Design Studio17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDTAHRI Weekly Digesthttp://multibriefs.com/briefs/AHRI/AHRI.xmlenAHRI's Amy Shepherd provides her insights on the latest in the APGA v. DOE lawsuit in this week's AHRI Video Update. Amy clarifies the proceedings over the past several months, and then explains what AHRI members can expect moving forward.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51b9e55ca4f091The U.S. has become more competitive with other nations in manufacturing costs over the past decade. Producing goods remains less expensive in emerging nations such as China and Thailand than in the U.S., according to data from Boston Consulting Group, but the gap has closed: In 2003 manufacturing costs were 18 percent lower in China than in the U.S., but the difference has narrowed to 7 percent this year. The gap is closing in part because labor and energy are becoming more expensive in China relative to the U.S.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51ba12b7ed6b52Manufacturers in the U.S. boosted production in May for the first time in three months, signaling the worst of the industrial slump is over. Factory output climbed 0.1 percent after dropping 0.4 percent in April and 0.3 percent in March, according to Federal Reserve data issued today in Washington. Another report showed consumer sentiment declined this month from a six-year high.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51ba10e1866c13Chinese manufacturers that set up factories in the United States could help create local jobs and win-win situation for the world's two largest economies, two U.S. mayors said in Washington recently. The genuine dialogue of doing business between the United States and China "has to happen on the local level," Sheldon Day, mayor of Thomasville City, Ala., said at a manufacturing symposium held in Washington D.C.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51ba121f102aa4Chief executives of top U.S. companies are slightly more upbeat about the nation's economic outlook but say political uncertainties are cramping growth, according to a survey released recently. The Business Roundtable's second-quarter 2013 CEO Economic Outlook Survey showed the business leaders expect a minor improvement in economic output over the next six months, with modestly brighter expectations for sales and hiring offsetting a decline in capital-investment increases.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51b9e09a6d1685The U.S. Department of Energy is considering amending its energy conservation standards for refrigerated beverage vending machines. DOE prepared a framework document detailing the approach and scope of the rulemaking. There are several issues that DOE is particularly interested in receiving comments on.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51ba08aa5d13c6Which parts of the world are leading the way on energy production and global-warming policy? And what can the United States learn from them? Countries around the world are showing great potential for producing significant amounts of oil and natural gas, including Brazil, Iraq, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. What does this growth mean for the United States and U.S.-based energy companies and environmental groups?17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51ba0fa8da5877Recently the NAM, several member companies and a number of other organizations sent President Obama a letter expressing our strong support for the continuation of the administration's effort to reduce the federal government's energy consumption. The federal government is the largest single user of energy in this country and many federal buildings are in need of upgrades and improvements.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51b9e4ff780688Although the market for smart grid technologies is already established, representing more than $33 billion in revenue in 2012, it has grown with little contribution from a number of countries with populations greater than 100 million, and with almost no activity in Africa, with its population of 1 billion. This suggests that the market is likely to continue robust growth for the foreseeable future.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51ba107fc74599The importance of trade to small and medium-sized manufacturers was exemplified today by the testimony of Doug Hundt of Vermeer on U.S. trade relations with Brazil. In discussing the opportunities and challenges for Vermeer and other manufacturers before the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee this morning, Hundt noted how over a quarter of its Iowa workforce - 700 hundred out of 2,400 employees - depends on Vermeer's global sales.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51b9e3468c11010The U.S. government posted a budget deficit of $139 billion in May, 11 percent higher than a year ago and above economists' expectations, partly because of temporary calendar adjustments, the Treasury Department said recently.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51ba11a091ddc11A study, published in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers journal, showed that the performance of school children in the classroom is negatively affected by poor ventilation and temperature control.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51ba060a1435e12Smart building technology initiatives that encourage collaboration will help facilities maximize the benefits of smart technology investments, a new study reports. Cities that carefully craft an issue-based ecosystem around sustainable facilities management are likely to see greater adoption of smart building technology and maximize participating facilities’ progress toward energy efficiency, sustainable practices, and private development goals, according to Business Strategy: Building Synergies in the Smart Ecosystem.17 Jun 2013 13:36:29 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51ba0868bc08d13