Recent Wall Street Journal article points out best practices, common challenges in building a services offering.

In different reports today: the relationship between housing wealth and spending; a reminder that markets are local; and how builders feel about current conditions.

One article looks at misconceptions between manufacturers and distributors; another points out the importance of being well-positioned when the economy recovers.

Small changes in how you do business post-acquisition can push away the customers of the acquired business; this provides opportunities for local competitors.

Manufacturing continued to decline or remained weak in most Districts from mid-April through May, according to the report.