A rapidly changing residential market, improving commercial and industrial sectors, volatility in availability of stable  energy pricing and greater uncertainty in Fed policies were all discussed  during the American Supply Association’s Industry Forecast webinar on Thursday, April 11. Alan Beaulieu, President of Industry Trends Research, presented ASA members with an update on what he sees changing for the balance of 2013 and into 2014 and beyond.

In this one-hour session, Beaulieu advised members as to what various market segments are doing, which ones are emerging and when it is advisable to invest in expanding their businesses.While he generally felt good about the balance of 2013, many factors such as the uncertainty in Fed policy, budgetary matters in Washington, instability in oil-producing regions and the most recent dip in jobs numbers make it difficult to gain a clear picture about growth through the remainder of 2013 and into 2014.

The April 11 webinar is part of a comprehensive new forecasting program launched by ASA at NetworkASA 2012. Members heard Beaulieu give the full 2013 Industry Forecast at the event and have been receiving the ASA Advisor industry forecast publication from ITR Economics ever since. The monthly newsletter is published through ASA and keeps members informed about coming changes and how best to position their companies.

 A follow-up Industry Forecast Webinar featuring Beaulieu is planned for August 8 at 11 a.m. (Eastern). Beaulieu also will present his 2014 forecast at NetworkASA 2013 in Washington, D.C., Oct. 2-4.  Members who did not participate in the April 11 webinar can view a replay by logging into the “Members Only” portion of the ASA website at www.asa.net/Login.aspx.  Please contact ASA at 630/467-0000 or info@asa.net for member login credentials if needed.