Maryland Bans BPA In Children’s Products
Maryland last week became the fifth state to ban bisphenol A (BPA) in children’s products – the latest in a series of political actions that have ratcheted up the scrutiny over the controversial chemical, which has been linked to breast cancer and developmental problems in fetuses and infants. Maryland now joins Connecticut, Minnesota, Washington and Wisconsin in banning the chemical – which is used in many packaging and plastic products – from children’s products.

The controversy over BPA, which has raged publicly for almost two years, is expected to reach the floor of the Senate in coming days when Senator Dianne Feinstein of California introduces an amendment to the food safety bill that would ban the chemical from all food and drink containers. (The senator had previously introduced similar legislation separately). The move has been vocally opposed by food and grocer organizations, who say there is no alternative for the epoxy resin that is used in metal cans and other plastic food packaging.

The senate bill is just part of a flurry of activity regarding BPA. Rockland County yesterday became the fourth county in New York to ban the chemical in children’s products. Also, Coca-Cola shareholders are voting on a proposal this week that will ask the company to publicly respond to concerns about the use of BPA in its cans and bottles

Survey Forecasts Business Growth
The index of leading indicators posted a gain of 1.4% in March, the largest increase in 10 months and another sign of a recovering economy. The figures, released this week by the Conference Board, indicate expected growth in the economy over the next three to six months. "The indicators point to a slow recovery that should continue over the next few months," said Ken Goldstein, an economist with the Conference board. "Strength of demand remains the big question going forward. Improvement in employment and income will be the key factors in whether consumers push the recovery on a stronger path."

The 1.4% increase is greater than initial estimates, which had pinned growth closer to 1%. The board also revised its February total to .4%, after it initially reported a .1% increase. In total, seven of the 10 leading indicators grew last month, including the spread between short-term and long-term interest rates (a sign of belief in future economic growth).

Economists believe the data indicates a perking up of the housing market and manufacturing after a tough winter in the Northeast, as well as broader trends of improved consumer spending and corporate investment in technology.

Click here to see this new-products edition of The Joe Show.

Businesses Increase Capital Investment Plans
As the economy continues to improve, an American Express OPEN survey shows nearly half of all business owners are planning to make capital investments in their companies. According to respondents, the focus of their capital spending will be on technology, including updated computer systems and software. Additionally, 28% of those surveyed reported that they expect to hire new employees this year, up from 23% last fall. However, most business owners are only looking to hire part-time employees or freelance help.

While business owners appear willing to invest in upgrades, they remain pessimistic about a rapid economic recovery. Roughly 30% of respondents feel the economy is negatively affecting their business, while only 18% believe the economy is actually improving.

Two out of three business owners surveyed say the economy has forced them to cut costs, while 70% of respondents acknowledged plans to exact cost-cutting measures in the next six months. About 40% of those surveyed say the economy is keeping them from spending money on advertising and sales. Finally, the youngest entrepreneurs are the most hopeful right now, with 72% of business owners aged 19 to 29 saying they feel optimistic about their business prospects and the economy.

Podcast: Dealing With Difficult Clients
On Tuesday’s ASI Internet Radio Show, the hosts took questions from the audience about how to deal with those clients that take up a disproportionate amount of your time. Looking for ideas on how to turn your attention to the most profitable customers? Check out this podcast. 

Click here to listen to the spring-client-cleaning segment from Tuesday’s show.

Nominate Your Company For The Best Places To Work Contest
For the third year in a row, Counselor is setting out to identify the industry companies that employees simply love to work for. These are the distributors and suppliers that have a loyal work force and that provide a work environment which employees want to go to every morning.

Counselor will be unveiling its second-annual Best Places To Work issue in September, and it will undoubtedly include an elite list of industry companies. Do you want your company to be considered? Getting involved is easy – and it's completely free to participate. The only necessary qualification is that a company has at least 10 employees. To nominate your company, or any others in the market that you think deserve to be recognized, simply click here. Also, there's no risk to participating. Only the honorees – those companies with the best scores from the survey – will be published in Counselor.

Share Your Story With Counselor Mag & Earn $100
Have you recently lost a client because he's had his budget cut, moved on to another job or simply gone to a competitor? Share your story with Counselor magazine's reporters and we'll have a team of experts offer you valuable strategies you can use to regain that client's business. Plus, we'll feature you in an upcoming issue of Counselor AND give you a $100 American Express Gift Card for your efforts.

ASICentral: Celebrating Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, online today we’re highlighting ASI’s first-ever list of the Top 10 Eco-Friendly Giveaways. Click here to see the items – and to find some inspiration for your own clients’ earth-friendly promotions.

Got questions, comments or any type of feedback regarding anything ASICentral, don't hesitate to contact us at feedback@asicentral.com. Also, follow ASICentral at: .

In The News
Hanes Imagewear (asi/59528) announced that its EasyColor swatchcard recently won an award for most beneficial sales and marketing aid. The tool is designed to make it easy for customers to shop the entire Hanes Imagewearcollection by color and by style.

iPROMOTEu (asi/232119) announced that 58 distributors affiliated with the company in the first quarter of 2010. In total, the new affiliates have an estimated annual sales volume of $16 million.

Leed’s (asi/66887) has launched a customizable Web site for distributors to market new products for 2010. The What’s New eShowcase is designed to showcase and sell the over 500 new Leed’s products for 2010. Go to www.leedsworld.com for information.

The Vernon Company (asi/351700) announced that it has named Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125) as its 2009 Supplier of the Year.

People On The Move
Jornik Manufacturing Corp. (asi/63549) announced that it has hired Dan Moses and Fran Silverman as its multiline sales representatives in NY and New England, as well as Pete Rosica covering DC, DE, MD, NJ and PA.