Long Island passes stringent anti-invasives bill
The Suffolk County, N.Y., Legislature passed a resolution last week banning the sale of 63 plants deemed threats to Long Island's ecology. The first of its kind in New York, the bill calls for plant wholesalers and retailers to phase out 58 trees, shrubs and aquatic plants by 2009, and another 7 by 2011. Some nursery owners had resisted an earlier version of the bill, saying it included plants whose sterile varieties pose little threat. The compromise took some plants off the no-sale list. Earlier in June, the N.Y. Legislature passed a bill setting up a council on invasive species to develop a statewide management plan for invasive plants and animals.

Taxes on Internet purchases eyed again
Congress is considering a new tax system intended to create a "level playing field" for shoppers, businesses and governments, and to help states collect sales taxes not being charged on many Internet purchases. A separate measure calls for lawmakers to decide whether to let a temporary ban on Internet access taxes continue when it expires Nov. 1. Opponents, including Nat'l. Taxpayers Union and Direct Marketing Assoc., say imposing additional taxes on consumers through the Internet is uncalled for because users already pay fees and other charges for Web service. Supporters, including Jewelers of America and the E-Fairness Coalition, say traditional retailers, as well as local governments and states, are losing out on big bucks as Internet sales continue to soar.

Hastings, Neb., named greenest city
Yahoo! Inc. named Hastings, Neb., the Greenest City in America. Hastings will receive a grand prize of $250,000 to be dedicated toward city greening projects. More than 350 cities participated in the program, which challenged Americans to take action against climate change. Other Top 10 cities: Pelzer, S.C., San Carlos, Calif., Mill Valley, Calif., Topeka, Kan., Dover, Del., Spring, Texas, Lawrence, Kan., Walnut Creek, Calif., and Fairfax, Va.

Seasonal decorations have year-round appeal
Last year, the typical American household spent just under $20 buying seasonal or holiday decorations, according to a new study from Unity Marketing. Christmas accounted for the largest share of the market (48%). But the fastest-growing holidays for decorating were Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Labor Day/Back-to-School and summer seasonal decorations. "With more Americans buying decorations for their summer and fall celebrations, the decoration market is rapidly expanding beyond its 4th-quarter emphasis to be a truly year-round market," said Unity Marketing president Pam Danziger.

Gas prices affect July 4 spending
Independence Day falls on a Wednesday this year, adding a challenge for retailers that plan July 4 promotions. According to Nat'l. Retail Federation's Independence Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, 42% of consumers said increased gas prices will impact their spending for the holiday. When it comes to consumers' plans, 61% will have a cookout/barbecue or picnic, 42% will attend fireworks or another type of community celebration and 10% will attend a parade. In addition, 17% said they will purchase patriotic merchandise to celebrate Independence Day.

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Day-by-day coverage of GCA's Summer Tour in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Open Register

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