Despite the bleary economic recovery process, there is still no clear indication of a recession. Yes, it could happen! Many analysts believe it will happen and I believe a lot of that has to do because there are not enough positives to give consumers the competence to spend more.

Everybody keeps relating to Japan, but it’s important to understand that;

1. America isn’t Japan.
2. Spending hasn’t stopped cold, as it did in the 1990’s.
3. US labor markets are more flexible.
4. Certain manufacturing gains are helping the economy stay afloat.

Last, but not least, we haven’t had a natural tsunami or a nuclear meltdown. There is much concern about the global economy. Some analysts are predicting that U.S. banks can be in trouble if Greece defaults on their current debt.

I, personally, believe that US banks can absorb a default by Greece, but it certainly will hurt if the crisis grows. French banks have the most exposure to total debt at $56.7 billion. The exposure for U.S. banks is $7.3 billion, compared with $136.3 billion for Europe.

An orderly default, restructuring a chunk of Greek debt, would be less risky. Banks in Europe and US have enough capital to deal with some of these losses. Unfortunately, if the process moves much quicker; Ireland, Portugal, Italy and Spain could have some substantial problems. 

S & P downgrading of US credit rating to double AA+, has put continual strain on Wall Street and it has caused a rippling affect throughout the economy. Many business leaders indicate that the impact of the economic uncertainty on the fragile consumers psyche has had an immediate and negative impact to the economy. The fear of 2008 is still far too fresh in the mind and at the end of the day economic growth comes from having confidence.

Unfortunately, the housing market is burdened with short sales, default properties, more short sales and excess inventory. That coupled with fact with the Federal  Government is broke and they want to “Tax! Tax! Tax! Tax! Tax! Tax! Tax!” People that do not have jobs, that’s what I said… people that do not have jobs! … Is causing anxiety throughout the US.

In Europe, the debt menace is growing. There is a legitimate anxiety about bank write downs, which will continue to rattle stock markets, and more bailouts will fuel “Anti-Euro” sentiment.

In light of the tremendous government deficit don’t be surprised if there is a “blink” in the system and some tax revenue risers will ascend shortly. To save $1.5 trillion in the next 2 years taxes and the Consumer can’t be spared. Without taxes on the table, the 12 panel member charged with identifying cuts won’t strike a deal. The bottom line is taxes are going up.

The sad thing is that if the government was run like a business these problems wouldn’t have occurred; but since you can print money any time you want, the inevitable happens; chaos, poor management and ultimately the consumer pays.

That’s politics!        

Health Care law mandate shut down. A Federal Appeals panel struck down the center piece of Washington’s sweeping health care, overall Friday, moving the argument over whether Americans can be required to buy health insurance. This is a step closer to the US Supreme Court.

The divided 3 judge panel of the 11^th US Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that Congress overstepped its authority when they passed a “so called” individual mandate. The decision marks a significant victory for the 26 states, including Arizona, to challenge the Health Care law.

The American public has been battered over the last 2 ½ years and to mandate medical coverage, was just another step towards placing further hardships on individuals and businesses.

Expert panelists and keynote speakers announced for complimentary trucking and logistics conference to be held on May 25, 2010 at the Ritz Carlton, Phoenix; speakers to provide information on mergers, acquisitions, recapitalization, restructuring and profitability within the transportation industry.

Phoenix, AZ—Trucking and logistics acquisition specialists, Ahern & Associates, Ltd. and Benesch, Attorneys at Law, co-organizers of the approaching trucking and logistics conference on May 25, 2010 in Phoenix have announced the names of the accomplished panelists who will be addressing attendees.

Keynote speakers to include:

• Andy Ahern, CEO of Ahern & Associates, Ltd.
• James M. Hill, Executive Chairman, Benesch

Expert panelists in attendance in conjunction with the topics scheduled for discussion:

The State of Capital Markets in Transportation

• Mike Iannelli, Managing Director, Lincoln Transportation
• Andy Wilkins, Partner, Atlantic Street Capital

Independent Contractors: Is the Rumor of the Demise of the IC Model Greatly Exaggerated or Real?

• Rich Plewacki, Partner, Benesh
• Lane Kidd, President, Arkansas Trucking Association
• DW Speer, Director and Owner, PeopLease Corporation

Distressing Companies: Weathering the Storm, Maximizing Exit Strategies and Finding Bargains

• William Schonberg, Partner, Benesch
• Bob Weaver, past President & CEO of P.A.M. Transportation Services
• Dick Metzler, Chief Information Officer, Greatwide Logistics Services

A Diamond in the Rough: Beautifying Your Company for Sale

• Eric Zalud, Partner/Chair of Transportation & Logistics Group, Benesch
• Marc Blubaugh, Partner, Benesch
• Mark Brockinton, Executive Director, AON Truck Group
• Jonathan Ives, Director, Cobblestone Harris Williams

Additionally, Benesch and Ahern will be discussing their upcoming forecast for freight demand for the balance of 2010 and 2011.

Those who wish to RSVP for the conference are urged to contact:

Claudia Balderas

Manager/Executive Assistant

Ahern & Associates, Ltd.

(602) 242-1030

Email: Claudia@ahern-ltd.com

Megan Thomas

Client Services Manager

Benesch, Friedlander

(216) 363-4639

Email: Mthomas@beneschlaw.com

Rooms at the Ritz Carlton, Phoenix have been reserved at a special rate for this outstanding event and can be reserved by calling 602-468-0700 and referencing the Benesh/Ahern Conference.

About Benesh:

Benesch’s Transportation and Logistics Group was specifically created to address the needs of users and providers of logistics services. Benesch lawyers are uniquely qualified to represent companies nationally and internationally that are either sponsored or owned by private equity firms. Attorneys leading these efforts are James M. Hill, Executive Chairman of Benesch (jhill@beneschlaw.com or 216.363.4444), Eric L. Zalud, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Transportation & Logistics and Litigation Practice Groups (ezalud@beneschlaw.comor 216.363.4178) and Marc S. Blubaugh, Partner in Benesch’s Transportation & Logistics and Litigation Practice Groups (mblubaugh@beneschlaw.com or 614.223.9382). For more information please call Megan Thomas at 216-363-4639 or visit http://www.BeneschLaw.com

About Ahern & Associates, Ltd.:

Ahern and Associates is North America’s leading trucking and transportation management consulting firm. The skilled consultants at Ahern and Associates specialize in mergers and acquisitions of trucking and logistics companies as well as the restructuring and evaluation of existing carriers that seek to increase operating efficiency and improve profitability. Since 1987, Ahern and Associates has aided hundreds of buyers in the acquisition of trucking and logistics companies throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as assisting many transportation and logistics companies in reducing their overall operating costs and increasing their profitability. For more information, please call 602-242-1030 or visit http://www.Ahern-Ltd.com

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Business contact at Ahern & Associates:

Andy Ahern

602-242-1030

Business contact at Benesch, Friedlander:

James M. Hill

216-363-4500

Media contact:

Jason W. Jantzen

Red Spot Marketing

602-282-0202