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The Panda Post, Volume 9
Hello readers. Here’s hoping that your bank accounts and your NCAA basketball tournament brackets are both still intact. I can’t say that mine are. I don’t have a bank account (Monopoly money works just fine for us cartoons) and I had Pitt winning it all…oops. |
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NEWS FLASH: Wisconsin Update
Click here for a special update for Wisconsinites. |
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Identity Theft This Easter Season
We at the Panda Group are always on the lookout for the latest forms of identity theft and online fraud (Quick tip: Don't forward your bank account information to any Nigerian princes). Kellie's Korner has a disturbing look at the latest form of identity theft. Happy April Fool's Day. |
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GSA: Three Very Important Letters
What does GSA stand for? If you answered “Geological Survey of Alabama” or “Gary Switalski’s Automobiles” you are technically right, but neither has much to do with the safety industry. The U.S. General Services Administration, www.gsa.gov, is the federal government’s purchasing agent and oversees countless government contracts for a wide range of items and services...including safety supplies. The Feds need stuff, and why shouldn’t you be the one to supply them? |
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Handing out Green for Clean Energy
I talk a lot about the “green” sector of the economy. It’s not because I’m an ultra-environmentalist (I wasn’t drawn wearing a tie-dye, although I did meet one of the Grateful Dead’s Dancing Bears at a cartoon convention once…that dude was a little odd). I talk about this sector because green projects are a good idea and clearly on the rise. An article by the Washington Post, outlining stimulus funds being used to promote clean energy, shows that the Feds agree with me (which is a good thing...I think).
Energy stimulus funds are also being turned into insulation (not literally). Learn the ins and outs of government Weatherization programs from a blog by Panda President Kellie Hoffmeister. |
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Positive Economic News? Is that Really Possible?
Tales of economic doom and gloom are so cliche. Listening to constant bad news becomes as tiresome as hearing a really bad song over and over. (Can you imagine weeks of listening to nothing but Bobby McFerrin’s whistlefest “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, or worse, anything by Celine Dion?) Luckily your break from bad news comes in the form of this optimistic article from Industrial Distribution Magazine. Note: Not subjecting yourself to bad music is up to you. |
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Have You Heard About NRR Updates?
First, I apologize for the lamest headline pun the Panda Post has ever produced. Now back to the story. Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) for hearing protection are going to be updated, and one alteration involves showing a range of NRR on packaging. When are big changes taking place? Your guess is as good as mine. That’s hardly what you expect from a journalist of my caliber, but the timetable is still in the works. Luckily, the good folks at 3M are keeping an eye on the situation at www.NRRupdate.com. The website is informative and well put together. When it comes to hearing, turn to the 3M experts for information, and not a cartoon who was drawn with only one very small ear. |
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Positive Thinking: Much Better Than Being a Grump
Sure times are tough, but ISHN mentions a report by Harvard University saying that now is a good time to believe in the benefits of positive thinking. I’m not saying a rosy outlook will boost sales, but it’s certainly healthier for you and co-workers that have to put up with you when you’re a pessimistic pain. Besides, who am I to argue with the wicked smaht kids at Hahvahd? |
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Product Alert: The Best Named Glove in the Industry
I have to mention a fine new product with an outstanding name—the Memphis Green Bamboo Glove. Nothing says you’ve made it in the safety industry like having a glove named after you. Back to reality. The Bamboo Glove really has nothing to do with me, Bamboo Buchwald (if it did I’d ask for some serious endorsement dollars and to have my lovely mug stitched on the cuff). The seamless glove material is made from the pulp of bamboo grass and has a latex palm coating. The unique fabric is 100% biodegradable and naturally regenerative, and it resists fungus, bacteria, and odor (incidentally so do I). |
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Stimulus Information Coming to a Panda Webspace Near You
Is the stimulus program stimulating you into confusion? Do you need to recover from overwhelming information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act? The hardworking folks at Associated Panda are putting together a website that will easily (we promise) outline how the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) benefits the safety industry. The Panda Post and Kellie's Korner will be sure to let you know when the site launches. |
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Across the Wire: Breaking News |
Panda Communications has changed its name to Panda Group. Panda got tired of getting calls from people looking for a cell phone provider (Panda is not in the telecommunications business). Panda Group is more focused on its different services or divisions.
- Panda Media – Content Services, Video Services and Webinar/Training Services, and Photography Services
- Panda Systems – Ecommerce, Websites, E-Catalogs
- Panda Project Services – Partnered Marketing Services located at distributors locations
- Panda Publishing – Printed Catalogs and Collateral
- Panda Expo – Tradeshow Coordination, Marketing and Promotions
They all make one group of marketing services, dedicated to the Safety, Janitorial and Industrial Markets. Check out Panda Group at www.pandagrp.com
Be sure to head to Kellie’s Korner for the latest marketing insight from the red-haired caped (safety) crusader. |
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Expect more from this tireless cartoon reporter (sleep is difficult considering I wasn’t drawn with eyelids) in the weeks to come. We at The Panda Post are here to keep you (semi) informed. |
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