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From ThomasNet This week’s Thomas Index will be taking a look at sourcing activity for Precision Machining by users in the Thomas Network at Thomasnet.com. Precision Machining is a process in which a machine operator starts with a piece of material called a blank, which is typically metal and uses the machine for precise, controlled removal of materials to transform that blank into a finished product. Machining encompasses a number of different manufacturing processes such as milling, turning, drilling, and tapping. It’s high-tech stuff; computer numerical control, or “CNC” machining involves computer programming and electromechanical devices for ultra-precise positioning of machining tools, to create incredibly complex surfaces and intricate geometries.

From Monster.com : The hostile work environment checklist: How toxic is yours? Don't let dysfunction and drama reign. Workplace stress is hardly a phenomenon. Everyone has a bad day (or even month) at work now and then. Your client presentation didn’t go as well as planned; your boss didn’t fall head over heels for your proposal; you had to stay late to finish a project; your co-worker’s been having a series of too-loud sales calls. But there’s a big difference between aggravating incidents and a full-blown toxic work environment. What is a toxic work environment? A toxic work environment is one wherein dysfunction and drama reign, whether it’s the result of a narcissistic boss, vindictive co-workers, absence of order, et cetera. Basically, a hostile work environment “leaves you feeling like dirt,” says Robert Sutton, a Stanford University professor who studies organizational behavior and author of The A**hole Survival Guide. In addition to harming your morale, this kin

From eMarketer : Though some people prefer to enter the supermarket armed with a detailed grocery list, an attractive coupon can trigger impulse purchases, and encourage consumers to buy something they may have otherwise not. In fact, an Inmar survey of 1,000 US grocery shoppers in January 2018 found that nearly four in 10 respondents had bought more than they intended to because of a good deal. And almost as many bought from a brand they wouldn’t have otherwise purchased. As expected, consumers continue to rely on a combination of coupon types for savings. Fully 55% of those surveyed said they use both digital and paper coupons.

From Monster.com When it comes to stress, there’s probably no greater trigger than what happens at work. And while some jobs are more stressful than others, The American Institute of Stress says there are common pain points that many workers share. The biggest is workload (46%), followed by people issues (28%), work/life balance (20%) and finally, lack of job security (6%). As a manager, you can’t necessarily turn the office into a zen meditation garden, but there are things you can do to lower your team’s stress levels—and create a happier, more productive office. “It’s important that the team not be stressed,” says Joanne Vitali, a certified career coach in the Philadelphia area. “Stress releases cortisol, which takes energy away from the prefrontal cortex, making you less able to reason and respond well. You are, in a nutshell, way less productive.” So, should you be encouraging your employees to meditate? Maybe. But there are other things you can do that directly affect t

From MarketingProfs In a world where consumers are more likely to shell out for concert tickets than buy their favorite band's merchandise, there's no doubting the power of experiences. Consumers today want a brand they patronize to enrich their lives, not just fill their closets or decorate their walls. That's why brands were predicted to increase their spending for experiential marketing 11% in 2017—nearly double from just two years ago. That said, to deliver truly transformative experiences, brands must challenge the traditional take on events and tradeshow exhibits. We're entering a new generation of experiential marketing that considers cultural context, program timing, content development, and positioning within a brand's long-term business objectives. Using better insights to expand your experiential efforts, you can go beyond the places your brand normally advertises and activates.

From Thomasnet : Rolling off the couch in his office at Tesla Motors in Fremont California, which is where CEO Elon Musk admits to sleeping lately, the entrepreneur recently discussed some Model 3 production difficulties with CBS This Morning anchor, Gayle King. Just to recap, the Model 3 was rolled out last July with that now infamous “production hell” claim from Musk that accompanied a promise to produce 20,000 vehicles a month. First quarter projections have that figure closer to 3,300 Model 3s per month. Perhaps the most interesting part of the dialogue was that Musk agreed to over-doing the automation at the Fremont facility.

Obtained From:   US Census Bureau With only a few weeks left for your business to submit their census survey to the United States Census Bureau (USCB), the deadline is fast approaching. This year the USCB will be conducting the surveys online for the first in its history, which it hopes will streamline the process and make it easier for them to consolidate and itemize the data. Below is a brief list of just why  the economic census is important and what they use the information for: What is the Economic Census?  Every five years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts the Economic Census, the official measure of the Nation’s businesses and economy. Businesses, policymakers, governments and communities use Economic Census data for economic development, business decisions, and strategic planning. The Economic Census serves as the statistical benchmark for current economic activity such as the Gross Domestic Product and the Producer Price Index. It provides information on business