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MUST READ: Nevada Treasurer Shreds Meredith Whitney And The Other Muni Doomers

We’re nearly halfway through the year, and the muni market has not imploded.

In fact, it’s the opposite: Munis have rallied, and anyone who dumped their munis after listening to Meredith Whitney has regretted it.

Of course, things take awhile to play out, and the doomers might still be right.

But are they?

By far the best thing we’ve read lately on the subject is this letter published (via @munilass) by the Nevada state Treasurer Kate Marshall, which is a response to Meredith Whitney and a CNN Money article which contained the line: Today, debt service absorbs half of Nevada’s budget, and 40% of Michigan’s.

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Tags: Meredith Whitney, Muni

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What’s French for ‘do your research’?

This week the teams travelled to Paris to see what it takes to work in foreign markets. My brand is global so I know you have to understand the market you work in. I usually establish relationships with local licensees so I can tap into their expertise. Unfortunately, the teams didn’t have this luxury and the baffled looks on faces of the buying team at La Redoute said it all.  

I was shocked that neither team used the two and a half hour train journey to do any research on potential buyers. Tom seemed more interested in getting his breakfast then using the valuable time to get organsied!   Last week Jim called her a ‘meek little mouse’ but I can relate to Susan. Like her I started my own business at 16 and through hard work I’ve built it into a global brand. Being the youngest person in the room is a challenge, which is why you need to be confident and speak up. I thought sh Read all post…

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ARIZONA FIRE MAY BE LARGEST IN STATE HISTORY

A massive wildfire in eastern Arizona is burning more acres than the largest in state history, although some of that area is in New Mexico, where flare-ups that skipped along treetops Tuesday threatened a small mountain town.

The Wallow Fire has burned more than 733 square miles since Memorial Day weekend. A fire spokesman said Tuesday morning it’s not yet certain whether the acreage that has burned in Arizona makes it larger than the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski fire, which burned 732 square miles, destroyed 491 buildings and cost about $400 million to fight.

The current blaze has burned only 31 homes and some other structures. It has encroached into New Mexico about a mile from the working-class community of Luna, where residents were warned to be prepared to flee.

In the state’s opposite corner, near the Colorado border, a wildfire fanned by high winds that has forced hundreds of people from their homes more than doubled in size to more than 9 square miles.

One citizen comment they were watching trees explode before their eyes.

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Tags: History, State History

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Vanpool Hawaii sets new rates for Oahu

Vanpool Hawaii Vanpool Hawaii Latest from The Business Journals Vanpool Hawaii: Fares won’t increase in JulyWith gas out of sight, Vanpool suddenly coolRising gas prices pump up Vanpool traffic Follow this company announced Wednesday that it will increase its monthly rate to $985 per vanpool group on Oahu, effective Aug. 1. This translates to a per-person fee of approximately $164 for a vanpool group of six people, or approximately $141 for a vanpool group of seven people. Oahu vanpool riders currently pay $65 per seat per month, a rate that will remain throughout the month of July.

Updated rates for Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and the Big Island are still being determined, according to a spokesman for Vanpool Hawaii.

VPSI Inc., the operator of Vanpool Hawaii, is raising the program’s rates because funding from the state’s Department of Transportation will end June 30. The

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Tags: Hawaii, Vanpool Hawaii

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4 Simple Ways To Get Customer Feedback Online

Do you know what your customers think about your products and services?

Successful business owners know that no matter how busy they get, it’s critical to take the time to get customer feedback. Understanding what your customers think about your products and services will not only help you improve quality, but will also give you insights into what new products and services your customers want so you can diversify your offerings. Knowing what you’re doing right also lets you make smart decisions about where to focus your energies, and it may even give you fodder for marketing. Plus, your customers will appreciate having ways to communicate with you—and know they are being heard.

While getting feedback used to be limited to a suggestion box or form on your website, there are now many low-cost approaches to getting customer input and taking the pulse of customers.

Here are four easy ways to make customer feedback a core part of your business:

1. Co

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Tags: Customer Feedback, Feedback, Get Customer, Get Customer Feedback

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