ASPA BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE'S 

Management Letter

Vol. 21-0ct. 15, 1983

Those Social Security benefits...going up 3.5% as of January 1, 

1984. This will mean average increase monthly benefits approximately 
$15 for single retirees and $22 for retired couples. Was scheduled for 
July of 1983, but Congress delayed it as part of their recent SS legislation. 

Purchases of new equipment picking up... because of cautiously 
optomistic future. Equipment which can stimulate production and reduce 
the number of employees per standard unit of production - logic... that 
equipment which is well maintained doesn’t get sick, doesn’t fail to show 
up for work, and pretty much allows for specific costs allocations. 
Interest rates predicted to stay about where they are until 
spring. Some analysts are reporting that after that time rates will 
probably go a bit higher with the prime to reach 11 1/2% or 12% after next 
spring. Home mortgages are expected to be slightly lower, to around 13%. 

Intense competition amongst computer makers... will see more 
hardware manufacturers dropping out of the competitive race. Most parts 
are standard and can be replaced or serviced even though computer is 
discontinued. 

Small business has once again been redefined... new standards 
proposed by Small Business Administration would let as many as 40,000 more 
firms qualify as small businesses for purposes of SBA loans. Currently 
"small” at $2 million or less - new guidelines would increase to $3.5 million. 

Principles for hiring the right employee... as outlined by retired 

Dupont executive C. R. Reagan: (1) Don’t rush-consider each potential 
employee as a 30-year investment; (2) Decision to hire should be made by 
personnel and intended supervisor of employee; (3) Validated aptitude tests 
can offer input beyond interviews and applications; (4) Don’t hire someone 
because you feel sorry that the person’s unemployed; (5) Relatives don’t 
necessarily make good employees; (6) Present employees are good source of 
recommendations; (7) Study school record over other aspects of application- 
 it’s the best indicator of work performance, attendance and personality; 
(8) Keep a good backlog of top candidates; (9) Select employees, don’t 
reject applicants-maintains good public image; (10) Explain job requirements 
thoroughly during interview stages. 

Housing starts look good... according to the latest reports from 
an analysis of study of future markets. Construction for next spring is 
optomistic which in turns bodes well for the sod industry. Marketing is 
going to be important and direct sales contact to secure sod jobs needs to 
be organized and carried out during the winter months.

Note: This monthly newsletter is compiled and  
published under the auspices of the ASPA Business  
Management Committee to serve as a helpful business  
update for all ASPA members. We invite your comments  
and recommendations. AL GARDNER, Chairman

American Sod Producers Association  

Assn. Bldg., 9th & Minnesota  

Hastings, Nebraska 68901  

Phone (402) 463-4683