Category Archives: Succeed in an Economic Crisis

Stimulus Spending Update: Project Details Emerge

States and Cities Announce Infrastructure Plans

In the wake of worsening economic conditions, the federal government’s economic stimulus package has now grown to as much as $800 billion. States, municipalities, and educational institutions are making their needs known in a rush to receive their share of available funding for shovel-ready projects. The frenzy should come as no surprise, since there hasn’t been an infrastructure push this massive since Eisenhower created the federal highway system in 1956.

I wanted to update you on what’s happening, since things are moving quickly. For the first time, detailed plans for use of these funds are being announced to legislatures, local communities, and the press. Here are two examples that will give you an idea of what’s on these wish lists: Read more…

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Economic Stimulus is Coming – Start Now to Position Your Company for Success

The race is on! President-elect Barack Obama pledged quick work on an economic stimulus plan that will increase federal government spending on our infrastructure. To ensure swift progress, he met with the nation’s governors to get their advice on designing a stimulus package to help their hard-hit states.

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat who chairs the National Governors Association, told reporters there are upward of $136 billion in infrastructure projects, chiefly for bridge and road construction and repairs, that can get started especially quickly. Water and sewer projects are other major needs. In a word of caution to lawmakers, Obama later added, “With our economy in distress, we cannot hesitate or delay.” He said that the first priority would be “shovel-ready” projects – those that could create jobs right away. It’s my view that unprecedented levels of contracting assistance will be needed nationwide to implement the new economic stimulus package. And of course, it is very likely that the sheer quantity of projects will be overwhelming to most businesses. Onvia has reviewed an initial list of over 11,000 “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects in segments such as water, transportation and educational building construction and repairs. Read more…

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Economic Crisis: How Will it Affect Government Spending?

Posted by Mike Pickett, President and CEO, Onvia, Inc. on November 20, 2008

State and municipal government spending cuts have certainly received lots of media play lately. Governor Deval Patrick recently announced emergency legislation in Massachusetts to help close a $1.4 billion budget gap for the state. California’s 08-09 budget includes $10.3 billion in spending cuts. Seattle faces budget cuts to meet a $19 million shortfall.

I ‘m not sure I buy all of this talk about cutbacks having a negative impact on contractors or that business opportunities will soon disappear. Government agencies will cut back on the number of employees and certain projects, but I think government spending is likely to remain strong or even increase in 2009. Some sectors may decline, but a large number of new projects are surfacing at the federal, state, and local levels. Here are some of the reasons I feel this way: Read more…

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Economic Crisis: How to Protect Your Business

by Mike Pickett, President and CEO, Onvia, Inc.

With banks failing, credit markets freezing, and consumers retrenching, businesses face an economic crisis of a magnitude not seen in recent years. My best advice: prepare your business for continued slowing of the economy.

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Recession-Proof Your Business with Government Spending Data

As the economy slows down, it seems like everyone’s battening down the hatches for a recession. There’s a lot of doom and gloom in the press right now about reduced spending in 2008. The recent economic downturn has spooked a lot of people, many of whom are wondering: is it possible to build a recession-proof business? There are many steps to be taken to protect your business from the difficult time ahead, but when the time comes to recession-proof your business, government spending research can be a big step in the right direction. Read more…

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