WaterFilter.com

IPA SBRB Study: Transportation Companies In Gear for Healthy 2007 Start; Owners, Operators "Most" Optimistic About Business Prospects

Buffalo Grove, IL (PRWeb) January 11, 2007 -- Small and medium-sized transportation companies are more optimistic than other industry segments with many owners and managers projecting double digit revenue growth over the next 12 months, according to the results of an International Profit Associates Small Business Research Board (IPA SBRB) survey released here today. www.ipasbrb.com

The IPA SBRB Transportation Industry Confidence Index was established at 45.7 for the first IPA SBRB transportation industry poll. By contrast, the aggregated IPA SBRB Small Business Confidence Index (SBCI) for all small and medium-size businesses participating in the survey was 42.7. The confidence index for other industries ranged included the manufacturing sector at 43.2, construction and contracting and 42.04 and the food service category at 38.8.

The IPA SBRB has been tracking the attitudes of small businesses since July 2004. In 2006, the IPA SBRB began issuing reports for specialized industries, the first two of which measured the attitudes of construction and contracting companies and manufacturing firms. This was the first time that the transportation and food service industries were individually studied. The key ingredients for determining the confidence index are attitudes about the direction of the economy, revenue predictions and hiring plans.

Additional industries will be added during 2007.

Optimism in the transportation sector was fueled by the 45.3% of the owners and managers who see the economy strengthening. That confidence is supported by more than 62% of the respondents that they believe their revenue will increase. The report showed that 26.3% believe their business will grow by up to 10% and another 35.8% that are expecting revenues to grow by more than 10%.

Slightly more than 26% of the respondents believe their revenue will remain the same for much of 2007 while 11.6% are projecting lower revenues.

Transportation companies are expressing mixed attitudes about hiring. The report indicated that 47% will try to sustain the current workforce level, with about 30% looking to increase hiring, 10% planning for a decrease and 13% not sure during the same timeframe.

The cost of energy and fuel was the leading concern of business owners in the transportation segment. Health care expense was the second leading concern. Among other major concerns were taxes and costs for materials which tied for third and then government regulation.

Like nearly every other segment, increased revenues are the priority for 2007, followed by plans to decrease expenses. Improvements in productivity and facilities were the next two priorities.

"While it appears that the transportation industry is recovering, vigilance must be maintained over all key operating matrices," said Gregg Steinberg, President of International Profit Associates, the largest privately-held provider of management consulting and professional services to small and medium-size businesses in North America.

"Companies that most closely scrutinize their operations and diligently manage their daily cost control will be in the best position to reap the greatest rewards if perceptions about growth do indeed become a reality," said Steinberg.

The International Profit Associates Small Business Research Board ascertains and reports the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations.

Participants in the poll provide feedback on significant issues and allow for real-time insight into the state of small businesses nationwide. The universe of participants is developed from among small businesses across the United States. More than 550 small business owners and senior managers participated in this IPA SBRB poll. The IPA SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted via phone and email. The poll was structured and supervised through an independent resource.

The latest information about the IPA Small Business Research Board can be found at www.ipasbrb.com. Comprehensive details about the study can be found at www.ipasbrb.com or at www.biznus.net.

International Profit Associates, Inc. (IPA) is the largest privately-held provider of management consulting services to small and medium-size businesses in North America.     IPA and its more than 1,800 professionals offer a wide range of proven and innovative methodologies to help businesses grow and prosper regardless of the economic cycle. IPA either provides directly or through its affiliated companies a comprehensive array of business advisory services, tax and estate planning services or merger, acquisition and other financial advisory services in the United States and Canada. More information about IPA can be found at www.ipa-iba.com.

###

MORE ARTICLES:

Storm Warnings: Storm Water Pollution Prevention and CBT
Important training for industries with MS4 and General or Multi-Sector Permits. Storm Warnings training is appropriate for anyone working in an industry handling chemicals, petroleum products, wastes, herbicides, pesticides or other industrial-type materials. This includes workers that are covered under a General or Multi-Sector General Permit for storm water discharges, as well as workers at municipal facilities covered under an MS4 Permit.

Healthy Diet Plans-How To Stay Fit And Healthy Your Whole Life
Healthy diet plans do not mean that you should starve to remain fit and agile. Your diet plan has to be linked to your body constitution, your daily routine and your metabolism factor.

Health Education – The Key to a Healthy Life
Have you ever wondered why in spite of all your efforts you cannot stay absolutely fit and healthy, the way you have always dreamt to be? The answer is simple, due to our lack of knowledge about health and the human anatomy system. The more knowledge and understanding of the human anatomy we will have the easier it would be for us to remain healthy and fit.

Installing A Hot Water Heater
Hooking up a hot water heater is one of the more common home repair jobs and is easy to learn. But, be sure to read all of the directions before beginning. You do not want to find that you are stuck with no hot water.

How To Be A Healthy Man With The Positive Thinking
If you are running out of the strength and power to make your dream come true, you will be the man with out the spirit. You should know that the negative thinking will hold you down. The motivation and inspiration are necessary for you. It is the easy method by simply telling your self ?I can do it, I can do it and I can do it?. Just keep it in your mind.

Healthy And Rapid Weight Loss
Who doesn?t want to lose weight and be fit Even those who are slim are constantly looking for ways to maintain their weight and tone up their body more

Keep Your Personal Checking Account Clean and Keep Your Arm and Leg
Maintaining your family finances can be a difficult task, but a positive relationship with your banker will help. Taking control and responsibility will come back to lend a hand you when you need it.

Avoid the Dangers of Dehydration with Healthy Drinking Habits
Deyhdration is often not considered a serious medical condition, except in reference to lesser-developed Third World nations. Yet an estimated 500 children in the United States die annually from dehydration, and over 50,000 are hospitalized due to dehydration in combination with other diseases. While children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults when exercising in the heat, kids can become dehydrated throughout the year at a variety of activity levels.

Disaster Recovery Services: Types of Water Damage
Water damage is caused by a number of things including flooding, burst or leaky pipes, fire hoses, and regular humidity Water damage is typically very severe because it impacts every aspect of your home

The New Janney Global Water Index Tracks World's Water Industry Stocks
JGI a key indicator of global water infrastructure development.

Gutter Protection, Replacement Windows, Roofing and Vinyl Siding Featured on New Website for Chicagoland Homeowners
Innovative Home Concepts, Inc, Chicagoland home improvement contractor, today announced the launch of www.InnovateMyHome.com as an information portal for Chicagoland home owners to find information about home improvement projects.

Water Powered Cars Offer The Solution
Have you heard of water powered cars? They are becoming very popular as people frantically search for a way to save money on gasoline. But, what is a water powered car?

Using Cooking Wine
Cooking wine is sort of a holdover from prohibition. People who grew up thinking Alcohol is Evil didn't want to have any in their homes.

Ensure Clean And Healthy Air With Holmes Air Purifiers
We never think about the air we breathe, unless we have allergies or asthma that can get in the way of our daily activities. The truth is that the air today is filled with a variety of agents, from dust particles to animal dander, and even bacteria that can cause serious health issues.