Media spotlight consumer money woes
Rising debt, increased living costs and wages not keeping up with inflation could spell trouble for American buying power in the months ahead. A recent article in Newsweek cites an analysis of Federal Reserve Board data showing consumer debt has almost tripled over the last 2 decades: from $238 billion in 1989 to $800 billion in 2005. Washington Post shared data from the U.S. Labor Dept. indicating rising inflation, mostly due to a 2.9% jump in energy prices. A USA Today article includes survey results from Mercer Human Resource Consulting showing wage increases will be only slightly better than last year. Much of the gains will likely be eaten up by inflation.

Google, coupon dealer team for promotions
Google will serve up a list of discount offers along with results for local business searches beginning this month. The Internet giant has teamed with coupon dealer Valpak to bring the contents of its baby-blue envelopes online. Web surfers searching for local establishments will see a list of coupon offers along with a map of the location. Valpak has more than 20,000 coupons available online.

Shopping habits leave retailers vulnerable
Consumers are consolidating their shopping and placing more importance on speed and convenience, according to Retail Forward's American ShopperScape 2006 report. Since 2003, there has been a downward trend in the number of stores consumers shop. Rising gasoline prices and online shopping contribute to this consolidation. Shoppers with incomes under $22,500 have made the most changes and report they're shopping less often. Shoppers with incomes exceeding $75,000 are increasingly turning to online shopping. "Change in shopping behavior is shifting the retail landscape gradually but indelibly," said Mandy Putnam, Retail Forward v.p. "Retailers and their suppliers need to track change in order to remain relevant and participate in shaping the retail landscape."

Rolling Stone gets children's book award
Am. Hort. Society announced the winners of the Growing Good Kids Book Awards at its symposium in July. Among the winners is "The Tree Farmer" by Chuck Leavell, a tree farmer and longtime keyboardist for the Rolling Stones. Four other books were recognized that effectively promote an appreciation for gardening and the environment: "Leaf Man," Lois Ehlert; "Earth Mother," Ellen Jackson; "Miss Ladybird's Wildflowers," Kathi Appelt; and "Our Apple Tree," Gorel Kristina Naslund.

NENA's Green Summit convenes in October
New England Nursery Assoc. will hold its 2nd Green Summit educational seminar Oct. 18-20 at the Cranwell Resort in Lenox, Mass. Bill Taylor, founder of Fast Company magazine, and Charles Fishman, author of "The Wal-Mart Effect," will be featured speakers. You can register online or call (508) 653-3112. Early registrants will receive reading materials in advance and will be able to access an online forum.

Worth a visit
Follow along as we take you on a Plant-Quest, last week's tour of 4 of western Michigan's most innovative nurseries. Only on GreenBeam.com.