Publisher's note: It is with great sadness that I must report that David Crosby passed away on Monday, November 15.

Publisher's note: It is with great sadness that I must report that David Crosby passed away on Monday, November 15.

Buying a car used to be a relatively easy process. But now that the government and various consumer protection organizations have become involved in the transaction, it has become mind-numbing.

Telephone communication is thought of as the greatest technological advancement of the 20th century. It can certainly be credited with nearly every facet of progress that commerce has ever enjoyed. What’s not to like?

Jeffrey G. Stark is president of Sensor Products Inc.

(Qualitest: Huntsville, AL) -- Qualitest, a provider of comprehensive solutions through material-testing instruments, systems, and accessories, has extended its range of products for measuring gas permeability rate.

(ASQ: Milwaukee) -- A vast majority of manufacturers are optimistic about an economic uptick in 2011 at their organizations, according to the second-annual ASQ Manufacturing Outlook Survey.

(ALG Inc: Santa Barbara, CA) -- Perception is a powerful force in consumer-buying behavior. Consumers often base beliefs about quality on the emotional connection they have made with a brand, regardless of the actual quality associated with its products.

(ISM: Tempe, AZ) -- Essentials for a strong supply-management career are in store at the 96th Annual International Supply Manage

(Assent Compliance: New York) -- In a global economy it is imperative that companies comply with regional, national, and global environmental regulations to avoid enforcement penalties, ensure continued patronage from customers, and uphold brand appeal.