Feature Articles
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2003 Appliance Industry Forecasts
2003 Forecast North America: Holding On
by Lisa Bonnema, Managing Editor
While the last year has literally seen its ups and downs, the North American economy continues to hold on as economists and appliance makers brace for what they hope is an upward journey
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2003 Appliance Industry Forecasts
2003 Forecast Latin America: Bouncing Back in Latin America
by Linda Abu-Shalback Zid, Associate Editor/Newsletter Editor
If all goes well, economies in Latin America are expected to recover from recession, political unrest, and financial turmoil in 2003.
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2003 Appliance Industry Forecasts
2003 Forecast Europe: In the Euro Zone
by Linda Abu-Shalback Zid, Associate Editor/Newsletter Editor
The year 2002 marked the beginning of a journey for Europe's economy. The official inception of the Euro as the only currency used in 12 countries united the countries as a single market to be reckoned with.
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2003 Appliance Industry Forecasts
2003 Forecast Asia: Growing Up and Out in Asia
by Linda Abu-Shalback Zid, Associate Editor/Newsletter Editor
China and Taiwan recently joined the World Trade Organization, and trade agreements are popping up all over Asia. But while U.S. and European companies work to expand their presence in Asia, that competition is driving Asian companies toward global expansion.
page 65
2003 Association Forecasts: Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute
ARI: Record Year Possible in 2003 for Central Air-Conditioners and Heat Pumps
by William G. Sutton, president
Brightening economic prospects in 2003 could spur a second consecutive year of record shipments of central air-conditioners and heat pumps as manufacturers of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment benefit from low inflation, favorable interest rates, and slowly increasing employment.
page 66
2003 Association Forecasts: Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
AHAM: 2003 Industry Forecast
by Joseph M. McGuire, president
Appliance makers are a fiercely competitive group. Their individual strengths and strategies to outdo each other always end up with a win for consumers. Their opinions can differ on how to please the consumer from product to product and quarter to quarter, but they are in agreement that 2003 is a very important year. Its importance relates to whether our economy can achieve momentum to sustain consumer confidence.
page 67
2003 Association Forecasts: Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association
BIFMA: Modest Office Furniture Industry Recovery Expected in 2003
by Tom Reardon, president
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (BIFMA) International recently released the latest quarterly U.S. office furniture industry forecast prepared by the economic consulting organization, DRI-WEFA. The latest forecast anticipates a 20-percent decline in shipments to a level of just over U.S. $8.7 billion for 2002. Modest improvement is expected by mid-next year with a nearly 8-percent increase in shipments, to a level of $9.4 billion predicted for 2003.
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2003 Association Forecasts: Cookware Manufacturers Association
CMA: Forecast for 2003
by Hugh J. Rushing, executive vice president
The crystal ball for 2003 shows a less than clear picture for the cookware and bakeware industry. The challenges are numerous, but opportunities exist as well.
page 68
2003 Association Forecasts - Consumer Electronics Association
CEA: Challenges Breed Opportunities
by Gary Shapiro, president and CEO
In 2002, we celebrated the eighth decade of consumer electronics. As we look back, we have much to make us proud. Each year has brought new and innovative technologies and products. We have opened opportunities for people everywhere to have access to information and entertainment and to stay connected - making the world a better place. As an industry, we are raising the world's standard of living and increasing people's knowledge and their ability to communicate.
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2003 Association Forecasts
GAMA: 2003 Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association Forecast
by Evan Gaddis, president
The past year has been a time of transition and adjustment for the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA), for our industries and for our country. Even in less than ideal times, however, GAMA finds opportunities to empower our industries and to embrace new technology.
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2003 Association Forecasts: International Housewares Association
IHA: Low Interest Rates Help Boost Housewares as Consumers Continue to Cocoon
by Phil Brandl, president
According to a survey of International Housewares Association member key executives in the housewares industry, U.S. housewares sales stood up solidly through most of the third quarter, despite softness in the U. S. and other world economies. Looking forward, we see continuing growth based largely on two factors: low interest rates continue to bode well for both home sales and furnishings, and regardless of what one calls it, "cocooning," "nesting," or "just hanging around the house," consumers are looking to the home as a reassuring haven.
page 73
2003 Association Forecasts: Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
OPEI: 2003 OPEI Forecast
by Bill Harley, president
Although the economic landscape in 2002 was, at times, a bit rough, Model Year 2002 ended on a high note for the outdoor power equipment industry. And, OPEI has an optimistic outlook for Model Year 2003, in spite of some high-profile bad economic news.
page 74
2003 Association Forecasts: Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Association
VCMA: 2003 VCMA Forecast
by Raymond Kirkpatrick, president
With the fourth quarter of 2002 finally showing some strong signs of an economic recovery, manufacturers can now look ahead more optimistically to 2003.
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HVAC/R Expo
2003 International AHR Expo Exhibitor Highlights
Serving the HVAC/R industry since 1930, the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR) has been a leading source for new HVAC/R equipment products, components, systems, and services. |
