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This is not an economics lesson. This is an energy boost.
First, the big picture.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average sits at a three-year high above the 12,000-point barrier. U.S. exports just had its best showing since July 2008 with industrial machinery helping lead the surge. Manufacturers added 49,000 jobs last month, aiding the drop in unemployment to 9%.
Now, let´s peek inside our industry.
The big boys are making their investors smile. Covanta Energy, International Paper, Stericycle, Waste Connections and Republic Services all just announced improved profit margins in 2010.
On the mergers and acquisitions front, Rock-Tenn and Smurfit-Stone Container made the biggest wave in years with their planned merger. Regional power Waste Pro just announced 10 acquisitions in the South. Veolia joined in, too, growing its Southeast presence with a purchase.
Closer to my heart, an equipment maker temporarily halted its advertising program with us. The kicker: Business was so good it couldn´t accept any additional orders.
Conferences and events are off to a fast start, too. Our Residential Recycling Conference will nearly double its exhibitors this March in Nashville. Exhibit sales and registrations are up for Waste Expo, too, Managing Director Rita Uganskis-Fishman tells me. The Penton Media event is in Dallas this May. It has already surpassed last year´s exhibit sales from Atlanta. And SWANA CEO John Skinner says his organization is seeing an increase in participation for all of its events. Early registrations indicate that Wastecon, which will be in August in Nashville, will be one of SWANA´s highest attended events in recent years.
What´s it all mean? Here´s my take away. The recession was a big wet blanket that grew bigger each month, dragging down the best of us. But it´s over. Repeat that aloud: The recession is over. Today is our chance; today is your chance. Look around at the positive news surrounding us. So much of life is about attitude. Here´s hoping you see the good news that I see. Here´s to change.
Contact Waste & Recycling News Publisher Brennan Lafferty at 330-865-6174 or blafferty@crain.com
(Feb. 21, 2011)
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