var g_txt=[
{t:"Sage Construction and Real Estate Solutions",p:1,x:150,y:233,w:920,h:56},
{t:"No U-Turns Allowed",p:1,x:150,y:353,w:356,h:48},
{t:"9 Tips to Help Contractors Survive Recessions  ",p:1,x:150,y:421,w:726,h:42},
{t:"and Build Stronger Businesses",p:1,x:150,y:466,w:467,h:42},
{t:"Provided by Chief Financial Officer on the go",p:1,x:193,y:582,w:330,h:15},
{t:"800-659-5851 or cfosonthego.net ",p:1,x:216,y:648,w:250,h:15},
{t:"   Your local Sage Bussiness Partner",p:1,x:199,y:617,w:271,h:15},
{t:"2",p:2,x:75,y:1577,w:8,h:19},
{t:"9 Tips to  Help Contractors",p:2,x:1011,y:53,w:207,h:20},
{t:"Introduction",p:2,x:458,y:145,w:145,h:29},
{t:"Contractors face a slew of challenges this year. The global recession that started with the downturn ",p:2,x:458,y:192,w:758,h:20},
{t:"in U.S. residential housing continues. Gloomy headlines, slowing sales, and rising unemployment",p:2,x:458,y:219,w:735,h:20},
{t:"have combined to create a high level of pessimism in the construction industry.1 ",p:2,x:458,y:246,w:608,h:20},
{t:"There’s no question that it’s tough out there. Housing starts and total construction spending have ",p:2,x:458,y:300,w:741,h:20},
{t:"decreased year-over-year.2 And there is a large inventory of unsold homes that need to clear the ",p:2,x:458,y:327,w:731,h:20},
{t:"marketplace before significant recovery can occur. ",p:2,x:458,y:354,w:386,h:20},
{t:"There are some compelling reasons to believe the economy might begin to tur n the corner later ",p:2,x:458,y:408,w:740,h:20},
{t:"this year. The government is responding to this recession with unprecedented spending on economic ",p:2,x:458,y:435,w:743,h:20},
{t:"stimulus. But contractors will have to weather tough conditions for at least a few mor",p:2,x:458,y:463,w:643,h:20},
{t:"e months before ",p:2,x:1078,y:463,w:125,h:20},
{t:"the government stimulus can begin to make a positive impact in the economy.",p:2,x:458,y:490,w:593,h:20},
{t:"Are we there yet? ",p:2,x:458,y:562,w:214,h:29},
{t:"David Crowe, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders, believes a slow r",p:2,x:458,y:625,w:710,h:20},
{t:"ecovery ",p:2,x:1146,y:625,w:62,h:20},
{t:"will begin this year. “I do think we will see a bottom in 2009 and by the end of this year we will start ",p:2,x:458,y:652,w:752,h:20},
{t:"to see the beginning of a recovery. But it will be a slow recovery because of the signifcant overhang ",p:2,x:458,y:679,w:760,h:20},
{t:"of empty houses for sale,” he acknowledged in a recent interview.3 ",p:2,x:458,y:706,w:508,h:20},
{t:"The current stimulus package includes funding for shovel-ready public construction projects that ",p:2,x:458,y:760,w:735,h:20},
{t:"will provide contractors with work for their cr ews and a guaranteed payday. Meanwhile, interest ",p:2,x:458,y:788,w:739,h:20},
{t:"rates are very low and new tax credits for frst-time home buyers should increase demand. Other ",p:2,x:458,y:815,w:737,h:20},
{t:"government programs will focus on shoring up banking institutions and should lead to mor",p:2,x:458,y:842,w:683,h:20},
{t:"e lending ",p:2,x:1128,y:842,w:72,h:20},
{t:"activity . Healthier banks will be able to maintain and pr",p:2,x:458,y:869,w:408,h:20},
{t:"otect your business lines of cr edit, and fnance ",p:2,x:856,y:869,w:347,h:20},
{t:"projects for your customers. ",p:2,x:458,y:896,w:218,h:20},
{t:"Anirban Basu, chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., sees some ar",p:2,x:458,y:950,w:691,h:20},
{t:"eas ",p:2,x:1158,y:950,w:32,h:20},
{t:"of opportunity in commercial construction, although he anticipates the overall economic pictur e ",p:2,x:458,y:977,w:735,h:20},
{t:"to remain bleak through 2009. “The ongoing U.S. recession has become increasingly apparent in ",p:2,x:458,y:1004,w:739,h:20},
{t:"the level of nonresidential construction activities,” he wrote recently in the Construction Economic ",p:2,x:458,y:1031,w:741,h:20},
{t:"Update, “Fortunately, there are several positive elements in the economic environment, including  ",p:2,x:458,y:1058,w:738,h:20},
{t:"the infrastructur e component of the stimulus package, ongoing military-r",p:2,x:458,y:1085,w:544,h:20},
{t:"elated construction in many",p:2,x:990,y:1085,w:209,h:20},
{t:"parts of the United States and falling construction input prices.”4",p:2,x:458,y:1113,w:486,h:20},
{t:"1   Wells Fargo Construction Industr y Forecast 2009",p:2,x:453,y:1447,w:263,h:16},
{t:"2 ",p:2,x:453,y:1472,w:10,h:16},
{t:"Associated Builders and Contractors,",p:2,x:470,y:1472,w:189,h:16},
{t:" Inc., Construction Economic Upda te, February 6 and February 2, 2009",p:2,x:655,y:1472,w:356,h:16},
{t:"3  Martine Crutsinger",p:2,x:453,y:1498,w:113,h:16},
{t:", “Home construction drops far more than expected,",p:2,x:563,y:1498,w:266,h:16},
{t:"” Associated Press, February 18, 2009",p:2,x:822,y:1498,w:194,h:16},
{t:"4 ",p:2,x:453,y:1524,w:10,h:16},
{t:"Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., “Private Nonresidential Construction Spending Drops Further in January,”  ",p:2,x:470,y:1524,w:599,h:16},
{t:"     Construction Economic Update, March 2, 2009.",p:2,x:453,y:1540,w:258,h:16},
{t:"9 Tips to Help Contractors",p:3,x:56,y:53,w:202,h:20},
{t:"3",p:3,x:1210,y:1577,w:8,h:19},
{t:"Find the fast lane to recovery ",p:3,x:56,y:145,w:353,h:29},
{t:"Contractors who employ smart strategies today can enjoy increased proftability and market share ",p:3,x:56,y:208,w:747,h:20},
{t:"when the economy tur ns around. Financially healthy construction businesses build competitive",p:3,x:56,y:235,w:722,h:20},
{t:"advantage during recessions by taking advantage of:",p:3,x:56,y:263,w:401,h:20},
{t:"Falling materials prices",p:3,x:79,y:302,w:171,h:20},
{t:"•	",p:3,x:56,y:305,w:12,h:19},
{t:"Reduced competition as less able businesses fail",p:3,x:79,y:329,w:372,h:20},
{t:"•	",p:3,x:56,y:332,w:12,h:19},
{t:"Fire sale prices on equipment ",p:3,x:79,y:356,w:228,h:20},
{t:"•	",p:3,x:56,y:359,w:12,h:19},
{t:"Opportunity to purchase competitors’ businesses",p:3,x:79,y:383,w:375,h:20},
{t:"•	",p:3,x:56,y:386,w:12,h:19},
{t:"Ability to hire the best talent",p:3,x:79,y:410,w:210,h:20},
{t:"•	",p:3,x:56,y:413,w:12,h:19},
{t:"Right now, your company needs to survive so that it can thrive later. This guide contains nine tips to ",p:3,x:56,y:465,w:759,h:20},
{t:"help you run a smart business in a rough economy and position your company to gain competitive ",p:3,x:56,y:492,w:751,h:20},
{t:"advantage in the next economic expansion. ",p:3,x:56,y:519,w:335,h:20},
{t:"                      Cash IS King ",p:3,x:56,y:595,w:268,h:29},
{t:"When business is hot and jobs are plentiful, it’s critical to set aside cash for slower times. This is ",p:3,x:56,y:675,w:738,h:20},
{t:"especially true in industries pr",p:3,x:56,y:702,w:223,h:20},
{t:"one to booms and busts, such as construction and r",p:3,x:269,y:702,w:400,h:20},
{t:"eal estate. The cash",p:3,x:653,y:702,w:152,h:20},
{t:"you saved during good years will pr",p:3,x:56,y:729,w:269,h:20},
{t:"ovide a cushion to see your business thr",p:3,x:314,y:729,w:306,h:20},
{t:"ough the recession.",p:3,x:607,y:729,w:146,h:20},
{t:"How do you know if you have enough cash? Experts typically recommend having enough cash ",p:3,x:56,y:783,w:738,h:20},
{t:"and established lines of credit to fund your business for one year. Of course, the bigger your cash ",p:3,x:56,y:810,w:743,h:20},
{t:"reserve, the longer you can survive if the downturn persists.",p:3,x:56,y:838,w:451,h:20},
{t:"Since this economic contraction has already gone deeper than predicted, it is more important than ",p:3,x:56,y:892,w:752,h:20},
{t:"ever to watch, understand and plan your cash fow",p:3,x:56,y:919,w:385,h:20},
{t:". You should review a daily, or at a minimum, ",p:3,x:453,y:919,w:353,h:20},
{t:"weekly cash fow report and check it carefully before approving any expenses. ",p:3,x:56,y:946,w:596,h:20},
{t:"Cash fow and cash pr eservation should be your top priority",p:3,x:56,y:1000,w:448,h:20},
{t:". Do a thorough review of your operational",p:3,x:495,y:1000,w:315,h:20},
{t:"and fnancial information to fnd ways to cut unnecessary expenses and maximize effciency",p:3,x:56,y:1027,w:693,h:20},
{t:".",p:3,x:729,y:1027,w:4,h:20},
{t:"                 Plan by the Numbers ",p:3,x:56,y:1102,w:361,h:29},
{t:"If you haven’t developed a contingency plan for economic downtur",p:3,x:56,y:1182,w:509,h:20},
{t:"ns, there’s no time to lose. ",p:3,x:576,y:1182,w:210,h:20},
{t:"According to Jayme Broudy, founder of the Contractor’ s Business School, the key to surviving",p:3,x:56,y:1209,w:723,h:20},
{t:"recessions is to be the most effcient, well-managed business in your area. And the way to do that ",p:3,x:56,y:1236,w:748,h:20},
{t:"is to live by a well-constructed contingency plan.5",p:3,x:56,y:1263,w:374,h:20},
{t:"Many businesses can impr",p:3,x:56,y:1318,w:202,h:20},
{t:"ove the bottom line by up to 5% just by gathering and analyzing",p:3,x:268,y:1318,w:484,h:20},
{t:"information more effectively. To improve cash fow and guard your reserves, you need to know  ",p:3,x:56,y:1345,w:721,h:20},
{t:"your business inside and out so that you can cut in the right places. When you’re in the midst of  ",p:3,x:56,y:1372,w:736,h:20},
{t:"a crisis, you won’t have time to do that kind of analysis. A contingency plan helps you make the ",p:3,x:56,y:1399,w:729,h:20},
{t:"best decisions quickly.",p:3,x:56,y:1426,w:170,h:20},
{t:"1  Jayme Dill Broudy , “Contigency Plan Ke y to Surviving Economic Downturns,",p:3,x:56,y:1542,w:398,h:16},
{t:"” Construction Equipment Guide.com,",p:3,x:450,y:1542,w:193,h:16},
{t:" December 15, 2007.",p:3,x:638,y:1542,w:110,h:16},
{t:"TIP #1",p:3,x:64,y:600,w:67,h:28},
{t:"TIP #2",p:3,x:64,y:1105,w:67,h:28},
{t:"4",p:4,x:75,y:1577,w:8,h:19},
{t:"9 Tips to Help Contractors",p:4,x:1016,y:53,w:202,h:20},
{t:"Your plan should include what you will do about manpower, equipment, pricing, overhead, cash  ",p:4,x:458,y:144,w:754,h:20},
{t:"and expenses at differing levels of revenue and economic conditions. For example, if business drops ",p:4,x:458,y:171,w:765,h:20},
{t:"off 20%, where will you make cuts? Do you need to lay of f employees? Will you sell equipment, or ",p:4,x:458,y:199,w:760,h:20},
{t:"rent it out? If revenue drops an additional 10% next quarter, what further actions will you take?  ",p:4,x:458,y:226,w:754,h:20},
{t:"Your contingency plan should answer these questions based on quantifable past performance data. ",p:4,x:458,y:253,w:765,h:20},
{t:"Use your accounting software to generate reports that help you model what-if scenarios. Review ",p:4,x:458,y:307,w:737,h:20},
{t:"past quarter and past year total labor costs, equipment costs, and materials costs. You should be ",p:4,x:458,y:334,w:746,h:20},
{t:"able to see trends in these costs – are they going up or down? Use job cost reporting to analyze ",p:4,x:458,y:361,w:735,h:20},
{t:"the average proftability of your jobs and know what types of projects are most proftable for your ",p:4,x:458,y:388,w:737,h:20},
{t:"business. Go over your P&L carefully on a regular basis. If you can’t produce these reports quickly ",p:4,x:458,y:415,w:747,h:20},
{t:"and easily, it’s time to upgrade or replace your current accounting software.",p:4,x:458,y:442,w:570,h:20},
{t:"                Protect Profit Margins ",p:4,x:458,y:514,w:381,h:29},
{t:"With fewer projects available, you’ll want to bid on – and win – as many projects as you can. But you ",p:4,x:458,y:590,w:742,h:20},
{t:"don’t want to underbid and suffer a costly mistake. It’s more important than ever to produce fast, ",p:4,x:458,y:617,w:739,h:20},
{t:"accurate estimates. Material costs have changed rapidly over the past two years, frst shooting through ",p:4,x:458,y:644,w:760,h:20},
{t:"the roof and now falling back. It’",p:4,x:458,y:671,w:241,h:20},
{t:"s impossible to keep an accurate spr",p:4,x:686,y:671,w:280,h:20},
{t:"eadsheet of all your estimating cost.",p:4,x:953,y:671,w:273,h:20},
{t:"Consider using Estimating software that includes a specialized database with regular updates ",p:4,x:458,y:726,w:713,h:20},
{t:"to ensure that you are using accurate costs for your materials and labor. Automated estimating ",p:4,x:458,y:753,w:722,h:20},
{t:"software can help you complete each estimate in as little as half the time of manual calculations, ",p:4,x:458,y:780,w:733,h:20},
{t:"so you can compete for twice as many jobs. An estimating solution that integrates with your ",p:4,x:458,y:807,w:702,h:20},
{t:"accounting and operations software signifcantly increases effciencies and reduces errors.",p:4,x:458,y:834,w:683,h:20},
{t:"If your payroll expenses are too high, do not wait to make necessary reductions in force. Payroll and ",p:4,x:458,y:888,w:762,h:20},
{t:"benefts represent the largest expense in most businesses. Use your contingency plan and try to ",p:4,x:458,y:915,w:735,h:20},
{t:"identify and cut the least productive (and therefore least proftable) employees frst. The longer you ",p:4,x:458,y:942,w:747,h:20},
{t:"wait to cut costs, the more cash you will burn. If you keep your business healthy, you’ll be able to ",p:4,x:458,y:969,w:740,h:20},
{t:"create new jobs when recovery begins.",p:4,x:458,y:996,w:296,h:20},
{t:"                Trust but Verify ",p:4,x:458,y:1069,w:296,h:29},
{t:"With credit harder to come by , it’s not just about getting jobs anymor",p:4,x:458,y:1145,w:529,h:20},
{t:"e. It’s about getting paid.",p:4,x:997,y:1145,w:189,h:20},
{t:"Protect yourself with airtight contracts and careful verifcation of prospective customers. Pre-qualify ",p:4,x:458,y:1173,w:754,h:20},
{t:"customers to make sure they are able to pay before work commences. ",p:4,x:458,y:1200,w:543,h:20},
{t:"Bankruptcies ar e increasing, so keep a watchful eye on your Accounts Receivable. When payment is",p:4,x:458,y:1254,w:757,h:20},
{t:"due, follow-up promptly, and preserve your company’s lien and bond rights until you have been paid in ",p:4,x:458,y:1281,w:749,h:20},
{t:"full. Y ou don’t want to fnd yourself at the back of the line if your customer goes into bankruptcy",p:4,x:458,y:1308,w:719,h:20},
{t:". ",p:4,x:1149,y:1308,w:9,h:20},
{t:"You’ll also need to verify that your subcontractors ar",p:4,x:458,y:1362,w:394,h:20},
{t:"e suffciently solvent to fnish the jobs that you hir",p:4,x:838,y:1362,w:370,h:20},
{t:"e ",p:4,x:1194,y:1362,w:14,h:20},
{t:"them to do. And unless your state allows “pay if paid” contracts, you will owe your subcontractors ",p:4,x:458,y:1389,w:748,h:20},
{t:"for work completed even if your customer fails to pay.1",p:4,x:458,y:1416,w:412,h:20},
{t:"1 Lee A. Weintraub, “Practical Steps to Help GCs Weather Economic Hard Times,” CFMA Building Profts, November 2008.",p:4,x:458,y:1554,w:624,h:16},
{t:"TIP #3",p:4,x:466,y:519,w:67,h:28},
{t:"TIP #4",p:4,x:466,y:1076,w:67,h:28},
{t:"9 Tips to Help Contractors",p:5,x:56,y:53,w:202,h:20},
{t:"5",p:5,x:1210,y:1577,w:8,h:19},
{t:"                Don’t Stop Marketing ",p:5,x:56,y:174,w:372,h:29},
{t:"Experienced business owners know that if you advertise when others are silent, more prospective ",p:5,x:56,y:250,w:744,h:20},
{t:"customers will hear you! Companies that pr eserve their marketing budgets will beneft fr",p:5,x:56,y:277,w:671,h:20},
{t:"om the ",p:5,x:735,y:277,w:59,h:20},
{t:"reduced noise in the marketplace. ",p:5,x:56,y:304,w:263,h:20},
{t:"What types of marketing should you invest in? First, make it easy for prospective customers to fnd ",p:5,x:56,y:358,w:753,h:20},
{t:"your company. Build and maintain a Website, advertise in the phone book, and learn about how to ",p:5,x:56,y:385,w:751,h:20},
{t:"improve your company’s ranking in online search engines (or hire a consultant).",p:5,x:56,y:413,w:597,h:20},
{t:"Don’t forget about low-cost or no-cost advertising. Can you place fyers in a local home impr",p:5,x:56,y:467,w:702,h:20},
{t:"ovement ",p:5,x:742,y:467,w:69,h:20},
{t:"store, or other high traffc location? How about online advertising on basic, yet popular, sites like ",p:5,x:56,y:494,w:732,h:20},
{t:"Craig’s List? ",p:5,x:56,y:521,w:97,h:20},
{t:"                Give Exceptional Customer Service ",p:5,x:56,y:597,w:537,h:29},
{t:"You probably know frst-hand that wor",p:5,x:56,y:673,w:292,h:20},
{t:"d of mouth r eferrals are the best kind of advertising.",p:5,x:358,y:673,w:399,h:20},
{t:"Deals close more easily when an existing customer vouches for the quality of your work. Word ",p:5,x:56,y:700,w:718,h:20},
{t:"of mouth advertising is one of your most valuable resources – and it costs you nothing but great ",p:5,x:56,y:727,w:732,h:20},
{t:"customer service.",p:5,x:56,y:754,w:134,h:20},
{t:"Make sure that your existing customers continue to be satisfed with your work. If something goes ",p:5,x:56,y:808,w:747,h:20},
{t:"wrong, make every effort to fx it right away. An angry customer can do more damage to your ",p:5,x:56,y:835,w:710,h:20},
{t:"reputation than a satisfed customer can enhance it. A study conducted in Texas revealed that the ",p:5,x:56,y:863,w:745,h:20},
{t:"average dissatisfed customer gripes to 11 people about his experience, and these 11 each tell fve ",p:5,x:56,y:890,w:754,h:20},
{t:"more people2. That’s 66 or more people in your community with a preconceived negative opinion ",p:5,x:56,y:917,w:738,h:20},
{t:"about your company! That’s how critical excellent customer service is to your business. ",p:5,x:56,y:944,w:665,h:20},
{t:"                Redirect Existing Skills to New Areas ",p:5,x:56,y:1020,w:557,h:29},
{t:"During boom times, it pays to specialize. Having a niche allows you to concentrate all of your ef",p:5,x:56,y:1097,w:722,h:20},
{t:"forts ",p:5,x:764,y:1097,w:38,h:20},
{t:"on one type of project so that you can do more of them in less time. In a downturn, the opposite ",p:5,x:56,y:1125,w:736,h:20},
{t:"may be true. So, don’t let old habits prevent you from applying your experience and skills to other ",p:5,x:56,y:1153,w:744,h:20},
{t:"types of construction projects. Consider trying to: ",p:5,x:56,y:1181,w:380,h:20},
{t:"Renovate, remodel and rehab – If you’ve been building new construction, you have the right skills  ",p:5,x:72,y:1222,w:746,h:20},
{t:"•	",p:5,x:56,y:1224,w:12,h:19},
{t:"and equipment to improve on existing construction too. ",p:5,x:72,y:1250,w:426,h:20},
{t:"Expand your territory – Look to neighboring geographic ar",p:5,x:72,y:1286,w:440,h:20},
{t:"eas for potential new business.",p:5,x:527,y:1286,w:235,h:20},
{t:"•	",p:5,x:56,y:1289,w:12,h:19},
{t:"   With some competitors calling it quits, and gas prices much lower than last year, it may pay to  ",p:5,x:56,y:1315,w:738,h:20},
{t:"drive a  little farther. ",p:5,x:72,y:1343,w:149,h:20},
{t:"Bid on public projects – If you’d like to try for some of the shovel-ready public projects promised  ",p:5,x:72,y:1379,w:738,h:20},
{t:"•	",p:5,x:56,y:1382,w:12,h:19},
{t:"in the stimulus bill, be sure your accounting and payroll software supports multiple pay rates.  ",p:5,x:72,y:1407,w:711,h:20},
{t:"You’ll need to comply with “Prevailing Wage” laws for federal and some state funded contracts.",p:5,x:72,y:1435,w:720,h:20},
{t:"2  Ivan Misner, “Watch Your Word-of-Mouth,” Entrepreneur, July 26, 2007.",p:5,x:56,y:1542,w:379,h:16},
{t:"TIP #5",p:5,x:63,y:172,w:67,h:28},
{t:"TIP #7",p:5,x:63,y:1022,w:67,h:28},
{t:"TIP #6",p:5,x:63,y:600,w:67,h:28},
{t:"6",p:6,x:75,y:1577,w:8,h:19},
{t:"9 Tips to Help Contractors",p:6,x:1016,y:53,w:202,h:20},
{t:"                Improve Your Documentation ",p:6,x:458,y:172,w:466,h:29},
{t:"It’s a fact – when the economy deteriorates, mor",p:6,x:458,y:248,w:368,h:20},
{t:"e lawsuits get fled. Because your company is",p:6,x:835,y:248,w:346,h:20},
{t:"more likely to be involved in litigation, it’",p:6,x:458,y:275,w:299,h:20},
{t:"s critically important that you keep pr",p:6,x:764,y:275,w:280,h:20},
{t:"oper records and ",p:6,x:1053,y:275,w:139,h:20},
{t:"documentation to support the work that you perform. Whether you are forced to sue a defaulting ",p:6,x:458,y:302,w:739,h:20},
{t:"client, or your company is named as the defendant, your attorney is more likely to prevail when you ",p:6,x:458,y:329,w:755,h:20},
{t:"have complete documentation.",p:6,x:458,y:356,w:236,h:20},
{t:"Make sure you have an organized system to keep estimates, contracts, notices to pr",p:6,x:458,y:410,w:645,h:20},
{t:"oceed, ",p:6,x:1126,y:410,w:59,h:20},
{t:"change orders, and other key documents for every project. Ideally, you should be able to store ",p:6,x:458,y:438,w:719,h:20},
{t:"this documentation electronically so that it is easy to fnd and distribute if your attorney needs it. ",p:6,x:458,y:465,w:729,h:20},
{t:"Sometimes, you may even be able to avoid the courtroom altogether with proactive documentation ",p:6,x:458,y:492,w:740,h:20},
{t:"and that will save you a lot of expense and frustration. ",p:6,x:458,y:519,w:413,h:20},
{t:"                Re-invest Profits ",p:6,x:458,y:595,w:316,h:29},
{t:"If you’ve built an adequate cash reserve, this downturn could be a smart time to invest strategically ",p:6,x:458,y:671,w:754,h:20},
{t:"in your business. While your competitors ar",p:6,x:458,y:698,w:327,h:20},
{t:"e hunkering down, you can take advantage of opportunities",p:6,x:774,y:698,w:452,h:20},
{t:"to improve your business and become more productive.",p:6,x:458,y:725,w:425,h:20},
{t:"Your investment in tools, trucks, and other heavy equipment will go further today than it would have",p:6,x:458,y:779,w:753,h:20},
{t:"in the recent boom years. You can also take advantage of this time to upgrade your business",p:6,x:458,y:806,w:712,h:20},
{t:"management softwar e in ways that will help you win mor",p:6,x:458,y:833,w:434,h:20},
{t:"e jobs. Consider construction-specifc",p:6,x:901,y:833,w:287,h:20},
{t:"accounting software, as well as project management and estimating solutions. ",p:6,x:458,y:860,w:599,h:20},
{t:"Whatever capital expenditures you plan, you are likely to fnd excellent prices that would have had ",p:6,x:458,y:915,w:745,h:20},
{t:"contractors lining up two years ago! When the next economic expansion comes, you’ll have what ",p:6,x:458,y:942,w:742,h:20},
{t:"you need to make the most of it, at a fraction of what your competitors will have to pay.",p:6,x:458,y:969,w:661,h:20},
{t:"If you purchase equipment, vehicles, or softwar",p:6,x:458,y:1023,w:355,h:20},
{t:"e for your business in 2009, you can take advantage of",p:6,x:801,y:1023,w:417,h:20},
{t:"tax incentives included in the new stimulus bill. Higher Section 179 limits allow you to fully expense up to",p:6,x:458,y:1050,w:791,h:20},
{t:"$250,000 of depreciable business equipment, including software, during the 2009 tax year. Or, you can ",p:6,x:458,y:1077,w:756,h:20},
{t:"enjoy 50% bonus depr eciation on eligible assets. Consult your accountant or tax advisor for details.",p:6,x:458,y:1104,w:748,h:20},
{t:"Finally, don’t forget to invest in your people. A less busy schedule creates the perfect opportunity to ",p:6,x:458,y:1158,w:758,h:20},
{t:"participate in advanced training and learn new skills. By expanding your knowledge, you’ll fnd new ",p:6,x:458,y:1185,w:753,h:20},
{t:"opportunities for your business and discover ways to serve existing customers better.",p:6,x:458,y:1213,w:647,h:20},
{t:"TIP #8",p:6,x:464,y:173,w:67,h:28},
{t:"TIP #9",p:6,x:464,y:600,w:67,h:28},
{t:"©2008 Sage Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sage, the Sage logos, and the Sage product and service ",p:7,x:778,y:1531,w:421,h:12},
{t:"names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software, Inc., or its affiliated ",p:7,x:778,y:1547,w:421,h:12},
{t:"entities. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.",p:7,x:778,y:1564,w:291,h:12},
{t:"09-50724 0309",p:7,x:1125,y:1563,w:73,h:14},
{t:"Sage North America ",p:7,x:782,y:1348,w:94,h:14},
{t:"is part of The Sage Group plc, a ",p:7,x:880,y:1348,w:158,h:14},
{t:"leading global supplier of business ",p:7,x:1041,y:1348,w:162,h:14},
{t:"management software and services. At Sage, we live and breathe business every day. We are ",p:7,x:782,y:1365,w:422,h:14},
{t:"passionate about helping our customers achieve their ambitions. Our range of business software ",p:7,x:782,y:1381,w:422,h:14},
{t:"and services is continually evolving as we innovate to answer our customers’ needs. Our solutions ",p:7,x:782,y:1398,w:422,h:14},
{t:"support accounting, operations, customer relationship management, human resources, time ",p:7,x:782,y:1415,w:422,h:14},
{t:"tracking, merchant services, and the specialized needs of the construction, distribution, healthcare, ",p:7,x:782,y:1431,w:422,h:14},
{t:"manufacturing, nonproft, and real estate industries. Sage North America employs more than 5,000 ",p:7,x:782,y:1448,w:422,h:14},
{t:"people and supports nearly 2.9 million small and medium-size business customers. The Sage ",p:7,x:782,y:1465,w:422,h:14},
{t:"Group plc, formed in 1981, was foated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs ",p:7,x:782,y:1481,w:422,h:14},
{t:"14,800 people and supports 5.7 million customers worldwide.",p:7,x:782,y:1498,w:275,h:14},
{t:"Sage Construction and Real Estate Solutions",p:7,x:317,y:1502,w:356,h:19},
{t:"15195 NW Gr",p:7,x:317,y:1520,w:100,h:19},
{t:"eenbrier Pkwy",p:7,x:425,y:1520,w:101,h:19},
{t:"Beaverton, OR 97006-5701",p:7,x:317,y:1537,w:200,h:19},
{t:"www.sagecre.com ",p:7,x:317,y:1555,w:149,h:19},
{t:"In Conclusion ",p:7,x:56,y:168,w:170,h:29},
{t:"With good planning and some strategic thinking, your company can come out of this recession ",p:7,x:56,y:232,w:725,h:20},
{t:"stronger and more competitive than ever. If you guard your cash fow, stick to your contingency ",p:7,x:56,y:259,w:726,h:20},
{t:"plan, look for different types of projects, and keep investing in your business, you will be ready for ",p:7,x:56,y:286,w:742,h:20},
{t:"new opportunities. ",p:7,x:56,y:313,w:145,h:20},
{t:"Based on the average length of pr",p:7,x:56,y:380,w:258,h:20},
{t:"evious recessions, the economy is likely to begin impr",p:7,x:306,y:380,w:404,h:20},
{t:"oving in 2009. ",p:7,x:698,y:380,w:109,h:20},
{t:"Use this time to boost pr oductivity , become more effcient, and engage in ef",p:7,x:56,y:407,w:561,h:20},
{t:"fective cost-cutting. Y",p:7,x:610,y:407,w:165,h:20},
{t:"our ",p:7,x:767,y:407,w:29,h:20},
{t:"company will be leaner and healthier than competitors when the economy tur",p:7,x:56,y:434,w:586,h:20},
{t:"ns around.",p:7,x:623,y:434,w:80,h:20},
{t:"Drive Your Business Forward with Sage! ",p:7,x:56,y:508,w:482,h:29},
{t:"For over 30 years, contractors have depended on Sage Timberline Offce and Sage Master Builder ",p:7,x:56,y:571,w:752,h:20},
{t:"for construction-specifc software that improves productivity and proftability. Sage provides award-",p:7,x:56,y:599,w:749,h:20},
{t:"winning software and support to more than 21,000 construction and real estate customers in the ",p:7,x:56,y:626,w:740,h:20},
{t:"U.S. and Canada.",p:7,x:56,y:653,w:136,h:20},
{t:"Take your company to the next level when you manage and connect all aspects of your business ",p:7,x:56,y:719,w:739,h:20},
{t:"with integrated software solutions for accounting, estimating, project management, procurement, ",p:7,x:56,y:746,w:741,h:20},
{t:"and more. ",p:7,x:56,y:774,w:82,h:20},
{t:"To learn more about how Sage solutions can support your business objectives and help you ",p:7,x:56,y:828,w:702,h:20},
{t:"implement the strategies in this guide, visit www.sagecre.com or call 800-628-6583.",p:7,x:56,y:855,w:668,h:21},
{t:"9 Tips to Help Contractors",p:7,x:56,y:53,w:202,h:20},
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