An Economic Forecast
Tax Incentives Available in 2009 for Going GREEN
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An Economic Forecast
Historical Data Shows that Now is the Time to Start Planning Your Next Marketing Effort
by Bernie Pisczek, CSI CDT
Our newsletters typically provide information on the latest developments in sustainability and environmentally friendly initiatives because this is our specialty. But as we begin a new year in a tough economic climate, we’re going to make an exception here that I hope you find equally informative.
While cleaning my office over the holidays, I came across an old notebook that contained the details of a quite remarkable business development strategy. It was developed by a guy named Tom Hammons. I worked for a company owned by Tom in North Carolina more than 10 years ago.
I often encouraged Tom to write a book and go “public” with this theory. I think he could have made a lot of money. But as he blatantly pointed out to me, he already had a lot of money, largely because he follows this plan, and he was not inclined to share this information with potential competitors. Tom was a genius in a lot of ways and I learned much from him, but the days we spent discussing this plan were the most memorable.
Using data that he accumulated back from the 1940’s, Tom developed an economic model that conclusively shows how commercial business activity rises and falls over a seven to ten-year cycle, over and over again, based on a series of fiscal and economic indicators. Let me emphasize that this data was designed for commercial or business forecasting (manufacturers, distributors, etc.), not the consumer market. According to Tom’s data, the consumer trends tend to lag from six to nine month behind the commercial numbers.
...Click here to read Tom's marketing lessons for tough economic times
Tax Incentives Available in 2009 for Going GREEN
Members of Congress have been working hard to include some key tax incentives as part of the overall Economic Bailout package. Here what they have included so far:
- Purchase a hybrid vehicle for home or business and get a tax credit of between $250 and $3,150, depending on vehicle weight and fuel economy.
- Upgrade or install new Energy Star rated central air conditioner or heat pump and receive a $300 tax credit.*
- Upgrade or install a new Energy Star rated furnace or boiler and earn a $150 tax credit.*
- Get up to a $200 tax credit for installing Energy Star rated windows.*
- Get up to a $500tax credit for upgrading or installing new insulation, which must meet model building code as installed.
- Install a new ground source heat pump and earn tax credits up to $2,000 for Energy Star rated models.*
* Only certain models qualify, get details from manufacturer or distributor.
For more on tax credits for businesses, builders, and consumers, check the web sites for the Tax Incentives Assistance Project, or The Alliance to Save Energy. Of course, you should also consult with your tax preparer for more information on how these credits affect you, and what paperwork needs to be completed.
