Kauffman Index: Despite Recession, Entrepreneurial Activity at 14-Year High

(KANSAS CITY, Mo.), May 20, 2010 – Rather than making history for its deep recession and record unemployment, 2009 might instead be remembered as the year business startups reached their highest level in 14 years – even exceeding the number of startups during the peak 1999-2000 technology boom. According to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, a leading indicator of new-business creation in the United States, the number of new businesses created during the 2007–2009 recession years increased steadily year to year. In 2009, the 340 out of 100,000 adults who started businesses each month represent a 4 percent increase … Read more

Our Take on Social Media: Why Social Media is Relevant to Mergers & Acquisitions

Everywhere you  turn, you see another article about social media, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.  I thought I would add my two cents worth. It is all about connecting. Whether or not we describe it in terms of social media or not, we all know that we must connect with our customers and clients, as well as our vendors, employees, colleagues and friends.  Social media is all about developing ways to connect – and to be fund.  To be found, you have to be visible where people are  looking. Not long ago, many people found the Yellow pages to be their … Read more

Business Significantly Improves for Landscape Architecture Firms, Survey Shows

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The worst of the recession may finally be over for landscape architecture firms. According to the latest American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Business Quarterly survey, firm leaders reported higher levels of billable hours, hiring and especially inquiries for new work – suggesting that the spring thaw could also apply to an industry hit hard by the lack of new design and construction projects over the past two years. “However, we hope this signifies an industry finally growing instead of contracting.” According to the survey, 56.4 percent of firm leaders reported stable or above levels of billable hours in … Read more

Arrow Acquires Armand Pest Control

Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators is pleased to announce the acquisition of Armand Pest Control located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Armand is a full service company, specializing in residential and commercial pest control, termite control, and lawn and ornamental services. This is Arrow’s 94th acquisition since 1988. Company founders Doug and Lora Armand have over 20 years experience in the pest control industry. The family values and similar culture were the main reason Armand owners were interested in a merger with Arrow Exterminators. “At Armand Pest Control, we strive for exemplary customer service and are passionate about how our customers and … Read more

Pepperdine Study Shows 91% of Private Business Owners Would Take Significant Business Risk Vs. Maintain Status Quo

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A large number of private business owners would take a business risk (91%) vs. maintaining the status quo (9%) and, at the same time, half (49%) said they rely on “gut feel” to make investment decisions according to a study from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management. The study also shows that most private business owners expect at least a 20% return for investments within 1.5 to 3 years. These findings were released as part of the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Study, an investigation of the major private capital markets that examines the current … Read more