Not in my backyard (NIMBY) groups can lead to harrowing experiences for some companies.  Proper preparation is vital in order to reach agreements.

On shaky ground, consumers maintain their balance

SPENDING

Consumables
After cutting back sharply in Q2 when gasoline prices spiked, consumers resume spending in Q3 for such day-to-day consumables as food, clothing, and medical expenses. Most consumers continue to avoid driving to save on gasoline.

Art Angel of LJS Strategic Research recently appeared on the Chicago's ABC-7 news to provide insight into Kraft's announcement that they are splitting into two publicly traded companies, one focusing on global snacks and the second on North American grocery items.

Art explains why Kraft is making the move, and the drivers of change in emerging markets which may make the split a smart move for Kraft's growth potential.

Rising disposable income levels across China's second- and third-tier cities mean more opportunities for purveyors of branded goods.

First-tier or second-tier city? Many foreign analysts and strategists fall into the standard practice of categorizing cities in China to determine which markets to enter or how to expand beyond the traditional entry points, such as Beijing or Shanghai. A far more effective approach is to target the "first-tier consumer"—a consumer defined more by spending behavior, income, and lifestyle than by home geography.