Many restaurants operate within the franchisor/franchisee business model, and these relationships have become particularly strained in the current economy. When times are tough, franchisees typically respond by taking steps to improve operations and preserve the bottom line across stores. These changes can range from minor belt-tightening moves to closing one or more unprofitable locations. Unfortunately, many restaurant franchisees do not currently have the flexibility needed to make changes at the local level due to strict and complex franchise agreements.... read more

October 2011

As the long-awaited economy recovery teeters along, we asked a select group of equipment leasing and finance executives to assess the state of the industry now and into 2012. These leaders continue to express the kind of optimism inherent in industry veterans who have weathered down cycles. Now with stronger portfolios and liquidity, they remain undaunted by economic uncertainties and continue to seek out — and find — opportunities.... read more

October 2011

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October 2011

The filing of an involuntary bankruptcy petition by a creditor can be a very useful tool for a creditor to collect money from its recalcitrant debtor. But given some new cases, maybe a creditor should give the filing of an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding a second thought. ... read more

September/October 2011

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September/October 2011

The IT leasing and financing marketplace remains one of the more vibrant sectors with reasonable growth prospects through 2015. Even with the moderate economic growth forecast, IDC expects companies will continue to invest in technology that improves efficiency and helps them expand their reach into new markets — sustaining IT spending demand — and IT leasing and financing requirements. ... read more

September/October 2011

When it comes to reselling equipment, no matter how much research you do or how prepared you are, ultimately it’s the marketplace that determines the outcome of the sale. Understanding the marketplace, effective marketing strategies and the flexibility of your business all contribute to the success of liquidating equipment … both today and in years to come.... read more

September/October 2011

Equipment markets can’t seem to get a break. After losing 37% of its workforce during the economic downturn, the construction equipment industry has suffered through a jobless recovery plagued by uncertainty surrounding long-term federal infrastructure investments. Given the outsized role the federal government plays in driving equipment purchases to build infrastructure projects, this uncertainty has constrained growth.... read more

September/October 2011

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September/October 2011

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September/October 2011

While the media and jittery investors may be seeing another recession on the horizon, NTEA economist Steve Latin-Kasper doesn’t see it as likely. A turbulent European economy and the unbecoming proceedings surrounding the debt ceiling debate notwithstanding, Latin-Kasper thinks it’s hard to have a recession when business, consumer and government expenditures are expected to increase in 2012.... read more

September/October 2011

The trucking industry appears to be “kicking into gear.” As such, the Monitor sought out Jon Eide, national sales manager for the Commercial Vehicle Group at Wells Fargo Equipment Finance to share his perspective. From where he sits, Eide sees many new opportunities on the horizon.... read more

September/October 2011

National Business Aviation Association president and CEO Ed Bolen has navigated the organization through industry highs and lows since he assumed the post in 2004. Today, facing a slow and unsteady economic recovery and proposed Washington policies that could harm the industry, Bolen has mobilized the NBAA’s membership to educate politicians, the media and the general public about the contributions of business aviation to the United States.... read more

September/October 2011

After suffering from apocalyptic numbers in 2008 and 2009, the business jet market spent 2010 and 2011 (so far) convalescing, but with few signs of a complete recovery. Key economic health indicators are sending mixed messages, and the fundamental market trend signs remain depressed. However, there are hopeful prospects for a deliveries recovery in 2012.... read more

September/October 2011

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September/October 2011