Industry News

Dashboard technology now available to smallest fleets
George S. May International Co. is making available to small- and medium-sized fleets the same sort of dashboard technology used by large firms. The Management Dashboards software is compatible with QuickBooks and other databases commonly used by SMBs, and it is used to monitor specific business operations and execution. TruckingInfo (6/18)

Democrats seek to end private investment in toll roads
State efforts to lease toll roads to Macquarie Bank Ltd., Goldman Sachs Group and other private investors are being met with resistance from the trucking industry and congressional Democrats. Congressional Democrats are threatening to withhold federal highway funds from states that lease roads to private investors in hopes of stemming fears that the new operators will be more likely to raise tolls. Bloomberg (6/11)

Senate considers energy bill
Proposals to expand the use of ethanol in motor fuel were included in a major energy bill the Senate took up this past week, which is stirring debate between the two parties. The measure would increase the amount of renewable fuels used in motor vehicles to 8.5 billion gallons in 2008 and 36 billion gallons by 2022. National Public Radio (6/18),  Reuters (6/11)

Business Strategy

Relationships count in customer service
Maintaining a positive customer-employee relationship is a key aspect of good customer service. Companies need to make sure they are checking in with customers and providing excellent service through regular face-to-face and phone contacts. CEO Strategist (6/1)

Sales & Marketing Tips

Get back to your selling prime
Salespeople can rejuvenate their sales skills by following practical strategies that can help recapture a passion for sales. Envision selling before you see the buyer, sell effectively from the heart and use enthusiasm and experience to grow as a sales professional. Manage Smarter (6/11)

Marketing techniques that are worth the money
Even if an investment in marketing fails to yield a direct financial result, it still can provide an overall benefit to the company. Marketing techniques like referral programs, market research, a good Web site and an e-mail campaign are all part of the ongoing process of raising your company's profile and revenue. Forbes (5/17)

Management Style

What leaders must do to succeed
Today's CEOs have a wider range of duties and responsibilities than ever. Successful CEOs are those who communicate effectively with investors, employees and government officials; hire managers and advisers whose skills complement their own; and clearly and openly communicate financial results. Strategy+Business (free registration) (6/2007)

Multitasking not always the answer
We get it. You're busy, but your clients and employees will appreciate you more when you give them your undivided attention. You need to be present for your customers in both mind and body, and you should never be so busy that you can't focus on the person you're meeting with. Manage Smarter (6/4)

Small Business Operations

Web site rules every SMB should follow
Today's technology has made the options seemingly limitless for business Web sites, but there are a few rules that every small business should stick to in order to have a valuable site, including having a definable way to measure success; frequently checking metrics and using results to make improvements; and ensuring that each page works properly. SmartBIZ (6/4)

Association News

Sign up now for the CVSN second annual Business Forum
The time has come to sign up for the CVSN Annual Business Forum. This year's forum will be held in Baltimore, Sept. 16 to 20. Be sure to check out the CVSN Web site under upcoming events for the meeting agenda, information and sign-up forms.

Editor's Note

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