• Gasoline prices might be garnering most of the general public's attention, but firms that have to deal with the steel industry are taking an even bigger whack.

• UL brings its name recognition to the well water market.

• Can we have your autograph?

Got Iron?

Prices have been rising quickly, fueled largely by China's enormous economic development, low inventories of scrap and the dollar's slide against the euro. And suppliers are just about done absorbing the brunt of the financial hit; they've pretty much run out of ways to save money through supply chain and technology advancements. One supplier notes succinctly, "Unfortunately, we must pass along a portion of these costs to achieve sustained profitability and be in a position to reinvest in our business in support of key customers and markets."

In the meantime, it looks like the situation will be with us for a while. Barring something entirely unexpected, conditions aren't going to be changing anytime real soon. And even when they do, it will take at least a couple months for any type of recovery and relief to make its way down to the end-user level.

Geez, the next thing you know, drilling contractors will have to get used to dealing with razor-thin profit margins.

UL into Water Testing

UL doesn't sell water treatment products; it is an independent, accredited certifier of water treatment products that meet certain national standards. Your well owner customers might feel more comfortable relying on this well-recognized name for their testing needs. And who doesn't like a comfortable customer? The Web site has lot of consumer information about common well water problems and extensive information on the full range of contaminants. There even is a call center that is staffed by nurses trained in water quality issues.

Check it out - it might provide another way you can be of service to some of your customers.

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One More Time