Industry groups in prime position to gather information; results also help advocacy. If and when the economy picks up steam, a trade or professional association—and its members—could be among the first to know. Perhaps the early indicators will come from home-builder sentiment, mortgage applications, architectural contracts or surveys of CEOs and economists. Whether it’s the view from the C-suite or the factory floor, from a banker or a trucker, nonprofit groups keep comprehensive economic data that not only provide a key member benefit and an advocacy tool but are sometimes anxiously awaited by Wall Street and the federal government. The National Association of Home… Read More