For the first time since 2004, the U.S. is losing jobs.  Retailers nationwide are reporting slower sales, an indication of belt-tightening, and employers are cutting hours as demand for their products and services fall.  More than 600,000 people now work part-time because they can't find full-time work.  In times like these, we find an up-tick in people putting their experiences and creativity to work by starting a business of their own, usually from home. What types of businesses are hot right now? Businesses related to education, healthcare, security services, information technology, design, decorating, information technology, services of all types, and writing are some top suggestions. Even in a recession, some sectors of the economy are likely to keep growing.  Keep in mind that in any economy, the best businesses to get into provide emotional as well as financial rewards to you and your family.
 
If you already have a business or are interested in starting a business of your own, but are unable to secure a bank loan to cover your operating needs, accounts receivable financing may bridge the gap for your company.  As you complete a service or ship a product, you borrow against your invoices to allow you to purchase supplies or pay your employees.  Accounts receivable financing reduces the amount of capital tied up in receivables and allows you to put your investment to work in increased production.  With increased sales and increased profits, you can grow your business to produce the ratios that banks require.  For more information on how Mazon Associates can assist you in your business, visit www.mazon.com.

The Dallas Business Journal recently reported that Dow Chemical Co. is considering Dallas-Fort Worth (Las Colinas) as a home for the company's new joint venture with a Kuwaiti firm.  The move could result in 1,000 high-paying jobs for the Metroplex, and employ about 5,000 people worldwide.  Within Texas, Houston would be a strong competitor because Dow has substantial operations there.  Other contenders vying for the joint venture headquarters, and being considered by Dow's corporate offices (which will remain in Michigan), are Michigan and Louisiana.  A decision will be reached toward the end of 2008.  (Note:  This move to the DFW area would bring potential direct and indirect business to many clients of Mazon!)

We are happy to announce that over $300,000 was raised at TexasFest 2008 that took place at the DFW Hyatt Regency Hotel on May 3rd.  Over 700 guests were in attendance and enjoyed live and silent auctions, casino games, armadillo races, entertainment by Steve Wariner and buffet dinner.  TexasFest is the Irving Healthcare Foundation's annual fundraiser, providing for the healthcare needs of the community.  Ticket sales for the Big Money $10,000 drawing raised over $30,000, of which 100% went to the Irving Interfaith Clinic to provide care to those in need of medical assistance.  Mazon Associates wishes to thank everyone who donated to this event.  www.irvinghealthcare.org.

Did you know that 80% of the items we use everyday are recyclable, but people are recycling only 28%?  Due to the ever-quickening pace of recycling, new items are added to the list of what can be recycled all the time.  The following list comes from www.gptx.org:   Items that can be recycled:  Steel, tin, and aluminum cans; paper items (including newspapers, magazines, mail, flattened cereal/cardboard boxes, phone books); glass bottles and jars; plastic items (including laundry/milk jugs and soda/water bottles).  Items that are not recyclable include: Plastic bags (including plastic grocery bags!); window/auto glass, china, ceramics, light bulbs, mirrors; aluminum foil, pie plates; plastic containers that held oil, antifreeze or pesticides; medical waste (needles, syringes, lancets); take-out pizza boxes.

Mazon Associates, Inc. functions primarily in a paperless environment.  We encourage our clients to submit invoices to us by fax or e-mail, if these methods are available to them.  We will then print invoices for mailing to client customers, and also have the ability to e-mail and fax invoices directly to customers.  The daily funding of purchased invoices and/or requested reserve is handled through direct deposit, wire transfer, or ACH from Mazon to the client's bank account.  Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly reports are sent by e-mail or fax.  Client customers may request invoices, statements, certificates of insurance, etc. via e-mail or fax.  A few of our clients continue to submit invoices by delivery to our office (in person, mail, FedEx, UPS, courier).  When we receive paper invoices, they are immediately scanned into our system for processing.  All clients still have the option of either picking up a check or we can mail it to them (instead of direct deposit, wire or ACH transfer).  Invoices submitted by 10:30a.m. receive same-day funding before 5:00p.m.  Mazon is here for all of your accounts receivable financing needs and we work within your business method.

Did you know that most people can renew their Texas driver license online?  With the price of fuel at an all-time high, online renewal just makes sense, and takes less than 5 minutes!  The online fee includes the normal $24 renewal fee plus a $1 online convenience fee, payable by credit card.  Who is eligible to renew online or via the telephone?

* Your license expires within one year and has not been expired for more than two years.
* Your last renewal was completed in person at a Texas driver license office.
* You do not currently hold a provisional driver license. (All drivers 18 years of age or younger must renew in person.)
* You currently hold a Class C or CM license. (All Class A or B licenses and Commercial Driver Licenses must be renewed in person.)
* You have no change in your vision, physical or mental condition that would affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
* Your record indicates that you are eligible to renew online. (No outstanding traffic tickets or warrants.)
* You currently have a Texas residential or mailing address and will retain a Texas residence or mailing address.
 * Your browser supports 128 bit encryption.

Click on http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/index.htm to get started!

Shelley Liegl is the youngest daughter of Helma and John Mazon and has been an integral part of the company since 1996.  She is responsible for automating all facets of the 30+ year factoring business to function effectively and efficiently in the 21st Century marketplace and also is a key player in the daily business operations.  She has been married to her husband John Liegl since 1999.  Hometown:  Dallas (University Park), Texas.  Birthday Sign:  Aquarius.  Favorite movies:  Gone With the Wind and Father of the Bride.  Favorite Celebrities:  Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lopez.  Favorite Restaurants:  Hibiscus (Dallas); Roy's (Plano).  Favorite Foods:  I like just about everything, especially green grapes!  Favorite Quote:  "Live, Laugh, Love." 

 

(Note:  Each month we will feature a different staff member.) 

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden (from God's Little Instruction Book, Class of 2001)