Weekly 5: Small business optimism up in February
The BI Weekly 5 is a collection of tips, news and data affecting the boating industry this week. Be sure to look for the BI Weekly 5 every Tuesday on BoatingIndustry.com.
1. Small business optimism up in February
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Survey for February rose to 98.0, it’s third-highest mark since 2007.
Only November and December 2014’s numbers have been higher since before the recession, the NFIB said.
“In spite of slow economic activity and awful weather in a lot of the country, small business owners are finding reasons to hire and spend which is great news,” said NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg.
2. Brunswick reorganizes, moves billiards group
Brunswick Corp. announced that its Brunswick Billiards group will now be part of its Life Fitness division.
Billiards had previously been paired with the company’s bowling business, which Brunswick sold in 2014.
3. Tacoma boat show returns for first time since 2009
Washington’s Tacoma Dome hosted its first since boat show since the recessions over the weekend, with the new Puget Sound Boat Show coming to town.
The four-day show was the first since the former Tacoma Dome Boat Show shut down in 2009.
4. Obamacare’s projected costs continue to fall
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office announced Monday that the Affordable Care Act will cost $142 billion less than it had projected in January.
That’s because premiums are increasing at a slower rate than expected and fewer people are receiving Medicaid or subsidized insurance than had previously projected, the agency said.
5. 11 ways to generate word-of-mouth
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most important ways to market your business. Here are 11 tips from GrowBiz media via the Small Business Administration.
