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The Working Supervisor's Support Kit is a collection of information and tools to help working supervisors do a better job. It's based on what Wally's learned in over twenty years of supervisory skills training.

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Every week, reporters around the continent write great business stories that don't make it onto your screen or into your local paper. And every week I scour newspapers around the continent to identify five of those great stories to enrich your weekend reading. This week I'm pointing you to stories about the effect of an auto bankruptcy, Home Depot, the insurance industry, a good manufacturing strategy, and five companies that at thriving.

My Posts This Week

Look to your left to see what I blogged about here this week. Over at Momentor I blogged about "Taking Time off on Purpose" and did my weekly selection of Top Career Posts.

Last week's newsletter was "John Ruskin, C. Northcote Parkinson, and Technology." As usual there were pointers to Web and Reading Resources, too.

Since I do a lot of writing for business, including ghostwriting, I've stated a Business Writing blog. Check it out if you need a writer or if you need to improve your own writing, web site, and marketing materials, or if you want some help telling your story.

Carnivals

Blog carnivals are collections of posts from a number of blogs. Here's a selection of recent business-oriented carnivals.

Business Carnival
Carnival of Corporate Vigilance
Carnival of the Capitalists
Leadership Development Carnival

And now, here are five great local business stories from this past week.

From the Chicago Tribune: Midwest auto industry: Tough times ahead for towns across region
"In tattered and gray industrial towns across the Midwest, no one knows exactly where the ax will swing next. But there is no doubt the forced downsizing of General Motors and Chrysler, which will begin to take shape in the coming weeks, will fundamentally change the quality of life in communities and the region for years to come."

Wally's Comment: No matter what happens in the auto industry, life in lots of cities and small towns will never be the same.

From the San Jose Mercury News: Home Depot revamps in tough economy
"For the world's largest home improvement retailer, the holidays have just begun."

Wally's Comment: A good review of one company's tactics for this whitewater economy.

From the Charlotte Observer: Insurance industry for boomers is booming"Aging baby boomers mean more job opportunities at one Charlotte insurance office."

Wally's Comment: In demographics there is profit. Recent times aside, the insurance industry should be a growth industry.

From the Montreal Gazette: Making stuff people need
"Dorel Industries finds a manufacturing formula that works even in lean times."

Wally's Comment: It sounds so simple. It makes so much sense. And yet, it's news.

From the Cincinnati Enquirer: No doom and gloom at these 5 thriving firms
"A number of local firms are counting new customers and creating new products and approaches. All five of these companies expect 2009 to be better than 2008 - and 2008 was a pretty good year."

Wally's Comment: Five stories about companies that are doing well.

Wally's Working Supervisor's Support Kit is a collection of information and tools to help working supervisors do a better job. It's based on what Wally's learned in over twenty years of supervisory skills training. Click here to check it out.