Industry Profile Links
| Accounting Services | Fitness Gym |
| Automobile repair | Florists |
| Automotive Repair Shops | Food Retail Health (i.e., Health Food Retailers) |
| Beer/Wine Bar | General Contractors - Nonresidential Buildings; Other than Industrial Buildings and Warehouses |
| Boat Dealers | Gyms |
| Book Store | Hair Salons |
| Bookkeeping | Health Foods and Vitamin Stores |
| Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning | Ice Cream Parlors |
| Child Day Care Services | Liquor Stores |
| Coin Laundry | Marinas |
| Commercial Lawn Care | Physical Fitness Facilities |
| Contractor - Single Family Residential | Printing Business |
| Convenience Store-Gas | Restaurant Industry |
| Convenience store | Signs and Advertising Specialties |
| CPA Practice | Travel Agency |
| CPA Firms | Video Rental Stores |
| Dental Practices | Window Shade Shop, Window Treatment Stores |
Industry SIC Code : 8721A
SIC Code Description:
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size
5 major firms, multitude of smaller firms
Historical Performance: Growth21% in 1998, 14% in 1997 (revenues) Revenues$25.5 billion in 1998.
Projected Future Performance: Strong
continued growth
Industry Associations and Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data (data relative to FL companies)
Industry: Automobile repair
SIC code: 7538 (include pay parking facilities)
Industry size: In 1973 gross revenue was $73.3B. John Van Horne of Parking Lot News estimated parking revenue at about$20B (seems a little high to me)
Historical data: 1992-$51.1B 1992-$54.3B 1994-$59.3B 1995-$63.6B 1996-$68.3B
Projections: Found no data for auto repair industry; S&P Industry Surveys of March 5, 1998 stated that aftermarket parts industry had a "rosy outlook" after several years of "poor conditions."
Industry Associations:
Most organizations seem to focus on the wrenching side of the industry as opposed to the business aspects. The following two have a stated interest in finance and legislation.
Trade publications:
Like trade organizations, most publications
focus on the technical side of the business.
WWW sources of financial data
Major companies w/ web sites:
Found lots of manufacturers with sites, but very few service firms. www.tuffy.com
Industry: Automotive Repair Shops
Industry SIC Code: 753
SIC Description:
Basic Industry Statistics: Not available
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
http://www.swiftsite.com/smartmove/
This site does not offer economic information but they sale book titled "The Auto Shop Owners
Battle Guide to Doubling Profits" which discusses how to succeed as an
auto repair shop owner. It discusses financial information, economic ratios,
marketing, hiring good employees, pricing strategies and more.
WWW or other Sources of Industry Economic Data:
Total Quality Consulting http//www.tqc.net/
This company specializes in business and financial management consulting for independent
automotive repair shops and service facilities. Again, it does not offer
financial information but other useful information for a fee. There is
a free analysis of your business which obviously leads to a consulting
fee for the Total Quality Consulting. The company may provide comparative
data if asked or for a small fee.
Country Market Information from US Dept. of Commerce
http://www.doc.gov/CommerceHomePage.html
Statistical Data from Census Bureau
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this industry:
There were no industry financial data or ratios available on any of the web sites listed, however, an abundant of information is available through hard copy publications, via membership to the organizations and through how to books offered for sale.
Automotive Associations:
Information Sources:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Information obtained from Milestone 97, Part I Florida's Economy, produced by Enterprise Florida
Industry Name: Beer/Wine Bar
Industry SIC Code: 5813
SIC Code Description: Drinking Places
Basic Industry Statistics:
Industry Associations and Organizations:
Industry Valuation:
Lots of information
at www.restaurant.org
but no specific valuation data.
WWW or Other Sources Of Industry Data:
List of Major Companies In Industry:
Other WWW Sites of Interest:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Industry: Boat Dealers
Industry SIC Code: 5551
SIC Code Description:
Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of new and used motor boats and other water craft, marine supplies, and outboard motors.
Basic Industry Statistics:
Encyclopedia
of American Industries
There are 184,000 employees involved in the boat retailing.
Historical Performance (growth,
profits, etc...):
There was a deep recession within the boat dealer industry from the years 1988 to 1992.
Sales dropped from $18 billion in 1988 to $10.3 billion in 1992. The industry
came back as strong as ever during the mid-1990's. This was due to a strong
economy, low interest rates, and the repeal of the luxury tax in 1993.
Retail Expenditures rose to $17.7 billion in 1996. Although dollar sales
rose 3% in 1996, unit sales actually dropped 5% to 618,850 boats.
Projected Future Performance:
The
industry's success and the level of sales is always determined by the weather.
Therefore, it is difficult to predict how well the industry will do in
the future.
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if available:
West Marine, Inc. Watsonville, CA www.westmarine.com
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Industry: Bookkeeping
Industry SIC Code: 8721 Accounting, Auditing & Bookkeeping Services
SIC Code Description:
Basic Industry Statistics:
According to the U.S. Industrial Outlook of 1994, the accounting, auditing and bookkeeping industry had projected annual receipts of $38.8 billion and approximately 513,000 employees in 1993. Approximately 2,400 accounting and bookkeeping general service practitioners are listed in the Florida Business Directory, American Business Directories, 5711 South 86th Circle, P.O. Box 27347, Omaha, NE 68127.
Historical Performance:
Revenue
has been growing at a rate of approximately 3.4% - 5.6% per year from 1990 to 1994 according to the U.S.
Industrial Outlook of 1994.
Projected Future Performance:
It
is expected that due to computerized bookkeeping software packages the demand for bookkeeping
services will tend to decrease in the future. This is according to information
obtained from the following sources http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos144.htm
and Encyclopedia of American Industries, Gale Research, Inc., An International
Thomson Publishing Company.
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Associations and organizations geared exclusively to the bookkeeping industry were not found.
However, several of the accounting associations and organizations allow
bookkeeping and accounting related practitioners to
join.http//www.acatcredentials.org/
(Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation. Participants include
accounting and tax practitioners, enrolled agents, CPAs, students and others
interested in attaining accreditation in accounting or taxation.)
Industry Publications:
ACPA Directory, ACPA Worldwide Brochure,
Perspective, Accounting Horizons, Accounting Review, Tax Professional's
Update
Industry Valuation Publications:None found.
WWW or other sources of Economic
Data:None found
List of Major Companies in Industry
with WWW sites if Available:
Within this SIC code most of the major companies of the industry are International and National CPA Firms. Bookkeeping firms tend to be smaller, local firms, which provide bookkeeping in addition to other tax and accounting services.
Other WWW sites of interest relative to the Industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Industry: Book Store
Industry SIC Code: 5942
SIC Description: Retailers of Book Stores; North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 451211
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size:
In 1993, there were more than 11,000 bookstores in the U.S., an increase
of 12% over 1982, with sales rising 60% over the same period. Employment
increased by 25% to more than 72,000. Chain stores accounted for about
40% of the $9 billion retail book sales market in 1992. The rest of the
market is shared by 10,000 independent bookstores, with only 18 having
annual sales of $25 million or more. The largest bookseller, Barnes &
Noble, operated 1,000 stores in 1996 with over $2.4 billion in sales. The
second largest bookstore is Borders Group, which operates more than 1,100
stores across the country under the names Waldenbooks, Borders and Planet
Music generating $2.0 billion in sales in 1997.
Historical Performance:
Retail
sales in August 1998 for all bookstores was $1.35 billion, a 4.9% increase
over 1997. Estimated retail bookstore sales for August YTD equals $8.1
billion, a 2.4% increase over 1997, versus a 5.5% increase over last year
for all retail sales. Sales of the four largest bookstore
chains increased an average 10.7% in the second fiscal quarter of 1998 as follows Borders had the largest
increase at 17.1%, Barnes & Noble sales grew 9.3%, Books-A-Million
sales increased 8.5%, Crown Books' sales dropped 17.8% on a relatively
small sales base.
NOTES:
(a) The chain sales growth would
have been greater excluding declines experienced by Crown Books, which filed for bankruptcy in
July 1998.
(b) These nationwide figures do not reflect the impact of the
four largest chains at the regional, state, or local levels, where the
effects may be more dramatic than is visible on an overall basis. Sales for bookstores other than the
largest four chains dropped 1.5% in second quarter 1998. The dollar sales of independent bookstores
dropped 9.4% in volume for all non-chain bookstores between 1996 and 1997, with losses higher
in college and religious bookstores. The number of bookstores closed due
to business failures is increasing, from 132 in 1995 to 151 in 1996. This trend shows that the professional
independent booksellers are facing greater challenges and more difficult
times - The four largest chains' sales increased from $3.6 billion in 1994
to $5.7 billion in 1997 or a 57% increase, while all other bookstores had
sales of $7.0 billion in 1994 to $6.9 billion in 1997 or a 2.3% decrease.
Retailing data on Adult Book Sales by
Outlet reveal that 26% are sold in chain bookstores, 20% are sold by independent bookstores, and 18% by
book clubs. In comparison, overall book sales are distributed with 26.2%
in bookstore chains, 22.8% via mail order and 19.5% by independent bookstores.
The components of consumer book spending
show 59% of sales are hardbound and 41% are paperbound, with the percentages not
expected to change between 1996 and 1998.
Projected Future Performance:
Domestic consumer expenditures on all
books are expected to increase to $32.8 billion by the year 2002, up from $21.2 billion in 1992. Projections
for 1998 are $27.5 billion with 1999 estimates at $28.8 billion, showing
steady growth over the next few years. Online book selling is considered the
key industry issue for 1998 per the Publishing Industry Overview presented by the Association of American
Publishers (AAP). Projected online shopping revenues are expected to more
than double from 1997 to 1998, with sales expected to reach a minimum of
$500 million this year. New research showing that reading stimulates
the growth of the baby's brain and daily reading recommendations made by the American
Academy of Pediatrics is expected to encourage more adults to read their
children. This translates into a projected increase in juvenile trade sales.
Popular fiction and general non-fiction
books are expected to continue to decline while the purchase of religious books increases.
Independent or small chain stores will
continue to decline in market share, while book clubs and online shopping markets increase.
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if available:
Other WWW sites of Interest Relative to this Industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Southeast Booksellers Association, http://www.bookwire.com/rbag/sba.html
Additional Data Florida WWW Sites:
Industry: Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Industry SIC Code: 7217
SIC Code Description:
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size:
7,693 establishments in operation in 1992.
Historical Performance:
In 1996,
revenue about 2.4 billion. From 1987 to 1996, the annual growth rate of revenue was
11%.
Projected Future Performance: N/A
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
N/A
WWW or other sources of industry
Economic Data:
Census of Service Industries. (1992) Bureau of the Census.
Major companies in Industry:
Stanley Steemer International http://www.stanley-steemer.com
Other WWW Sites of interest relative
to this industry:
http://www.cleanfax.com
On line magazine for carpet cleaning professional, it also includes buyer's
guide that offers the purchasing directory in the industry.
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Industry: Child Day Care Services
Industry SIC Code: 8351
SIC Code Description:
This industry is primarily engaged in the care of infants or children, or in providing pre-kindergarten education. These establishments may also care for older children when they are not in school.
Basic Industry Statistics:
The
child day care service industry has become one of the fastest-growing businesses in the United States.
It draws more than $11 billion annually. The demand for these services
reflects the enormous increase in the number of children with mothers who
work. Forecasts indicate that women will account for 62 percent of the
growth in the labor force through the year 2005 thus showing a long going
need for child day care services. The total dollar size of the day care
market is also open to debate, but there are estimates falling in the $15
billion to $30 billion range.
Historical Performance:
Between
1988 and 1991, the amount of preschoolers who attended organized child care facilities declined from
26 to 23 percent. On the other hand from 1991 to 1995 U.S. day care revenues
steadily increased from $7 billion in 1991 to $11 billion in 1995. In addition
the industry has after tax margins of 5 %. Although the industry s profit
margin average is only 5%, the profit margin potential is actually much
higher for large organizations. A large player can have a cost advantage
and economy of scale. For example, the largest corporate owned chain Kinder care
reported a 15% EBITDA margin.
Projected Future Performance:
The
commercial child care industry is currently generating revenues of more than $15 billion and it is projected
to explode into a $50 billion industry during the next decade. In the 1970
s and 1980 s the amount of day care centers increased dramatically. The
rise in the amount of women working outside of the home explains much of
the increase. In 1987. 67% of women in the United States were in the workforce
compared with 39% in 1970. Even more of an explanation for this increase
is the rise in the number of single-parent families headed by divorced,
separated, or never married women--11.4 million in 1994 versus 3.8 million
in 1970. During the 1990 s day care is expected to be the eighth -fastest
growing business in the country.
Other Relevant Statistics about the
Industry:
Industry Associations & Organizations:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major companies in Industry with WWW sites if available:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data (data relative to Fl companies):
Industry Analysis using Porter s five forces:
Industry: Coin Laundry
Industry SIC Code: 7215
SIC Code Description:
Coin-operated
laundries and cleaning
Basic Industry Statistics:
Highly
fragmented industry that is primarily bifurcated between the multi-housing sector and the Laundromat
sector. Industry sales are fairly evenly divided between these two sectors.
A few large companies are now moving to consolidate the industry. Stores
typically occupy between 1,000 and 4,000 square feet of space. Customer
base primarily consists of people living in rental housing.
Industry Size: Approximately $7 billion in sales annually.
Historical Industry Performance:
Coin laundry stores have grown steadily over the past 40
years as population has increased and
shifted concentrated areas. The industry has become mature and stable with
predictable rates of return.
Projected Industry Performance:
The
industry is expected to exhibit moderate growth, with somewhat more growth in expanding metropolitan
areas that have high concentration of rental housing. This industry is
expected to continue thriving in periods of both growth and recession.
The market size grows in proportion to the population.
Industry Associations/Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publications:
Coin Laundries--Road to Financial Independence
A Complete Guide to Starting and Operating Profitable Self-Service Laundries. Emerson
G. Higdon. Mountain Publishing Co. 1990. Covers location, equipment selection,
costs, accounting, financing, security, marketing, and other topics. Information
is provided on the evaluation of existing coin-operated laundries.
Major Companies in Industry:
The coin laundry business is very fragmented and there are few major companies in the industry.
Other Relevant WWW sites:
Florida Specific Information:
Industry: Commercial Lawn Care
Industry SIC Code: 0782, 0783
Industry SIC Code Description:
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size
Historical Performance:
Projected Future Performance:
Anticipated Sales growth for 1998 24.1%
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Note: A complete list of National
& State Industry Associations including address and phone numbers may
be found at www.igin.com/indassoc.html
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication: None available
Sources of Industry Economic Data:
Major Companies in the Industry:
Ranked by 1997 Revenues in billion$
Web sites relative to this industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Industry Name: Contractor - Single Family Residential
Industry SIC Code: 1521
SIC Code Description:
General
Contractors - Single - Family Houses
Basic Industry Statistics:
( Size,
History, Future Performance)
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if available:
Extensive listing of residential contractors
in addition to some publications www.constr.com - Handy index of contractors, builders,
architects, engineers, equipment, materials, supplies, related services
and information.
www.building.org/texis/db/bix/+xoWedXKrwrmwxetTMw/community.html
Other WWW sites of interest relative
to this industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Industry: Convenience store
Industry SIC code: 5411 http://www.ptxecrc.com/edisic
SIC Code Description:
Basic Industry Statistics:
www.cstorecentral.com
As of 1997 there were 95,700 stores nationwide There was a 1.6% growth rate
for 1997, do to new stores opening, and a slowing of old stores closing.
Profits in this same period were up 2.6%, a large increase considering
there was a 23.3% in 1996. Industry pretax profits in 1997 were 1.6% of
total sales
Top ten product categories
1. Cigarettes 27.6%
2. Beer 14
3. Package beverage 13.6
4. Food service 12
5. Candy 4.7
6. General Merchandise 3.9
7. Salty Snakes 3.8
8. Fluid Milk Products 3.4
9. Publications 2.6
10. Edible Grocery 2.1
Future Growth is going to stay below 5% percent, do to the fact that a lot of older, smaller store are going to be closing, because they cannot compete against the larger more efficient ones. Plus mergers & acquisitions of stores are increasing do to economies of scale. A new trend in a one-stop shop is emerging and convenience stores will now compete against super markets.
Industry Associations and Publications:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
Major Companies:
Other Sites: N/A
Florida Sources:
The following site offer reports, case
studies, technology discussions, and other resources specific to the retailing
community.
Industry: Convenience Store-Gas
Industry SIC Codes: 5411, 5541
SIC Code Description:
(Source Standard Industrial Classification Manual, 1997 pp. 319, 322)
Basic Industry Statistics:
Historical Performance:
Total
number of stores was up 1.1 percent in 1996 to 94.2 thousand compared to 1995 total stores of 93.2 thousand.
In merchandising sales recorded their fifth consecutive increase, rising
1.4 percent over 1995 to $70.7 billion. Gasoline sales saw their tenth
consecutive increase, climbing 9.1 percent to $81.2 billion. These compare
to a merchandise sales increase of 8.2 percent in 1995 and a gasoline sales
increase of 9.7 percent. The convenience store industry posted
its third highest profit performance in 1996, behind 1994 and 1995's record
profitability. Reduced gasoline margins, higher direct store operating
expenses and slower merchandise sales growth, however, combined to drop
industry profits by 23.3 percent over 1995. The industry's pretax profits
for 1996 were 1.6 percent of total sales, or $2.43 billion.
Projected Future Performance:
As
mentioned previously 1996 saw and increase in the industry's store count. This marks the first time in
this decade that store openings exceeded store closings. In 1996 the industry's
store count reached 94,200 a 1.1 percent increase over 1995. New store
openings have now increased every year since 1993 and is expected to continue
for 1997. More specifically for Florida total store count in 1995 was 6,547
the number of new stores is projected to increase 323 or 5.2 percent to
a total of 6,547 by the year 2000. For 1996, the top performer's merchandising
capabilities again emerged as a defining operational attribute. Top performers
(top 25 percent) averaged $942,000 in annual merchandising sales versus
$751,000 for the industry average, and $444,500 for the lowest quartile
performers (bottom 25 percent). This ability to leverage merchandise sales
was also reflected in weekly merchandise sales per square foot. Top performers
were reported at $6.54 per square foot; lowest quartile performers reported
$3.60.This difference between top and bottom
performers is also seen in the projection of sales for 1997, as seen below
Mountain and Pacific states reported most aggressive growth. Again South Atlantic region fared the worst followed by New England. (Source State of the Industry 1997 by The National Association of Convenience Stores)
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
WWW or other Sources of Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry:
Other WWW Industry Sites of Interest:
Florida Sources of Industry Data and Suggested Data:
Industry: CPA Firms
Industry SIC Code: 8721
SIC Code Description:
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size:
5 major international firms (Arthur Andersen, KPMG Peat Marwick, Price
Waterhouse Coopers, Deloitte & Touché, Ernst & Young), several
regional ("second-tier") firms (Grant Thornton), many smaller local and
sole-practitioner firms (Cuthill & Eddy; Osburn, Henning & Co.,
Chastang, Ferrell, Sims & Eiserman)
Historical Performance in Millions
:
(from Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1996) '96
$54,484, '95$48,769, '94 $42,633, '93
$39,807, '92 $37,191
Projected Future Performance:
Based on historical growth patterns, expect 7-10% annual growth;
competitive forces increasing with American
Express Tax & Business Services buying out smaller firms. Bonus to
Florida CPAs who can now accept commissions and referral fees (e.g., for
financial planning and sales of mutual funds, insurance, etc.)
Industry Associations and Publications:
See Comprehensive Link from Rutgers Accounting Web. http://www.rutgers.edu/Accounting/raw.htm
Industry Valuation Publication: None
WWW or other Sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies with WWW Sites:
All of the Big Five, plus the Internet's
Largest List of Accounting Firms in the USA (plus International Firms)
Can Be Found on This Comprehensive Link from Rutgers Accounting Web
http://www.rutgers.edu/Accounting/raw.htm
Other WWW Sites of Interest Relative
to this Industry:
A Good List of Web Based Accounting Sources:http://www.excite.com/business_and_investing/other_business_topics/companies/financial_services/accounting/
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
http://www.census.gov/datamap/www/12.html
Industry Name: Services; Engineering and Management Services www.theodora.com/sic_index.html
Industry SIC Code: 8721
Basic Industry Statistics:
Revenues
of the Nine National Accounting firms 1996 (millions of dollars, except
as noted):
Worldwide % Change
Arthur Ardensen and Andersen Consulting
are business units of Andersen Worldwide. Source Public Accounting
Report, February 28,1997 Copyright 1997 Strafford Publications, Inc. Atlanta,
GA 404-881-1141.
US Accounting, Auditing and Book keeping
Services Trends and Forecasts:
( millions of dollars, except as noted)
Revenues
Years (thousand) % Change Employment % Change
(1) Estimate (2) Forecast
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA), Bureau of Census; US. Department of Labor Statistics; estimates and forecast by ITA. The industry as a whole generated substantive growth in the 1990s. Since 1992 , this sector generated an average increase of 7.5 to 8 percent per years in receipts. Assuming that the U.S. economy will grow at a moderate pace, this sector is expected to grow at approximately 11 to 12 percent per year, according with the U.S. Industry and trade Outlook 1998.
Revenue Projection of U.S. Accounting, Auditing, Bookkeeping Services:
Using and Yearly Growth Rate of 11.5%
Year Revenue
1998 70,000
1999 78,050
2000 97,034
2001 134,508
2002 207,896
Comparative Historical Data
Balance Sheet and Income Statement from 1993 to 1997
92 93 94 95 96
ASSETS % % % % %
LIABILITIES
INCOME DATA
Source RMA Annual Statement Study Book
(HF-5681 B2)
Industry Organizations:
Other Internet Resources Links:
www.accounting.net.com
(select research library)
Florida internet Resources:
Florida Organizations:
Publications:
Industry: CPA Practice
Industry SIC Code: 8721
SIC Code Description:
8721 Accounting,
Auditing, and Bookkeeping Services Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing accounting,
bookkeeping, and related auditing services. These establishments may use
data processing and tabulating techniques as part of providing their services.
However, establishments primarily engaged in providing data processing
and tabulating services are classified in Industry 7374. Establishments
providing income tax return preparation service without also furnishing
accounting, auditing, or bookkeeping services are classified in Industry
7291.
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size 580,000 employees.
Historical Performance:
Industry
receipts grew by approximately 30 percent from 1992 to 1996. Annual growth in the 1990's has been slower
than the dramatic growth experienced in the 1980's.
Projected Future Performance:
While the Industry is generally healthy,
some of the domestic markets are mature and are
expected to see continued consolidation of companies and personnel to maximize profits. Growth for
top firms will also come from further overseas expansion.
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if Available:
Other WWW sites of interest relative
to this Industry:
American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants/AICPA: www.aicpa.com
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Orlando Business Journal
Suggestions for Additional Data:
Industry: CPA Practice
Industry SIC Code: 8721
SIC Code Description: CPA Practices
Basic Industry Statistics: Not Available
Historical Performance: Not Available
Projected Future Performance: Not Available
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Not Available
Industry Publications: Not Available
Industry Valuation Publication:
Valuing Accounting Practices, by Robert F. Reilly and Robert P. Schweihs, Published by CCH Incorporated in 1997
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of major companies in Industry with WWW sites:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
http://www.thecpadirectory.com/Florida.htm
Industry: Dental Practices
Industry SIC Code: 8021
SIC Code Description: 8021 Offices and Clinics of Dentists
Basic Industry Statistics:
ADA Fact Sheets: http://www.ada.org/tc-prac.html
A Career Profile: http://www.ada.org/prac/careers/fs-dent.html
There were more than 153,000 professionally
active dentists in the U.S. in 1995. About 92 percent of active dentists
were in private practice in 1995. About 80 percent of all dentists in 1995
practiced general dentistry; the remainder practiced a dental specialty.
There were 31,345 dental specialists as of 1995; the area of practice,
research or administration for 48 percent of these specialists was orthodontics
and dentofacial orthopedics or oral and maxillofacial surgery. According
to a 1997 Gallup Poll, dentistry is the fifth most trusted profession in
America. Another recent Gallup Poll indicated that dentists generally get
high marks from consumers for their interpersonal skills and delivery of
quality care. A January 1991 survey by Louis Harris and Associates reported
that 83 percent of American adults were very satisfied with services received
from their dentists. A recent Gallup Poll also reported that 87 percent
of respondents were "satisfied" or "highly satisfied" with their current
dentist.
Dental Economics: http://www.ada.org/prac/careers/fs-dent.html#economics
Dental offices were the third highest ranking
category of start-up businesses most likely to survive, according to the
most recent survey of nearly 1.5 million companies reported in Inc. magazine.
In 1995, the average net income of general practitioners was about $122,860;
the mean net income of dental specialists was approximately $191,890. The
average net income for dentists between 30 and 34 years of age was $110,640
and for those from 45-49 years of age it was $143,950 in 1995. Specialists
in the 45-49 year old age group averaged $211,550 a year net income. The
average income of a dentist is in the highest 8 percent of U.S. family
income. Currently, approximately 100 million people are covered under dental
benefit plans. According to a Gallup Poll, 52 percent of American adults
are covered by a dental plan that pays for all or part of their dental
expenses. In 1996, private dental insurance payments accounted for 48.7
percent of the nation's expenditures for dental care.
Dental Practice: http://www.ada.org/prac/careers/fs-dent.html#practice
Among dentists out of dental school less
than four years, about 42 percent own their own practice; by six years
after graduation, this figure increases to 53 percent. On average, dentists
worked 37.1 hours per week in 1995, spending 33.3 hours a week (about 90
percent of their time in practice) treating patients. Those working fewer
hours are often older dentists who are limiting their hours. In 1995, 69.4
percent of the nation's private practitioners were working in a practice
with no other dentists; 19.2 percent were working in a practice with one
other dentist; and 11.5 percent worked with two or more dentists. Approximately
38 percent of the first-year students in dental school in 1996/97 were
women. Minorities comprised approximately 35 percent of the first-year
class in 1996/97 (5.7 percent Black, 4.9 percent Hispanic, 0.5 percent
American Indian, 23.4 percent Asian). The numbers of women and minority
practitioners are growing. The average number of dental patient visits
per week in 1995 (including hygiene appointments) was 83.4, or an annual
average of about 4,007. On average, dentists work with and supervise about
four staff members (two full-time and two part-time). In 1995, 97.8 percent
of all dentists employed at least one staff member, 14.6 percent employed
one or two and 51.6 percent employed three to six people.
Dentistry Tomorrow: http://www.ada.org/prac/careers/fs-dent.html#tomorrow
The demand for dental services will
continue to grow. Due to the success of preventive dentistry in reducing
the incidence of oral disease, the growing older population will retain
their teeth longer, and will be even more aware of the importance of regular
dental care. Demand for dentists' newer services, such as cosmetic dentistry,
also will contribute to this growth. The number of first-year students
in dental schools has decreased from a high of 6,301 in 1978 to 4,255 in
1996. Enrollment trends over the past two decades suggest that the proportion
of women in dentistry will continue to increase. Projections indicate that
by the year 2000, more than 26,000 women will be active practitioners,
almost twice the present number. Statistics collected through The Survey
of Dental Practice, 1995 Distribution of Dentists in the U.S. by Region
and State and 1996-97 Surveys of Predoctoral Dental Educational Institutions
conducted by the ADA Survey Center; the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services; and the U.S. Department of Labor. www.ada.org/prac/careers/fs-dent.html
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications (periodicals, newspaper, etc...):
Industry Valuation Publication:
Web or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if Available:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data (data relative to Florida companies):
Industry: Fitness Gym
Industry SIC Code: 7991
SIC Code description:
Physical Fitness Facilities, Membership sport Recreation Clubs--offer a selection of cardiovascular, conditioning and strength equipment, and extensive aerobic training programs.
Basic Industry Statistics:
Projected
sector will increase due to consumer spending and attention to physical
fitness and health. Target market is form 18-34 year olds, middle income.
Bally Total Fitness is the largest commercial operator of fitness centers
in the U.S.
Size:
There are approximately 22,407 facilities.
Historical Performance:
The industry
has significantly matured in the past decade. The target market of this
industry has aged and the challenge is to instill the same enthusiasm that
has fueled this industries growth year to date. Industry has grown at a
rapid pace during the past decade. Current ROE Average is 25% Estimated
EPS Growth of Largest operator in industry is 35%.
Eight Major Fitness Trends are "1. The
machine age (63 percent more Americans use cardiovascular equipment and
44 percent more use strength training equipment (than 10 yrs ago) 2. The
free weight boom (total participation has risen from 24.5 million to 43.2
million) 3. Treadmill popularity ( 720% increase) 4. Health club popularity
(63% gain in health club memberships. 5. A surge in home equipment ( nearly
1/3 of US household own home exercise equipment. 6. Continued commitment
from boomers (baby boomers are still exercising well into their 50's) 7.
Diverse exercise forms ( Yoga, Aerobics) 8. The emergence of personal trainers
(500% increase in personal trainer applicants).
For Analysis of The Largest Operator
..Bally Total Fitness
Ratio Analysis
Liquidity Ratio
Debt Utilization
Projected Future Performance:
Industry is expanding. The market is
using technology and the Internet for communication among managers of clubs
and other fitness professionals. The Internet is used as a marketing tool
for their facility. This will increase the target market to the more educated,
affluent and younger clientele. It is important that the industry expands
its current client base in order to fuel demand and generate increasing
revenues. Current fitness gyms are offering more services to their members
such as day care, personal trainers, nutritional supplements, exercise
apparel, and other services. Positive trend is expected to continue. Current
facilities will be at a disadvantage. The new fitness centers will be larger
and offer more services to its members. Facilities will be concentrated
in metropolitan areas.
People are living longer and there has
been a growing awareness of the benefits of eating healthy and exercising.
This trend will positively influence the fitness facilities and other associated
products/services such as; nutritional supplements, massage therapy, and
personal physical trainers. This industry has a lot of potential for the
year 2000 and beyond. IHRSA plans to double the number of fitness clubs
by the year 2010. They plan to increase membership by 75%. A very aggressive
goal but attainable.
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publications:
Fitness Management magazine - www.fitnessworld.com
This web site lists how to open your own fitness facility. The Fitness
Management Magazine serves as a resource for existing club owners as well
as potential entrepreneurs.
Powerhouse Gyms - www.powerhouse.com
Allows you to purchase franchise and establish your own gym.
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
Lists of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if Available:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:
www.fitnessworld.com - -this site leads into nutrition, health, exercise apparel.
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Suggestions for Additional Data:
This fitness gym influences several other sectors; health management, retail nutritional stores, apparel and others. There should be several links within all of these sectors to flip back and forth due to the way they influence each others business.
References:
Statistical information taken from Fitness Magazine, S&P reports and Wall Street Journal.
Industry: Florists
Industry SIC Code: 5992
SIC Code Description: http://www.osha.gov/cgi-bin/sic/sicser2
Basic Industry Statistics:
http://www.census.gov/prod/1/bus/retail/92area/92ret.html
http://www.flora-source.com/
Size:
http://www.aboutflowers.com/facts.html
Historical Performance (growth, profits,
etc...): Not Available
Projected Future Performance: Not
Available
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications ( periodicals, newspapers, etc...):
Industry Valuation Publication:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if Available:
Sites of interest relative to this Industry/Descriptions:
Florida Sources of Industry Data (data relative to Fl companies):
http://www.census.gov/prod/1/bus/retail/92area/92ret.html
Industry: General Contractors-Nonresidential Buildings, Other than Industrial Buildings and Warehouses
Industry SIC Code: 1542, 1541
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size:
Using Ward's Business Directory of U.S. Private and Public Companies Volume
5, 1999 Ranked By Sales within 4-digit SIC code it shows SIC code 1541
as a $54,533,000,000 industry with 321 companies and SIC code 1542 as a
$40,621,000,000 industry with 424 companies. Historical Performance (growth,
profits, etc...) Profit before taxes as a percentage of sales.
Projected Future Performance:
Value of New Construction Put in Place
1995-2002 in Billions of U.S. 1992 dollars
Value of New Construction Put in
Place 1995-2002:
This information came from U.S. Industry
and Trade Outlook 1998 Construction. Industry Associations & Organizations
Using the Encyclopedia of Associations Regional, State and Local Organizations
Southern and Middle Atlantic States as a reference I was able to find these
Associations.
Percent of Change
Industry Publications (periodicals, newspapers, etc...):
Using the Guide to Special Issues and Indexes of Periodicals as a guide here are some of the industry publications available.
Industry Valuation Publication:
With the low number of associations available their wasn't a standard value publication offering. WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data . All Economic data came from hard copy sources found at the Library.
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if Available:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:Not Available
Florida Sources of Industry Data
(data relative to Fl companies):
Using Ward's Business Directory of U.S.
Private and Public Companies Volume 6, 1999 State Rankings by Sales within 4-digit SIC code it
shows SIC code 1541 as a $958,000,000 industry with 12 companies and SIC
code 1542 as a $1,052,000,000 industry with 32 companies for the state
of Florida.
Industry: Gyms
Industry SIC Codes: 7991, 7997, 71394
SIC Code Description:
Basic Industry Statistics & Historical Performance:
During the years 1987 to 1995 memberships rose 29 percent for the
18-29 year olds and 64 percent for the 35 to 54 year olds. Total revenues
for physical fitness facilities rose from approximately 3.5 billion dollars
to close to 5 billion dollars from 1991-1995. The total number of commercial
clubs dropped from approximately 13,500 in 1990 to 12,000 in 1991 and in
1995 remained at about 12,000. The number of adult users of fitness clubs
increased from about 15.9 million in 1993 to 18 million in 1995. The statistical
Abstract of the United States reported approximately 22,008,000 people
over the age of seven worked out at a club in 1995. Approximately 8.5 percent
of the population are members of fitness clubs. The industry employs about
600,000 full and part-time employees. Part-time employees outnumber full
time by about 5 to 1. The largest part of the workforce is fitness instructors.
They can either be paid by the hour, session, or student. The second largest
segment of the workforce is entry level front desk clerks. These employees
are usually paid an hourly wage. The third largest group of workers is
the owners. Around 85% of the fitness clubs provide employees with health
insurance. There are 28,885 sport and fitness clubs in the U.S. 21,750
are small with fewer than 20 employees, 6,250 are medium with 20-99 employees.
According to the Encyclopedia of American Industries the three major fiduciary
risks include lawsuits as a result of slipping or falling or wet area accidents,
injury to participants engaged in athletic activity, and claims involving
health center employees. It is obvious that fitness centers must take extreme
precautionary steps to insure minimal exposure to liability suits including
carrying sufficient liability insurance coverage. (1,3,4,5)
Projected Future Performance:
The five most important external issues facing members according to the IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sports club Association) in 1993 were1. Local economy 2. Price sensitivity of the market 3. Competition from clubs 4. Taxes 5. Unfair competition from non-profit establishments like YMCA. According to the IHRSA the five most important internal issues were 1. Member retention 2. Personnel management 3. Advertising and marketing 4. Cost control 5. Sales management. Although home fitness equipment sales tripled in the 1980's, the lack of a complete workout including all of the varieties attainable at the fitness center may keep this from being a major threat to fitness club memberships. According to the Encyclopedia of American Industries the future of the industry's research and development is uncertain. While some analysts predict a more hands on approach such as indoor rock climbing others predict a more computerized training center. This particular industry is subject to fad type training techniques and equipment. The Encyclopedia of American Industries also says that the focus on a younger client base is shifting to the middle aged forty-year-old members. They say, " family-oriented health programs are the fastest-growing segment of the health club industry." More clubs are offering convenience services such as food service, salons, childcare, laundry facilities, and sporting good shops. The Statistical Forecasts of the U.S. forecasts an increase in the number of persons engaging in Physical Activity and Fitness by 6% from 14% to 20% between 1991 and 2000. (1,6).
Industry Associations and Organizations:
Association of Physical Fitness Centers
Industry Publications:
Club Industry- A local club owner says
this is the best source of information
Profiles of Success - A yearly publication
by the IHRSA with detailed consumer and economic industry research. A sample
can be found at http://www.ihrs.org .
The IHRS also offers another annual publication called Uniform System of
Accounts. Although not industry specific the last
5 years economic information i.e. balance sheet and income statement information as well as earnings/share,
ROE, revenue, net income, projected EPS growth, stock price tracking and
much more may be found at http://www.morningstar.net
for the major publicly traded companies in the industry Bally Total Fitness
Holding ASE BFT or BFIT and Sports Club Company traded as SCY.
Other WWW Sites of Relative Interest to This Industry:
Major Companies in the Industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Bally, Gold's and World gym all have
lists of gym locations in the state of Florida. The Florida Statistical
Abstract includes a price level index for every county in the state pertaining
to the Health recreation and personal services. Recent listing information
can be found at the Florida Business Brokers Association website http//www.fbba.com.
Included are sale price, down payment, owners benefit, and gross sales.
Industry: Hair Salons
Industry SIC Code: 7231
SIC Code (codes) description: 7231 Division I Services, 72 Personal Services 723 Beauty Shops.
This division includes establishments primarily engaged in providing a wide variety of services for individuals, business and government establishments, and other organizations. Hotels and other lodging places; establishments providing personal, business, repair, and amusement services; health, legal, engineering, and other professional services; educational institutions; membership organizations, and other miscellaneous services, are included. Establishments which provide specialized services closely allied to activities covered in other divisions are classified in such divisions. Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing beauty or hairdressing services. This industry also includes combination beauty and barber shops, as well as hairdressing shops serving both male and female clientele. Beauty and cosmetology schools are included in this industry.
Basic Industry Statistics:
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic
Data:
www.osha.gov/oshastats
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if Available:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Industry: Food
Retail Health (i.e., Health Food Retailers)
Industry SIC Code:
The retail health food industry falls under SIC code 5499 (Miscellaneous Food Stores). According to information obtained from OSHA's website (www.osha.gov), firms within this classification are "primarily engaged in the retail sale of specialized foods, not elsewhere classified, such as eggs, poultry, health foods, spices, herbs, coffee, and tea." Examples of retail stores that fall under this classification include coffee stores, dietetic food stores, egg dealers, health food stores, poultry dealers, spice and herb stores, tea stores, vitamin food stores, and mineral water retailers.
SIC Code Description:
Industry Statistics:
In 1995, the U.S. retail health food industry was comprised of approximately 9,245 individual health and natural food stores (SVP, 1998). Collectively, these firms generated gross revenues of approximately $7.1 billion (SVP, 1998). During the previous five-year period (1990 to 1994), industry sales grew steadily at a compound annual growth rate of 16.7 percent (SVP, 1998). In 1998, the number of U.S. health/natural food stores totaled more than 11,000 (Twinlab, 1998). While estimates vary, these firms generated sales of approximately $10 billion (Poole, 1998). Industry sales are expected to experience continued growth (about 15 percent annually) during 1999 and 2000 (SVP, 1998). The retail health food business appears to be highly profitable. During 1996, gross profit margins in the industry ranged from 46 and 53 percent (Granato, 1997). In general, small independent retailers appear to earn higher profits than large chain stores such as GNC.
Industry Associations and Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publications:
"Buying a Health Food Business--Where Do You Start", http://www.healthfoodsbiz.com/Buystore.
WWW Sources of Industry Economic Data:
Major Companies Within the Industry:
Other WWW Sites of Interest:
News. This site offers articles (directed at both consumers and retailers of health foods) that discuss the scientific studies/findings regarding various dietary supplements.
Florida Sources of Industry Data: Not Available
Additional Sources of Data:
Industry:Health
Foods and Vitamin Stores
Industry SIC Code: 5499
SIC Code Description: The sale
of specialty health foods and a general line of vitamins.
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size:
With only one national chain, the health food and vitamin stores industry
is largely made up of small companies. As the RMA Annual Statement Studies
show, for the one year period ending 9/30/95, there were 35 statements
for the $0-$500,000 range of assets. There were also 20 statements for
the $500,000-$2,000,000 range and 13 for the $2,000,000-$10,000,000 range.
There are also a great number of on-line locations to purchase health foods
and vitamins. This may dramatically effect future industry size and performance,
as I will discuss below.
Historical Performance:
The Net Sales of all the RMA statements in the 1991-92 period were $507,560M. This increased to $2,526,094M for the 1995-96 period. In percentage terms this equates to 397% growth over five years, or an amazing 79%/year. Total Assets for the same time period increased from $160,415M to $634,744M. This results in a 295% five year return, or 59%/year. M = thousands MM = millions (All of the above information was gathered from the 1996 edition of RMA Annual Statement Studies, pages 598 and 599).
Projected Future Performance:
From
both the historical growth records and my own personal experience in the industry, I feel it
is safe to say that health food and vitamin stores will continue to do well.
Having worked as a personal trainer and manager at a private fitness
facility for nearly five years, I have seen just how willing people are
to purchase products they feel will enhance their health, performance,
and appearance. This ranges from the extremely health conscious individuals
who will only eat 100% natural products, to the overweight person trying
the latest diet pill or supplement and the many others in between. With
the emergence and tremendous growth of the internet, health food and vitamin
stores are sure to benefit as well as, if not more than, most industries.
Recently nearly everything associated with the internet has prospered,
as evidenced by the surge in internet stock prices. People are looking
for quicker and easier ways to purchase items, and the internet appears
to be the solution. The health food and especially the vitamin on-line
stores should see exceptional future performance. One does not need to
see a bottle of pills, powder, drink, etc. in person to decide if they
want the item. The internet simply allows the consumer to read about the
product, then order it from the comfort of his or her own home. The internet
also allows small and large companies alike to reach potential consumers
all over the world, instead of just in a specific radius around their store
locations. However, the knowledge of the industry growth and the expansion
of the internet may soon bring too many businesses to the industry. With
the ease and relative inexpensiveness of starting an on-line business,
there is the danger of too many small hopefuls getting into the business.
As in all other mature industries, the most profitable and well-run companies
will be the ones to survive.
Industry Publications:
Food and Beverage Marketing, Natural
Health Magazine, and The Progressive Grocer.
Sources of Industry Data:
There is not a great deal of industry data available. However, general over views can be obtained at www.zacks.com, as well as www.hoovers.com. Both sites give especially good information on General Nutrition Company, Inc.
Major Companies:
Far and away the dominant firm in the industry is General Nutrition Company, Inc. With 3,160 domestic stores, they are the only nationwide specialty retailers of vitamin and mineral supplements, sports nutrition products and herbs (www.gnc.com). In Orlando we are fortunate enough to have another major natural food and vitamin store to choose from. Privately owned Chamberlain's Market and Café has six Orlando locations. They currently do not have a web site, but can be contacted at their main store on 17-92 at 647-6661. While they don't offer as many sports supplements as GNC, they are more known for their extensive supply of fresh and packaged natural foods.
Other Sites of
Interest
As mentioned above, the internet is a terrific place to locate
natural foods and vitamins. A couple of locations to visit and get a feel
for what the future of the on-line industry may hold are Discount Natural
Foods at www.juicers.net and All Natural Foods at www.brecht.com. Both
sites are vary similar in their offerings of vitamins, herbs, supplements,
and foods. However, one is located in Syracuse, NY, while the other is
located in New Orleans, LA. This again demonstrates how the internet allows
business's to reach much further than they ever could with just a local
store.
Additional Data Suggestions:
If you were interested in doing more
casual reading about the latest products and ideas in the industry, Better
Nutrition magazine is a good source that is given out for free at Chamberlain's locations.
If you were more interested in the detailed
research of the latest products and ideas, The Clayton College of Natural
Health in Birmingham, AL (www.ccnh.edu), is a good source. They are largely
considered to have the most complete research and instruction on health
foods and vitamins.
Industry: Ice Cream Parlors
Industry SIC Code: 2024
Industry NAIC Code: 722213 5812
SIC Code Description:
Basic Industry Statistics:
Historical Performance:
About a dozen companies control just over 80% of the ice cream sales in the United States. Several dozen regional and local marketers make up the rest. The ice cream category is divided into three major segments full fat ice cream; light, reduced-fat and low-fat ice cream; and nonfat ice cream.
Market Forecasts:
The overall
ice cream market is expected to grow by a total of 25% between 1995 and 2000. Sales of nonfat ice creams
are expected to triple while light, reduced-fat, and low fat ice cream
sales will grow by about 40%, and full-fat ice creams by about 3%. However,
as of late, the cost of dairy raw materials have steadily gone up. This
will lead to unfavorable results in the present and near future, unless
prices drop closer to their previous positions. Most ice cream parlors
have increased prices on their ice cream products and have modified their
promotional strategies to combat these higher dairy costs.
Reference sites for above:
Industry Associations and Organizations:
Industry Publications:
National Dipper Magazine 847-390-6550
List of Major Companies in the Industry:
Other WWW Sites of Interest Relative to This Industry:
Links to spots for anything you ever wanted to know about ice cream equipment, flavors, how to make it, the history of ice cream, and more.
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Industry:Liquor Stores
Industry SIC Code: 5921
SIC Code Description:
Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of packaged alcoholic beverages, such as ale, beer, wine, and liquor, for consumption off the premises.
Basic Industry Statistics From US Census:
Historical Performance:
From Almanac of Business and Industrial Financial Ratios
Projected Future Performance:
Annual
increase in Liquor, Beer and Wine Sales of 10 Billion in next five years.
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
Beverage World.
WWW Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites:
ABC Fine Wines & Spirits www.abcfinewinesandspirits.com
Other WWW Sites of interest relative to business:
Industry: Marinas
Industry SIC Code:
4493, Marinas, Division E Transportation,
Communications, Electric, Gas, and Sanitary Services Major Group44, Water Transportation, Industry
Group 449, Services Incidental to Water Transportation.
These Establishments rent boat slips
and store boats, and generally perform a range of other services including cleaning and incidental boat
repair. They frequently sell food, fuel, and fishing supplies, and may
sell boats. Establishments primarily engaged in building or repairing boats
and ships are classified in manufacturing, Industry Group 373. Establishments
primarily engaged in the operation of charter of party fishing boats or
rental of small recreational boats are classified in Services, Industry
7999." http://www.osha.gov
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size:
In 1992, the Air and Water Transportation Industries in the United States summed 3,348 corporations.
Annual revenue for the United States in these Industries averaged around
$1,651,000,000. Annual payroll was recorded at $346,000,000 and paid employees
totaled 18,000. -1997 U.S. Statistical Abstract. In 1996, Florida housed
1,106 Water Transportation units. The largest counties being Broward (174),
Dade (163) and Duval (89). (1997 Florida Statistical Abstract).
Historical Performance:
The industry, or Major Group of Water Transportation, has had a steady increase in Outlay throughout the last 20 years. IN 1980, Passenger and freight Transportation Outlay for Water Transportation was $15.4 billion which increased to $20.1 billion in 1990 and recently to $22.7 billion in 1995. Thus, Federal Outlays in 1997 were $3.4 billion. Employment in the Industry with SIC code 44, averaged 172,000 in the years 1980-1996. Furthermore, Gross Stock of Fixed Private Capital for the Water Transportation Group was estimated to be $55 billion between 1991-1994. In Florida, employment in the Marina Service and Water Transportation Industry has remained steady and stable within the last few years. Employment in 1995 totaled 20,516 persons and rose steadily in 1996 to 20,715 persons. The total revenues in the state amounted to $51,418,000 for 1996. (U.S. Statistical Abstract, 1997).
Projected Future Performance:
Looking in the following guide I found no information on marinas specifically Federal Reserve Bulletin, U.S. Industrial Outlook, and Value Line. The Water Transportation Group is categorized with Truck & Transportation Group which makes it hard to identify specifics. However, Standard and Poor's Trend line of Current Market Perspectives, lists the percentage change in the industry valuation from 10/8/97. In the Transportation industry, a ranking of 64 out of 100 and a -45% decrease was listed. The Service industry fared a little better with a 40 out of 100 ranking of industries and a -30% change. This is evidence of the down turn in the economy over the summer. The Value Line, November 8 issue, states that the Maritime industry is "topsy-turvy". It was not stable and not recommended for investment. If this has any reflection on the Water Transportation Industry, future performance is sluggish until mid 1999. Consumer spending is likely to grow more modestly in the first half of 1999, which will be a boom for these industries. Because of the difficulties in Asia recently, exports have declined. Not until 1999 will we see an advance in these industries and major groups. These gains should begin revival in Asia and Europe which are a weak spot in the current economy. During the first half of 1998, we saw a strong economy with low inflation, low unemployment, and steady interest rates. Developments in overseas markets have pointed to slower economic growth and more volatile markets during the rest of 1998. Business in the Industries will be slow into the middle of 1999.
Industry Associations and Organizations:Not Available
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
The International Marina Institute establishes benchmarks for the valuation of the marina industry. Each year they put out publications and hold seminars for this purpose. The following publications focus on the valuation of Marinas:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites in Available:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:
Florida sources of Industry data:
Associated Industries of Florida
publication, Florida Business Insight www.aif.com
Industry: Physical Fitness Facilities www.sba.gov/regulations/siccodes/
Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers - www.census.gov/epcd/naics/NSIC8A.HTM#S79
Industry SIC Code & NAICS Code:
SIC Code Description:
Basic Industry Statistics:
SIZE
48 Companies, 37,900 employees, 1.6 Billion in Revenue(Ward's Business Directory)
Historical Performance: Not available
Projected Future Performance: Not available
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
WWW or other sources of Industry Economic Data:
Not available
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW sites if Available:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:
Industry: Printing Business
Industry Standard Industry Classification (SIC) Codes:
Using the website www.osha.gov/cgi-bin/sic/sicser1 I was able to locate several SIC codes under the publishing and printing industry. They include the following:
*These SIC codes were determined from
www.vancouver-webpages.com/sic/27/9/.
The North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) is replacing the existing Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system.
NAICS makes substantial structural improvements and identifies over 350
new industries. This announcement was made on April 9, 1997. More information
on the new NAICS system may be found on the following website: www.census.gov/epcd/www/naicsusr.html
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size:
Based on the Hoover Industry Snapshot on the Printing Business, it is a $50 billion, highly
fragmented, industry. Eighty percent of the companies have sales less than
$2 million annually. There are three major players in the printing industry,
which include; Dia Nippan Printing, R.R. Donnelley and Quebecor. http://www.hoovers.com/features/industry/publish.html
According to National Association of
Printers and Lithographers (NAPL) who conducted a survey of over 400 national
printing companies, they did $2.7 billion annual sales with about $5 million
in median annual sales. www.napl.org/hotspots/usmap.html
Historical Performance:
Based on a survey conducted by Printing Industries of America (PIA), growth in 1996 was 9.3% for the typical printer and growth in 1997 was 6.6%. On a regional basis, the East did 9.2% growth on 1997, South did 7.5% growth in 1997 and the West and Midwest averaged growth of 5.3% in 1997.
Projected Future Performance:
Sales are anticipated to increase by 10.6% over the next 12 months (from April 1998). Growth projections were also estimated for the four regions of the United States, which include the following:
Midwest (12.2%) South (10.1%) West (9.9%)
East (9.8%)
www.printing.org/NAPM/econ4_22.html
An article, "Diversification Brings
Sales" on the PIA website describes the results of the "one-stop-shop"
advantage. A multiple print related services in printing had an approximate
1.6% growth over the traditional printing company. www.printing.org/NAPM/econ8_12.html
The majority of printers will focus on sales and revenue growth in the
future. Anticipate more single-source customers in the future. Pricing
pressures will continue among printers in the future. www.printing.org/NAPM/econnews.html
Finding, keeping and training employees are the current hot issues for
printers. www.printing.org/NAPM/econ6_22.html and www.printing.org/NAPM/econ3_10.html
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Several professional organizations serve the printing industry. The most prevalent include Printing Industries of America (PIA) and the Printing Association of Florida (PAF) in the sunshine state.
A list of several other associations
can be found at: www.profectus.com/associations.htm
Industry Publications:
Industry Valuation Publication:
WWW or Other Sources of Industry Economic Data:
The U.S. Census provides a description
of the industry and a summary of its findings. For example, for commercial
printing, lithographic the census talks about the SIC codes, employment
(which has increased by 10% since 1991), the total value of shipments for
establishments classified in this industry ($43.6 billion), and total costs
of materials, services, fuels and energy used by this industry ($18.7 billion).
This website can be found at: www.census.gov/mcd/mancen/download/mc92f275.sum
The NIPA site had information on the
gross product by industry. The gross domestic product by industry in current
dollars (billions) from 1987-1994 for the printing and publishing industry
included the following:
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
62.4 66.8 72.2 73.9 75.9 79.7 81.7 85.7
The real gross domestic product by industry in current dollars (billions) from 1987-1994 for the printing and publishing industry included the following:
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
84.1 86.8 87.9 84.5 80.8 79.7 77.3 78
These items may be found at website: www.bea.doc.gov/bea/gpxind-d.html
Printing Industries of America, Inc. (PIA) provides a Ratio Studies book, which is a compilation of detailed financial information from hundreds of printing and related graphic arts firms contained in one text. www.profectus.com/ratios.html
Printing economic sales data by region and size can be found at the following website: www.napl.org/hotspots/usmap.html
Economic news releases provided by PIA can be found at: www.printing.org/NAPM/econnews.html
List of Major Companies in Industry with WWW Sites if Available:
Other WWW Sites of Interest Relative to this Industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Census State Data Centers:
The latter website's summary of findings stated that the leading industry group in Florida ranked by employment included printing and publishing. There are a total of 3415 printing and publishing establishments in the State. The value of shipments is $5,136,100 for the State. Total employment for this industry is 56,000 and the total payroll for this industry in the State is $1,396,600.
Florida Trend magazine has some interesting articles about the Florida economy. It lists the Printing and Publishing business as being the number one provider of the most jobs by 2005 in Florida (9,559 jobs). www.fltrend.com/fltrend/business/outlook/manufacturing.html
Industry: Restaurant Industry.
Industry SIC code: Industry Group 581
Eating And Drinking Places 5812 description:
Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of prepared food and drinks for on-premise or immediate consumption. Caterers and industrial and institutional food service establishments are also included in this industry automats (eating places) , Beaneries, Box lunch stands, Buffets (eating places), Cafes, Cafeterias, Carryout restaurants, Caterers, Coffee shops, Commissary restaurants, Concession stands, prepared food (e.g., in airports and sports arenas), Contract feeding, Dairy bars, Diners (eating places), Dining rooms, Dinner theaters, Drive-in restaurants, Fast food restaurants, Food bars, Food service, institutional, Frozen custard stands, Grills (eating places), Hamburger stands, Hot dog (frankfurter) stands, Ice cream stands, Industrial feeding, Lunch bars, Lunch counters, Luncheonettes, Lunchrooms, Oyster bars, Pizza parlors, Pizzerias, Refreshment stands, Restaurants, Restaurants carryout, Restaurants fast food, Sandwich bars or shops, Snack shops, Soda fountains, Soft drink stands, Submarine sandwich shops, Tea rooms, Theaters, dinner.
Basic Industry Statistics:
More
than 44 percent of the food dollar was spent away from home in 1995, up from 25 percent in
1955. More than four out of 10 eating-and-drinking places are sole proprietorships
or partnerships Average unit sales in 1992 were $501,000 at full service
restaurants, and $473,000 at limited-service (fast food) restaurants. More
than two-thirds of eating-and-drinking-place establishments had annual
sales of less than $500,000 in 1992. computers are used in more than eight
out of 10 table service restaurants. The restaurant industry provides work
for 8% of those employed in the US. Or 10,2million employees and 799,000
locations. More than 37 percent of all adults have worked in the restaurant
industry at some time during their lives. More than 10.2 million persons
are employed in the restaurant industry, with total restaurant employment
projected to be 12 million by 2006.
Size:
With direct sales of more
than $336 billion, the overall economic impact of the restaurant industry
is expected to reach nearly $683 billion
in 1998. This includes sales in related industries such as agriculture,
transportation, wholesale trade and manufacturing On a typical day in 1998,
the restaurant industry should post average sales in excess of $922 million
Restaurant-industry sales are forecast to advance 4.7 percent in 1998 and
equal more than 4 percent of the US gross domestic product. The Restaurant
Industry Share of the Food Dollar is 44.
Historical Performance (growth, profits, etc.…):
The best source for the historical performance and economic data is the Restaurant Industry Operations Report published by the National Restaurant Association. It can be acquired for a price of $89.95. Another important source is the Food service Trends magazine that can be checked @ www.restaurant.org/research/ftrnds/index.htm
Projected future performance:
Restaurant-industry sales are projected to reach $336.4 billion in 1998--up 4.7 percent over 1997. In line with moderate economic growth, real sales (adjusted for inflation) should rise 1.8 percent--essentially equal to 1997's 1.7 percent real increase. Menu prices are projected to advance 3.0 percent in 1998--a slight increase over the 2.8 percent gain of 1997. Total sales at limited-service (fast-food) restaurants are forecast to advance to $105.7 billion. Fast-food restaurants are expected to continue to exceed the industry average for real growth, posting a 2.1 percent increase over 1997. Sales at full service restaurants should surpass $110.3 billion, a 2.0 percent gain in real terms--virtually equal to the real growth rate forecast for fast-food restaurants. In the commercial sector, retail hosts and food contractors at colleges and universities and at primary and secondary schools are expected to post real gains in excess of 3 percent. Sales for the Institutional Restaurant Services Group are likely to rise only 1.6 percent, or a 0.6 percent drop in inflation-adjusted dollars. Within the institutional sector, the transportation segment, as well as clubs, sporting and recreational camps should record the highest real growth.
Industry Associations & Organizations:
National restaurant association @ www.restaurant.org/index.htm
Industry publications (periodicals, newspapers, etc…):
There are several publications related to the restaurant industry. They can be categorized into six different categories They can be checked at www.restaurant.org/pubs/pub.htm
WWW or other sources of industry Economic Data:
Can be accessed from the following address www.restaurant.org/links/links.htm. The links include sites related to Restaurant industry news, restaurant supplies, state associations, business resources, schools government, trade publications and job listings.
List of major Companies in Industry
with www sites if available:
Other www sites of interest relative
to this industry:
Florida Sources of Industry Data (data relative to Fl companies):
Florida Restaurant Association @ www.flra.com
Industry: Signs and Advertising Specialties
Industry SIC Code:
3993 Signs and Advertising Specialties Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing electrical, mechanical, cutout, or plate signs and advertising displays, including neon signs, and advertising specialties. Sign painting shops doing business on a custom basis are classified in Services, Industry 7389. Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing electric signal equipment are classified in Industry 3669, and those manufacturing commercial lighting fixtures are Classified in Industry 3646.
This information was found at: http://www.env-sol.com/SIC/SIC.HTML
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size:
The total
number of sign businesses in the US, including traditional and electrical, is estimated
to be between 20,000 and 30,000. Of these, an estimated 5000 businesses
could be classified as predominantly CAS (Computer-Aided Sign) businesses.
Historical Performance:
Estimated gross sales volume in 1992:
These figures do not include digital printing nor screen printing operations, whose combined total revenues is estimated at $4,000,000,000. From 1996 to 1997, the average profit margins dropped from 18.8% to 16.5%, and average sales per full-time employee dipped from $64,000 to $61,800. In 1997, the industry sales volume as a whole increased by 18.3%. It's estimated that the CAS/commercial-sign industry grew 13% from $3.2 billion in 1996 to $3.6 billion in 1997.
Growth Rate:
The market for instant signs in the US has grown at an 8.3% rate annually from 1971 to 1991. More recent information from the Department of Commerce shows growth in the 13% range through the end of the decade. Average commercial-sign companies increased sales by more than 13% in '97.
Future Outlook:
Since 20 million businesses require signs in the US, and each year over one million businesses are added to this number, the sign industry has become one of the fastest growing service industries of the 90's. The projected level of saturation domestically for computer-aided sign businesses is estimated between 10,000 and 15,000. By all estimates, the number of CAS businesses in the US can at least double, if not triple, before a competitive market is reached. Thus, the future holds for the sign industry to continue growing for the next few years. To find more detailed industry information and to see where this information was found, check out:
Associations and Organizations:
For websites listing International, US Regional, US State and local sign associations check out:
Industry Publications:
Industry Newsletters:
Major Companies in the Industry:
Franchises:
Non-franchise Organization:
Other Sites:
Florida Sources of Industry Data:
Industry: Travel Agency
Industry SIC code: 4724
SIC Code Description:
Growth:
Florida is one of the states that
has the greatest growth potential in tourism making travel agencies very profitable if the right market
is tapped.
Agencies for sale:
Associations:
Central Florida Travel Agencies:
Travel agencies are not difficult to valuate. They are an industry, which relies solely on commissions. Those commissions (airline) are reported weekly to ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) and reports are then sent to each agency. There are many commissions that do not enter this process. Those are hotels, car rentals, cruises, tours paid by credit card or checks directly to tour operators. More care has to be taken with regards to these commissions. Most vacationers, however, leave a paper trail since they pay with credit cards for their trips for convenience and added security. Aside from travel agencies for sale, it was very difficult to find values of travel agencies. There are over 7000 agencies in Florida alone. The historical performance is hard to measure. ARC does have a quarterly report stating the number of agencies that close mostly due to financial reasons. But in Florida the growth has been incredible, especially here in Central Florida. It is now considered to be the number one destination for vacations not just for families, but for honeymooners as well!
Industry: Travel Agency
Industry SIC Code: 4724
SIC Code Description:
Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing travel information and acting as agents in arranging tours, transportation, rental of cars, and lodging for travelers. Tour operators primarily engages in arranging and assembling tours for sale through travel agent are classified in Industry 4725, Tour Operators.
Basic Industry Statistics:
Size Travel is currently the second largest business in America. And by the year 2000, according to the American Society of Travel Agents, travel and tourism will be the number one industry in the Unites States. At present, 6.7 percent of the Gross National Product (GNP) is generated by travel, and a total of 6.3 million people are employed by the U.S. tourism industry. Tourism produced more jobs than other industry except health and business. ASTA further states that 75 percent of all airline tickets and 95 percent of all cruise sales are sold through travel agents, with a total of $50 billion in national and international tickets sold through travel agents in 1996.
Historical Performance (growth, profits, etc..):
In February 1995, six of the largest U.S. airlines decided
to cap domestic travel agent commissions
at $50. With the cap in place, many agencies, especially those that handle
large volumes of higher-prices business travel tickets, closed their offices
or merges with other agencies. Several travel agency organizations filed
suit in federal court, alleging antitrust violations by the carries, and
the parties agreed to a cash settlement in September 1996, but the caps
were kept in place. Today travel agents still feel the effects of the caps.
The ARC which processes travel agent sales foe the airlines, reported that
the number of single-office agency locations dropped by 2.3 percent in
1996 to 20,743 agencies. The ARC reported that 3,866 full-service travel
agencies and satellite ticket printer locations voluntarily relinquished
their ARC accreditation in 1996. Satellite ticket printers. Which became
available in 1991, allow a traveler to purchase a ticket from a travel
agency and pick it up in another location. The number of closed agencies
in 1996 amounted to a 15 percent increase in the number of agencies and
STPs that closed in 1995 and a 95 percent increase of the number that closed
in 1994, the last year that travel agencies were paid a full commission
on domestic ticket.
There was, however, an increase in the
number of new travel agencies that were approved by ARC. In total the number
of travel agencies increased by 1.1 percent in 1996, but much of that growth
was in STPs and on-site travel agency locations. An on-site location is
a branch office of a larger agency, which is located at a client's office
to service its travel needs.
Projected Future Performance:
Overall,
the outlook is positive for the travel and tourism industry. Domestic travel is expected to increase
nearly 5 percent in 1997 and average 2 to 3 percent annually between 1998
and 2001. Expenditures from domestic travelers are forecast to reach $535
billion in 2001, a 30 percent increase from 1996. Another factor that could
affect long term prospects for travel agencies is the Internet. Since 1994,
every major airline, hotel chain, and cruise line as well as Amtrak has
set up an interactive Web site to give personal computer (PC) users access
to fares, room rates, ship designs, and schedules. Most of the businesses
allow, or plan to allow, PC users to book their own travel through an Internet
Web site. In addition, PC users can compare rates and schedules and book
fares on several airlines through on-line services, which offer more credit
security.
Industry Associations & Organizations:
ASSOCIATION OF GROUP TRAVEL EXECUTIVES
424 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Phone:212-486-4300
Affiliated with the Travel Industry Agency
Association of America
ASSOCIATION OF RETAIL TRAVEL AGENTS
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway, #300
Arlington, VA 22202
Phone:703-413-2222
Fax: 703-413-2225
Promotes the interests of retail travel
agents through representation on industry councils and testimony before
Congress. Conducts joint marketing and educational programs Year founded1962.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS TRAVEL
AGENTS
3255 Wiltshire Blvd., suite 1514
Los Angles, CA 90010
Phone: 213-382-3335
Fax: 213-480-7712
Aims to educate and inform members if practical
methods of servicing and increasing their accounts. Conducts seminars and
organizes family trips for members to convention sites. Year Founded1980
AMERICAN BUYERS OF MEETING AND INCENTIVE
TRAVEL
Old Route 17, Box D
Harris, NY 12742
Phone:914-794-0620
NATIONAL TOUR ASSOCIATION
546 e. Main St.
Lexington, KY 40596
Phone: 606-226-4444
Fax: 606-226-4404
TRAVEL AND TOURISM RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
10200 W. 44th Ave., Ste.304
Wheat Ridger, CO 80033
Phone: 303-940-6557
Fax: 303-422-8894
NATIONAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION. NBTA
email info@nbta.org
http://www.nbta.org/
Industry Publications:
ASSOCIATION OF RETAIL TRAVEL AGENTS FACTS
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway, #300
Arlington, VA 22202
Phone:703-413-2222
Fax: 703-413-2225
BUSINESS TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Coastal communications corporation
488 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10022
Phone:212-888-1500
Fax: 212-888-8008
Created for the travel manager and planner.
Covers policy-making as well as hands-on operations within the business
travel marketplace.
TRAVEL HOLIDAY
Travel Publications, Inc.
28 W 23rd St.
New York, NY 10010
Phone: 800-937-9241 or 212-366-8700
Fax: 212-366-8798
U.S. Travel Data Center
1100 New York Ave. NW, Ste.450-W
Washington, DC 20005-3934
Phone: 202-408-1832
Fax: 202-408-1255
TRAVEL TRADE THE BUSINESS PAPER OF THE
TRAVEL INDUSTRY
Travel Trade Publications
15 W. 44th St., 6 Fl.
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-730-6600
Fax: 212-730-7020
Industry Valuation Publication:
U.S. Travel Data Center (USTDC):
Conducts
statistical, economics, and market research concerning travel encourages
standardized travel research terminology and techniques. Program objectives
include monitoring trends in travel activity and the travel industry measuring
the economic impact of travel on geographic areas evaluating the effect
of government programs on travel and the travel industry measuring the
cost of travel in the U.S.
Publications:
List of Major companies in Industry with WWW sites:
Other WWW sites of interest relative to this Industry:
Technology-Related Travel Links :
Industry: Video Rental Stores
Industry SIC Coded: 7841 Establishments primarily engaged in renting recorded videotapes and disks to the general public for personal or household use.
Basic Industry Data & Statistics:
All of this information was found in the ANNUAL REPORT ON THE HOME VIDEO MARKET-1997 published by the Video Software Dealers Association
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Major Companies in Industry:
Other WWW Sties:
Industry Name: Window Shade Shop; Window Treatment Stores.
Industry SIC Code: 5719 NAICS Code: 442291 This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing new window treatments, such as curtains, drapes, blinds, and shades.
Basic Industry Statistics (Size and Projected Future Performance):
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, industry sales of soft line home furnishings- a category that includes home textiles, house wares, and decorative furnishings, but excluding furniture- totaled more than $62 billion in 1997. The retail outlets for soft line home furnishings can be divided into two main groups: large-size superstores (more than 30,000 square feet) and small specialty stores (less than 10,000 square feet). Overall, the home furnishings market is highly fragmented, with the largest three companies commanding less than 5% of the market. Not surprisingly, growth in the home furnishings industry is highly correlated with housing turnover - sales of new and existing homes. As homeowners move into new dwellings, they tend to buy new decorative and furnishing items. In 1997, housing turnover reached 5.02 million, up 3.6% from a year earlier. Other drivers of growth include favorable demographics and the trend of people spending more time at home. The near term outlook is very positive and housing turnover reached record levels in 1998 and is expected to continue to climb. Mortgage rates are at 10 year lows, which provides consumers incentive to purchase a home. Rising personal disposable income will allow consumers to purchase discretionary home decorative items more easily. Demographics are favorable for the industry: the 35-54 age group are expected to grow faster than the overall population. Individuals in this age group spend more on home furnishings than others, since they have the highest household income and purchase the most homes. A favorable sociological trend for home furnishing retailers is the increasing amount of time Americans spend in their homes, otherwise known as the cocooning effect. With the increased time in the home, people will spend more on their surroundings in order to feel more comfortable. The industry as a whole should expect to see between a 4% and 7% increase in same store sales.
Industry Historical Performance:
Through June 1998, the overall environment for retailers was nearly perfect. Consumers were feeling positive about the economy and their prospects. Disposable personal income rose a healthy 4.7% in 1997 and is expected to grow another 4.1% this year. There are many key financial ratios involved, when one is comparing the smaller window covering businesses.
Industry Associations & Organizations:
Industry Publications:
Major Companies and WWW sites: