe a U.S.
recession would lead to decreased water project spending.

"Investors in water should keep a close eye on water
project spending during a recession," says Josh Levine,
co-editor of ChangeWave Investing. "But our survey also
shows there are still plenty of opportunities out there. In
particular, industry respondents are most excited about two
sectors right now ' Wastewater Treatment and Water
Infrastructure Repair and Replacement. That's where we are
focused."

Respondents were also excited about a short list of top
water companies, with industry behemoth General Electric
(GE) (42%) ranking as the leader. Of course, GE is a huge
conglomerate and water is only a small part of their
business. But there are a handful of other companies
industry respondents cited as having momentum:

- American States Water (AWR) ' the one utility of this
group, engaged in the purchase, production, and
distribution of water for California residential and
commercial customers. California's favorable regulatory
environment and rapidly increasing population bodes well
for the company's future profits.

- Flowserve (FLS) ' a seller of precision-engineered flow
control equipment, Flowserve receives two-thirds of its
business from overseas markets in water as well as other
industries. Lately the company's been on a roll, having
experienced record bookings in 2007.

- Gorman-Rupp (GRC) ' the company's pumps and fluid control
equipment are used in water, wastewater, and other
industrial applications. Gorman-Rupp recently announced a
5-for-4 stock split and is enjoying record sales, a boost
in new orders, and increased penetration within
international markets.

- Calgon Carbon (CCC) ' focuses on purifying water and air
with its granular activated carbon, which is used in the
removal of organic compounds from liquids and gases.
Recently it's been an exceptional performer in the water
group, its shares rising considerably over the past year.

- Nalco Holding Co. (NLC) ' provides water treatment
products and services to prevent corrosion, contamination
and the build up of harmful deposits. Its focus is on
production processes that enhance efficiency and improve
customers' end products.

Ben Franklin stated it clearly more than two centuries ago,
"When the well's dry, we know the worth of water."

And while there may be blips in the rate of water spending
short term, wise investors know that water issues are going
to be with us for centuries to come.

----------------------------------------------------
For the latest ChangeWave news on technology trends and
companies, visit: http://blog.changewave.com
The ChangeWave research network is composed of 15,000
highly qualified business and technology professionals.
Members are surveyed on a range of topics, and the findings
are converted into quantitative and qualitative reports.

How to run a FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN Part 3

How to run a FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN Part 3
What Will Motivate Support for Your Issue or Organization?

Every organization needs support to be a success and
fundraising is no exception. One of the most important
factors in motivating support is how you present - or
market - the need. If a need is presented as something that
touches the person's life in a personal way, then that is a
strong motivating factor. If it is also presented as
something that will fill the need or fix it, then that is
good too, but it depends on what the need is.

As has been mentioned before, many people don't like to
think that they are pouring funds into a black hole that
will never fill. That is, that the need will always exist
no matter how much is given to support it. They prefer to
think that their contribution will play a part in becoming
an answer to the problem, to the point that the need may be
filled at some date in the future.

For instance, to take a simple example would you like to
support a deprived, third world person all of their life -
and remember they will have children who will also require
support - or would you rather help them attain the means of
supporting themselves? If a campaign for supporting third
world persons is aimed at the latter, then many more people
will be motivated to give to it.

Careful strategies must be applied to the fundraising
advertising and media campaigns to motivate people in the
correct way. Another important factor is emotional appeal,
but for the ordinary raffle perhaps the biggest motivator
is to have fantastic prizes.

While some people will be motivated to support your
fundraiser simply because it is a good cause, most people
like to have the chance to win something that they would
never buy for themselves, usually because they can't afford
it. That's why the trailer load of groceries - plus
trailer- is such a good raffle prize. Other good prizes
these days are trips away, even overnight or for the
weekend. The location need not be exotic, but it does need
to be somewhere else than local.

Cars and boats are also prizes that will have people
snapping up tickets, but there are rules and regulations in
each state to govern these kinds of prizes, so be sure you
find out what they are before you start.

Finally, encouragement is a good motivator for your
sellers. Pick a leader who knows how to keep in close
personal contact with your team and encourage them to go
their hardest.

How Will You Communicate Your Message?

A compelling message will communicate your ideals and goals
not only to your helpers but also to the wider community
from which will come your sponsors. Decisions are usually
taken based on emotion rather than logic, so your message
needs to appeal to the emotions and create a compelling
reason why people should act and act now. In these busy
days, you need to be able to present your goals in a clear
and concise way that people can understand with a minimum
of effort.

There are many ways to communicate your message in these
days of modern technology. While a telephone or cell phone
is essential, it is limited because you can only reach one
person at a time with it. You have email with which you can
keep everyone abreast of all developments and any changes
that might occur. Email can be sent to a great many people
all at once, if you have their email addresses.

Snail mail has a part to play also, with real life
addresses much easier to get hold of if you don't know a
person's email address. You can certainly make use of
newsletters, brochures, leaflets and flyers and if you can
get visual aids to go in them, so much the better. Graphics
play an important part of any message and most people will
look at the picture before they read the words around it.
If the picture interests them they will read on.

What about a website? The Internet is often under-used in
this way. Once you have a website dedicated to your cause,
it is simple matter to place the website address on all
your communications. You could even have badges advertising
it.

CDs and videos will also help get the message across. Many
people who have no time to read can listen to a CD on their
way to and from work. Visual learners much prefer to see
something on a video than read about it. Those who work
with computers would find it a simple matter to go to a
website.

How you communicate your message may depend a great deal on
your perceived target market. Students prefer email, but an
older age group may rather receive snail mail. Not everyone
has the time or the will to go to too much trouble to
access your message, so make it as easy as possible. Try
and communicate it in only one action. For instance if
someone receives a letter asking him to go to a website, he
may decide to put that off until there is more time - which
never comes. Had the letter adequately explained the
message, he would have no need to go to the website.

How to Attract Media Attention to Your Fundraiser

Every fundraiser will be the better for a spot - or big
splash - of media attention. How to get media attention
will need to start right back in that brainstorming session
you have to find an unusual or innovative way of making
money. While the local carwash may be of interest to those
with dirty cars, it's hardly likely to be considered a
juicy media piece.

On the other hand, if you can get a celebrity to do it for
the first hour and maybe give away his autograph at the
same time, then that is big news. It doesn't have to be a
national film star of course; you may have a homegrown
celebrity in your district that would help out. Otherwise,
a popular or well-known businessman could lend your event a
bit of weight and 'newsworthiness' in some way.

The first step is to write a media release and send it off
to the local paper. In your press release, you need to
state your mission and your goal, while making it all sound
very exciting. But keep it professional at the same time.
It should be no longer than one page, shorter if possible.
Editors are usually short of space and time.

Don't just email it to 'the editor'. See if you can find
out the name of the events editor and send it to him by
name - by snail mail as well as email. A lone email can
easily get lost amongst all the others. Don't forget to
include your contact information in both, and an invitation
for the press to attend the event. After about a week,
follow up with a phone call if you haven't heard anything
from the editor.

The local radio is also part of the media; so don't forget
to alert them to your function. If you have several in the
area, send the same kit to them all. With luck, you may be
given a few free plugs, or offered an onsite live remote
broadcast on the day, if it is considered newsworthy
enough. And if you have a local television station, so much
the better. They may decide to give you some attention,
depending on their own needs of the day.

Online media attention is a good advertising too. PRWeb.com
is a good place to start with free submissions, or for a
nominal fee you can have your event on Yahoo News or other
online news outlets. It's definitely worth looking into.

More to come in Part 4...

----------------------------------------------------
If you'd like to get this article and more on an
interactive CD: Please visit:
http://bigimpactaudio.com/fundraising

FAQs: Airline Frequent Flier Miles Credit Cards

FAQs: Airline Frequent Flier Miles Credit Cards
Let's talk about the most common questions asked about
frequent flier miles credit cards. Know the answers to the
questions before you start choosing your own frequent flier
mile credit card issuer:

How do you earn miles points on these credit cards?

Generally, points are earned based on the amount of
purchases charged on the credit card. For instance, most
credit cards give one point for every dollar spent on the
card. One point is equivalent to one mile. As the card
holder gathers his miles points, he must reach the minimum
number of miles in order to qualify for the free travel
ticket. In some cases, miles points can double depending on
the credit card issuer.

How do you redeem your miles points?

Most credit cards have affiliations with specific airlines
or carriers. In this case, the card holder can only claim
his free travel ticket or get a discounted rate if he
purchases his ticket from the affiliated airline. That is
why it is important to make sure that your frequent flier
miles credit card has affiliations with the airline you
usually fly with.

Will your points expire?

This condition depends on the terms of your credit card
issuer. Some credit cards impose a blackout date where the
card holder must claim his reward or collect enough points
within a given period. There are frequent flier programs
however that do not impose blackout dates or expiration. It
is recommended to look for credit cards without blackout
dates so that you can be sure to claim your reward without
hassle.

Is there an annual fee?

Again, this particular condition depends on your frequent
flier miles credit card issuer. Some credit cards do
require an annual fee so it's important to check if the
cost is reasonable enough for you to pay every year. The
best travel reward credit cards are ones that have low
annual fee so look for them in your search.

What about generic mileage credit cards?

Generic mileage credit cards are different from credit
cards with frequent flier miles programs in the sense that
it doesn't restrict you with just one specific airline or
carrier. This means, you can choose the airline you want to
purchase from or avail of your free ticket. Some consumers
prefer to get generic mileage cards because it allows them
to buy travel tickets that are sold at a discount. It also
gives them more choices so waiting for available airline
seats does not become a problem. Generic mileage cards also
do not require an annual fee from their holders.

What is the advantage of frequent flier miles cards from
generic mileage cards?

The advantage of frequent flier miles credit cards over
generic mileage credit cards is that you can get more perks
and additional travel privileges such as more discounts in
hotel accommodations, car rentals, etc. Some frequent flier
programs also allow its holders to double their miles
points so you can collect more miles on your account.

----------------------------------------------------
Ann Wilson is the head writer of Credit Card Rewards -
Credit Card Reward Programs - Rewards Credit Card Site.
This resource provides consumers with valuable reviews and
information on the best gas, cash back, travel, or airline
credit cards programs. Visit
http://www.rewardcreditcardsite.com for more information.

Business Loans and Real Estate Mortgage Finance Fundamentals

Business Loans and Real Estate Mortgage Finance Fundamentals
There are approximately 25 critical differences between
residential real estate investing and commercial property
investments. Because more investors are exploring business
finance opportunities, this report is designed to help
educate new commercial borrowers about key issues involving
commercial mortgages and commercial loans.

Environmental requirements for business finance will be a
complex issue for numerous business investments.
Environmental issues involved in a business loan will
primarily depend upon the commercial lender as well as the
type of business. More extensive requirements can impact
both the cost and timing for a commercial mortgage loan.

Tax returns and financial statements for a business loan
are likely to be a concern for all commercial borrowers.
Whereas residential mortgage financing is likely to involve
only personal tax returns, most business financing will
include a review of business tax returns as well. Business
financial statements and personal financial statements will
be required for certain kinds of business opportunity
financing and commercial real estate financing.

Secondary financing will often be a means of acquiring
desired commercial loans. The use of seller financing or
secondary financing is a prudent business financing
strategy to reduce capital requirements for the borrower.
However some commercial lenders will not accept secondary
commercial financing.

Seasoning and sourcing of funds for commercial loans can be
an unexpected requirement. When purchasing a business, some
lenders will require that borrowers document where the down
payment is coming from (sourcing) and how long the funds
have been in that location (seasoning). If a borrower
cannot adequately provide this documentation, the choice of
commercial lenders will be more restricted.

Collateral and cross-collateralization for business loans
will be an insurmountable obstacle for some commercial
borrowers. Collateral requirements for business financing
will depend on many factors such as down payment, type of
business, credit scores and the type of financing needed.
Cross-collateralization refers to lender requirements
involving personal collateral such as a home used as
collateral for a business loan.

Business plan requirements for commercial mortgages or
business opportunity loans can be both time-consuming and
expensive. A business plan is not always required for a
business loan, but when one is required this will add
significantly to the cost and length of the loan process.

Cash out limitations for refinancing of commercial loans
are increasingly causing problems for many commercial
borrowers. Commercial lenders differ significantly
regarding restrictions imposed on the amount of cash out to
the borrower when refinancing. Some lenders will not permit
any cash out whatsoever while others will limit cash
received by the borrower to a particular amount. The
preferred approach is to use a lender that will allow cash
to be paid out up to an agreed loan-to-value (frequently
75%).

Lockout penalties for business financing should always be
analyzed thoroughly. A lockout penalty is much more severe
than a prepayment penalty in that such penalties can
effectively prevent a commercial borrower from selling or
refinancing during a prescribed period (often two to five
years).

In addition to the issues noted above, numerous other key
business finance and real estate mortgage issues will also
be important to evaluate. Commercial mortgage requirements
are very different from residential financing requirements
in the United States. Additional business finance reports
include a discussion of many other significant financing
factors. Separate report topics include SBA loan
refinancing, business opportunity financing, stated income
business loans and commercial appraisals.

----------------------------------------------------
Steve Bush is a small business loans expert - learn how to
avoid mistakes with commercial loans and find out about
business cash management strategies at AEX Commercial
Financing Group =>
http://aexcfgllc.com