ASPA BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE'S 

Management Letter

Vol. 20-Sept. 15, 1983

Time for year-end planning... outlook for sales and profits 
cautiously optomistic, but require close, tight management and great 
emphasis on efficiency. Need for greater production with same number 
of work force is constantly stressed. 

Social Security wage base increases from $35,700 to $37,500 

in 1984 (estimate). Employers share of the tax will be 7% with a 
maximum payment of $2625. 

No postage rate increase forecast for 1984...yet! 
Variable rate mortgages are being pushed by lenders. Often 
the starting rate is 2 1/2% or so below regular fixed rate loans as a 
lure to borrow now. Most buyers still prefer conventional fixed rate 
mortgages, it has shown. 

Airline computer reservation system... to be change by Civil 

Aeronautics Board. Rule to be issued early next year will require 
airlines to store and display all flights so passengers can find the 
lowest rate on any airlines. 

Bank fees... are on the increase. Reports are there will be 

new and higher fees for services, packaging of programs and services fox 
small monthly fee, and so forth. They’ll be pushing variable-rate 
consumer loans on home improvements and related items. Attempts to 
increase their profits. 

Construction wages... won't rise this year because freeze 
being put on in agreement with unions. Even sacrificing work rules 
which have been expensive. Next year maybe different. 

Booklet on business with the government is available from 
the U.S. Government Printing Office. Tells what agencies purchase 
what and includes advice on how to work with governmental agencies. 
Price $4.50 from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Booklet S/N 022-000-00186-8. 

Population analysis... shows that the population under the age 
of 30 is going to decrease by 4 million between now and the year 2000. 
There are more people over 65 than there are teenagers for the first 
time in our history. Helps to know this in planning your marketing. 

Interest rates charged by IRS dropped from 16% to 11% on 

July 1, 1983, reflecting prime rate.

Note: This monthly newsletter is compliled 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