Sentiment and Employment Remain Weak, As Holidays Approach

Retail shows hope for the economy, but old woes hamper recovery

Yonkers, NY – October’s Consumer Reports Index, a measure of overall consumer financial health, showed some hopeful signs for the economy, but old problems persist.

“As we approach the shoulder of the holiday season, there is some positive movement in retail,” said Ed Farrell, director of the Consumer Reports National Research Center. “However, a strong holiday season will depend on consumers having clear signs that the economy is on the mend, which to this point has been lacking. Weak employment, financial difficulties, and poor confidence overall continue to present a powerful headwind for holiday sales.” [Read more]

Investor Fears Spark U.S., World Market Selloffs

Clarksville, TN – A steady drip of weak economic performance figures from around the globe combined with a grim assessment of near-term U.S. economic prospects pushed investor confidence over the edge Thursday. Some Asian and European markets lost as much as 5% of their value. U.S. markets dropped similarly during the day, although losses diminished somewhat as trading drew to a close.

For the record, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 391.01 points or 3.51% to finish the day at 10,733.80, while the broader S&P 500 dropped 37.2 points or 3.19%, to close at 1,129.56. The Nasdaq declined 82.52 points or 3.52% and closed at 2,455.67. This followed significant losses in all the indices in the previous trading session. It was the fourth consecutive day of domestic market losses. [Read more]

Sentiment shows Improvement, while Jobs are still a Concern

Weak Employment Continues To Impede Economic Recovery

Yonkers, NY – September’s Consumer Reports Index, a measure of overall consumer financial health, showed signs that sentiment is improving after plummeting to its lowest level in nearly two years. With the poor job market, recovery is a grueling process.

“Weak employment growth is the number one issue facing Americans,” said Ed Farrell, director of the Consumer Reports National Research Center. “Continued improvement in Sentiment and sustained declines in financial difficulties faced by consumers, hinges on getting American’s back to work.” [Read more]

Consumers Cautious with Stagnant Job Market

Consumer sentiment up slightly in July, but remains negative overall

Yonkers, NY – Increasing financial troubles for consumers and a weak retail outlook persisted this month. Consumer sentiment remained in negative territory as a stagnant job market is keeping consumers cautious about spending, according to the Consumer Reports Index July report.

The Consumer Sentiment Index, which measures how consumers are feeling financially when compared with a year ago, rose slightly to 48.5 from the previous month’s index, but it continues to lag in negative territory. Senior citizens and households earning less than $50,000 have the weakest consumer sentiment. Northeastern states had the most improved sentiment, but were still negative at 48.1. [Read more]

Governor McWherter – A Tennessee Treasure

Written by Rep. Roy Herron

Nashville, TN – Governor McWherter was our greatest governor during my lifetime, and I believe he was our greatest governor during Tennessee’s lifetime.

Governor McWherter led Tennessee to set records in the economy, job growth, education, building roads, criminal justice, healthcare, lowering taxes and debt.

When Representative Ned McWherter was elected governor, Roy Herron was elected to McWherter’s House seat. When Governor McWherter was leaving office, Herron wrote the following column summarizing McWherter’s accomplishments as Governor. [Read more]

Consumer Reports Index Finds the Economy Making Slow Advancements in a Stalwart Recession

Employment Index Shows Highest Growth Since April 2009

Yonkers, NY — After a brief retreat in June, the economy is showing broad improvements in the condition, behavior and expectations of consumers, according to Consumer Reports Index for July.

The Consumer Reports Employment Index numbers show job creation increased to 51.1, its highest level since April 2009. The Employment Index has pointed to employment growth in three of the last four months. In July, 7.8% of Americans started a new job versus 5.7% that lost their job.

Consumer spending across index categories rose in July, particularly in the area of personal electronics and major home appliances. Per capita retail spending was up slightly for July ($274.00), reflecting June activity, from the prior month ($234.00). [Read more]

Tennessee GOP Week in Review

• Tougher laws for sex offenders
• Property tax freeze for seniors
• Investing state funds
• Bonds issues for industrial development

Legislation protecting children from child sexual predators advances in Senate

NASHVILLE, TN (2-26-09):  Several bills aimed at protecting children advanced in the State Senate this week, including legislation approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee that would prohibit sex offenders from loitering within 1,000 feet of certain places where children are likely to gather.   The bill, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville), would apply to schools, licensed day care centers, child care facilities, public parks, playgrounds, recreation centers or athletic fields when children under age 18 are present.

“This legislation greatly strengthens our laws to protect Tennessee children,” said Woodson.  “Parents deserve to know that their children are safe, and this bill will keep sexual offenders away from these areas where children are commonly present.” [Read more]

U.S. Rep. John Tanner speaks on economic recovery

U.S. Rep. John Tanner said in a district-wide radio address that the current economic crisis is negatively impacting thousands of 8th District families and that Congressional action is necessary to help economic recovery. The House Friday passed the final version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with Congressman Tanner’s support. This is a transcript of his radio broadcast:

This is John Tanner. I wanted to talk to you a minute about this recovery act that was voted on in the House. This is truly a very, very hard vote for me, given my record of financial responsibility, and trying to do what I can with the other Blue Dogs here and others about the financial unsustainability of our federal government. I think this is an economic crisis that I have not seen in my 60+ years. The recession is far deeper and wider than any that I have ever lived through or witnessed, probably since the Great Depression. [Read more]

‘Christmas in Paris’: Home-based entrepreneurs showcase holiday gifts and services

Shop local!

At Christmas in Paris, a unique Expo featuring the gifts, products and services from home-grown entrepeneurs, local vendors marketed everything from personalized Christmas ornaments, candles, Longaberger baskets, children’s specialty clothing, skincare and make-up products and more. All products are marketed by your friends and neighbors, working from home in a cottage-based businesses in Paris.

Here’s a sampling of the offering at Christmas in Paris:

Simply Forever offers silk flower arrangements, centerpieces for your dining table, wreaths for all occasions wall pockets, garlands and more. Owner Lindsey Dooms is the creative force behind the designs. Call her at 270-753-9965.

Usborne Books offers “the books kids love to read.” Amber Butler, an educational consultant, organizes home shows, book fairs, school and library book sales, and fundraisers, with the medium being a wide slestion of quality books. Contact cajbutler@bellsouth.net for more information.

Tastefully Simple creates “the food you love, the time you deserve,” is melanie Fry’s business: she does the work you might not have the time to do. It’s all in the preparation and the preparation is perfect. If you are planning a specail event, contact Melanie Fry at simplymelanief@gmail.com.

Tupperware. What can be more classic for your everyday kitchen needs? Dealer Christy Reynolds has all the storage containers, bread boxes, cake keepers, measuring cups and spoons top keep your kitchen organized. Contact her at www.my.tupperware.com/christyreynolds.

Independent Beauty Consultant Teresa Paschall has all the Mary Kay cosmetics you need to keep your skin healthy and your make-up soft and natural without any skin-damaging effects. Contact her at tpaschall1@marykay.com.

Arrie Marie Bernard is Your Pampered Chef Consultant; it’s her job to find the chef in you. products, services, ideas for gourmet cooking all start here. Contact her at amariebernard@yahoo.com.

Arbonne International’s Pure Swiss Skin Care, although formulated in Switzerland, is made in the USA. Whether you are concerned with coloring, nutrition or aromatherapy, or anything involving the care of your skin, contact Jennifer L.V. Britt at jbritt40@earthlink.net.

Amythyst. Amber. Garnet. Gold, Silver, Ruby. Big and bold or small and delicate. Gail Pond’s Premier Designs is your stop for unique High Fashion Jewelry/Accessories. Contact her at ponderosa@wk.net.

Homemade sourdough breads. Plain, Cinnamon swirl, garlic and cheese or blueberry. ythe toughest part is choosing which one to bring home. Bear Creek Breads is your best stop for premium quality breads. Contact Bear Creek Breads at 731-642-5362.