Outdoor livability tops homeowners' wish lists
Better Homes and Gardens' recent survey of 60,000 Americans shows that indoor/outdoor livability tops homeowners' wish lists. Building a major garden or landscaping project is the 2nd most popular home-improvement choice among respondents asked what they would do with $20,000. The No. 1 reason given for remaining in an existing home is "watching something grow that I have planted." And 92% of respondents report that "looking great from the curb" is an important criteria in selecting a home.

Senators scrutinize credit card fees
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing July 19 to discuss soaring credit card interchange rates. The discussion focused on the impact these fees have on retailers and consumers and whether practices involved in setting interchange fees violate federal antitrust laws. "Americans pay some of the highest credit card interchange fees in the world, but most consumers don't even know these fees exist because Visa and MasterCard make it virtually impossible for merchants to tell them," said Nat.'l. Retail Federation sr. v.p. and general counsel Mallory Duncan. "Close to 50 antitrust lawsuits over credit card interchange fees have been filed against Visa and MasterCard in federal court since last summer, two Federal Reserve banks held conferences last year, the House held a hearing in February and now the Senate is launching an inquiry of its own."

Chicago Market re-brands
Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI) launched a new marketing strategy and re-branding initiative for the Chicago Market. The event's new moniker, The Chicago Market: Living & Giving, will be officially introduced at the January 2007 market. A new logo featuring the "Living & Giving" tagline was unveiled in July. Also in July was the soft launch of the new Lake Living area. Lake Living groups products targeting owners of cottages and weekend getaways. "The whole lake living concept is spot-on with the garden center channel," said Craig Dooley, vice president of gift marketing for the Chicago Market. "It's about the lifestyle on the water that we can all lay claim to."

Country Living Gardener endorses ColorChoice
Six Proven Winners ColorChoice shrubs received the Editor's Choice endorsement from Country Living Gardener magazine. The plants will be promoted on the products page of the magazine's Web site. The 6 chosen are: Black Lace sambucus, Wine & Roses weigela, White Chiffon hibiscus, 'Limelight' hydrangea, Itea Little Henry and Physocarpus Summer Wine. Beginning in 2007 Country Living Gardener will evaluate Spring Meadow Nursery's ColorChoice selections each year. The top 6 varieties will earn Editor's Choice endorsements. The selections will be marketed with a tag touting the endorsement. The shrubs might also garner an editorial mention in the spring 2007 issue.

Payroll card popularity on the rise
A recent article in Stores magazine highlights the growing popularity of payroll cards. The cards look and act like debit cards and are loaded by employers each payday instead of issuing paychecks. Employers are fond of the system because it slashes administrative costs along with mailing and courier fees. The article cites research from Financial Insights that estimates 10% of Americans currently use payroll cards. However, fewer than 1 in 20 companies are offering the option, according to the American Payroll Association.

Worth a visit
Learn about Crataegus viridis 'Winter King,' a shrub that shines in winter. Only on GreenBeam.com.