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Plastics Business ENews is distributed to nearly 5,000 plastics processing professionals throughout the US and internationally each month. It is filled with the most up-to-date information on business issues and ideas for today’s plastics processing professionals. See the media kit or contact Janet Dunnichay for information on advertising opportunities.
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MAPP Board Members
- Ben Harp, president
- Norm Forest, vice president
- Ryan Richey, secretary
- Bill Bartlett
- Craig Carrel
- Michael Devereux II
- John Hoskins
- James Krause
- Bob MacIntosh
- Terry Minnick
- Tom Nagler
- Brian Oleson
- Eric Paules
- Missy Rogers
- Alan Rothenbuecher
- Teresa Schell
- Tom Tredway
- Mike Walter
Former Board Members
July 2017
Shedding Light on Mid-Process Quality Control
Q&A: Developments in Plastics Decoration
Report Details How Companies Manage Sales Staff
Aurora Plastics Announces Acquisition
RJG Releases Process Monitoring System
Manufacturing CPAs Honor Devereux
Viking Plastics Receives Performance Award
OCTEX Group Promotes Hoskins, Ramos
June 2017
MAPP Reaches 20-Year Milestone
Building a Successful Material Handling System
Plastics Industry Fly-In Set for July 25-26
Viking Plastics Acquires Kentucky Manufacturing & Technology
RJG Releases Cavity Pressure Sensor
Chase Plastics Celebrates 25 Years
Conair Offers Variable-Speed Compressor
Progressive Components Adds Two to Sales Team
May 2017
Applying the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 in the Plastics Sector
ARPM, MAPP to Host Environmental Health and Safety Summit
5 Tasks a Company Website Should Accomplish
Viking Plastics Receives Award
RJG Releases Design Simulation Service
Routsis Training Releases Online Courses
Teknor Apex Appoints M. Holland as Primary ETP Distributor
April 2017
Preventing Unscheduled Mold Stops
IMDA to Host "ABC's of IML: A Basic Course"
RJG Partners with Local Elementary School
WHITTMANN BATTENFELD Updates Control System
Conair Names New VP, Sales and Marketing
Paulson Welcomes New Seminar Instructor
Nyloncraft and Dickten Masch Plastics Name New President
Viking Plastics’ Chinese Partner to Expand Plant
Chem-Trend Further Expands in Eastern Europe
True Venture Composites Buys Nicolet Plastics
Hansen Plastics Announces Company Updates
March 2017
Augmented Reality: Catch Customers, Not Pokemon
Four Challenges Facing the Industry
Report: Industry Transactions Up in 2016
Diversified Plastics, Inc. Celebrates 40 Years
Frigel Announces Chiller Line Expansion
IQMS Adds Training Sessions to User Conference
EPA Assesses Chemicals Under TSCA
February 2017
Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends for 2017
Clamp Tonnage: More is Better, Right?
Wage and Salary Report Available
IQMS Adds Training Sessions to User Conference
ASACLEAN Hires National Sales Manager
CSI Plant Tour Set for Feb. 16
January 2017
Election Creates Path for Tax Changes
HRSflow Introduces Energy Efficient Hot Runner
Chase Plastics a Distributor for Solvay
Webinar: Likely Labor Law Changes
3 Peer Networking Events in January
CSI Plant Tour Set for Feb. 16
December 2016
Maximizing Mold Changeover Efficiency
Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks New Overtime Rule
OSHA Proposed Changes Create Unexpected Confusion
Spell Capital Partners Purchases Majority Position in Viking Plastics
PMT Awarded Grant to Tackle Workforce Training Challenges
RJG Opens North Carolina Training Facility
Polymer Technology & Services Introduces PTS Mexico
Bruin Manufacturing Adds Production Location
iD Additivies Announces New Division and Foaming Agent
November 2016
MAPP Conference Draws More than 500 Attendees
10 Workplace Violence Resources
Ask the Expert: Hot Stamp/Heat Transfer
ASACLEAN Introduces Chemical Purging Compounds
Chem-Trend Develops Food-Grade Anti-Corrosion Protectant
RJG Unveils Remote Machine Monitoring System
SPI Industries Invests in New Equipment
Wittmann Battenfeld Hosts Open House
October 2016
Plastics Machinery Shipments Rise in Q2
Benchmarking Conference to Feature Game-Changing Sessions
WITTMANN BATTENFELD Technology a First for Micro Parts
ASACLEAN Introduces Next-Generation Purging Compound
Frigel Extends Advanced Control Technology to Product Lines
RJG Celebrates Building Expansion
Chem-Trend Acquires Ultra Purge
Ringleben Joins Currier Plastics
September 2016
Selling Job Candidates on Your Company
Impact of Material Specification on Operational Efficiency
MAPP to Host Combustible Dust Webinar
RJG Introduces Process Match Assistant
PMT Invests in New Injection Molding Machines
Wittmann Battenfeld Adds to US Headquarters
Adams Promoted to Vice President of Makuta Technics
Chase Plastics Promotes Fuller
August 2016
What's the Deal with Short Shots?
A Quality Responsible Business Model
NAFTA Leads the Color Concentrate World
Sun Plastech Celebrates Milestone
AMP Merges with Mold Rite, Inc.
Chem-Trend Announces European Headquarters Expansion
Currier Plastics Recognized for Supporting Education
Chase Plastic Services Forms Chase Plastics de Mexico
ASTM Approves Plastics Revision Standard
APBA Submits Signatures to Qualify for Referendum
July 2016
Cautious Optimism for European Plastics Industry
Casual Friday Includes Less Email at Ice Miller
MAPP to Host Plant Tour at Cardinal Manufacturing
PRISM Plastics Acquires Tech Molded Plastics
WITTMANN Group Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Novatec Appoints New Drying Project Coordinator
Miller Joins Conair as Size Reduction Manager
Chase Plastics Marks Expansion
Haitian International Completes New Manufacturing Hall
Asaclean Launches New Website and Blog
June 2016
MAPP Webinar to Focus on Tax Incentives
IQMS Debuts New Deployment Program
PMT Invests in Plant Equipment
Routsis Releases New Online Training Courses
Paulson Offers New Courses at its Florida Academy
NOVATEC Introduces System-wide PLC Control
May 2016
Reducing the Maintenance Burden on Technicians
Manufacturing Program Receives New Funding
Viking Wins Quality Excellence Award
Wittmann Battenfeld Donates to UMass Lowell
Quantum Ventures Introduces Quantum Plastics
Murphy Named South-Central Region Manager at Conair
OCTEX Announces Organizational Changes
MET Plastics Joins Dedienne Multiplasturgy Group
Bemis to Expand Plant in Mexico
Micro Mold Embarks on a Facility Renovation
April 2016
Visual Management for Safety in Manufacturing
OCR's HIPAA Phase 2 Audits are Here
Currier Plastics Expands Capabilities for Wide-Mouth PET Jars
DeKALB Molded Plastics Names President Rick Walters as CEO
Chase Tops “Best Places to Work” Program
Sun Plastech Appoints Marketing and Accounting Managers
Wittmann Battenfeld Increases Commitment to Training
RJG Offers New Training Course
Viking Plastics Launches Website
Novatec Introduces Filterless Vacuum Receivers
Bright Plastics Participates in GAPNC
Dynamic Conveyor Celebrates Anniversary
March 2016
Plastics Business Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Process Cooling Control Enhances Molding Parameter Accuracy
Plastic Components Completes Expansion
PMT Receives Export Achievement Award
Stary Takes Over UW-Stout Plastics Engineering Program
Webinar to Explore Cleaning with Plasma
IMDA Seeks Entries for Awards Competition
Women in Manufacturing Launches Community Chapter in California
February 2016
MAPP Survey Gauges Plastics Industry
Extreme Makes $1.5M Investment in Equipment, Facilities
OCTEX Earns Awards from Florida Governor
Paulson Offers New Seminar Series
IQMS Announces 2016 User Conference
Gros Promotes New Budget Plans
January 2016
MAPP to Host Sold-Out Plant Tour
Viking Plastics Invests in Operational Upgrades
Nicolet a Wisconsin MOTY Nominee
SRR Advises on Sale of Alfmeier Friedrichs & Rath Operations
Ravago Americas Acquires Bay State Polymers
Devereux: Federal Research Credit Extended and Improved
Survey Reports Overall New Business Volume Grew 6.7% in 2014
Manufacturing Day 2015 Helps Change Perception of Industry
December 2015
OSHA to Increase Maximum Penalties
Materialise to Deliver 3D-Printed, Flight-Ready Plastic Parts for Airbus
iMARK Molding and Extreme Tool and Engineering Earn Training Excellence Award
IQMS Wins Two American Business Awards
PolyOne Launches Revamped Website
November 2015
Tooling Barometer: Shops are Investing in the Future
Wittmann Battenfeld Expands into Medical Technology
Frigel Opens $7M Facility in Bangkok
Metro Mold & Design Aims to Make the Impossible
Tech Molded Plastics Hosts Applied Tech Students
Devereux Chosen as 40 Under 40 Honoree
October 2015
Automotive Lightweighting Driven by Fuel Economy and Emissions
Full Implementation of Hazard Communication Standards Expected in ’16
12 Added to Manufacturing Communities Program
Currier Plastics Promotes Patel to Director of R&D
IQMS Ranks on Inc. 5000 List for Fifth Year in a Row
Harbour Results Names Partner for Harbour IQ
Prism Plastics Raises More Than $30k for Hospital
Grainger a Silver Sponsor for Manufacturing Day 2015
September 2015
More than Molding: OCTEX Aims for Magic
An M&A Market Update for the Plastics Industry
Evaluating Plant Expansion Needs
IQMS Receives Additional $40M Investment
Beaumont Issued Patent for Therma-flo Technology
Amco Polymers Partners with INEOS’ Styrolution
Reschcor Relocates to New Building
M. Holland Completes Formation of Mexico Venture
Conair Offers Two New Powder Loaders
Paulson Releases New Thermoforming Training Course
August 2015
Survey: Water Conservation as a Top Concern
MAPP Board Member Profile: Craig Carrel
SPI Partners with SPE to Produce Premier Conference
Jade Molds Sponsors SPE Foundation Scholarship
OESA/HRI Identify Automotive Supply Chain Trends
IQMS Offers Inline Vehicle Sequencing Software
July 2015
Report: American Manufacturing Alive and Well
Report Emphasizes Positive Job Trends
Currier Plastics Strengthens Prototyping Capabilities
Octex Acquires Choice Tool & Mold
RJG to Offer Scientific Cooling Course
Sun Plastech to Purchase NOVACHEM Assets
Blog: Industry Growth Apparent in New Equipment, New Hires
June 2015
Quality Mindset at Crescent Industries
Effective Inventory Management Adds to the Bottom Line
Structuring Sales and Customer Service Teams
Lawsuits a Wake-Up Call on Proper Use of Background Checks
Harbour Honored by Manufacturing Community
Beaumont Launches AIM Institute
Falcon Adds 3 All-Electric Machines
Plastics Color Develops Customer Web Portal
May 2015
Stopping Unscheduled Mold Stops
Deluxe Plastics Wins Innovation Award
MAPP Board Member Profile: Edward J. Holland
Demand for K 2016 Exhibit Space Strong
Yushin Introduces Concept Robot
PMT CEO Receives Business Management Award
Conair System Protects Resin, Prevents Line Wear
IQMS Adds Features to Software
April 2015
Mobile Emissions and Fuel Economy Rev Up Lightweighting Initiatives
Automotive Insert Molding Drives Growth at Microplastics
MAPP Survey Reports on 2015 Business Forecast
IMDA Seeks Entries for Awards Competition
Frigel Nears Completion of Bangkok Facility
MAPP Member Companies Among "Best Places to Work"
RJG Offers New Lynx Din Rail Machine Modules
Soucy, Atkinson Join Molding Business Services
Viking Plastics Adds to Marketing Staff
March 2015
Prevent Disgruntled Employees from Stealing Your Data
rp+m Helps Students Create 3D-Printed Rocket Section
Manufacturing Day 2014 Smashes Goals
PolyOne Unveils New Color Collection
Plastic Molding Technology Invests in New Equipment
Falcon Plastics Expands Brookings East Plant
Frigel to Unveil Intelligent Cooling System
Plasmatreat to Debut Surface Treatment Device
February 2015
Cardinal Manufacturing: A Student-Run Success
OSHA Updates Injury and Illness Reporting Rules
NPE Preview, Printable Map Available
ASACLEAN Purging Compound Turns 25
Beaumont Announces Training Schedule
Conair Opens Extrusion Development and Testing Lab
Growth Drives Expansion and Hiring at Chase Plastics
Viking Plastics Named "Employer of the Year"
rp+m Adds to Executive Leadership Team
Dybul Joins Vive Marketing Team
January 2015
Beaumont Technologies Battles Patent Infringement
NPE Preview, Printable Map Available
Three MAPP-Member Companies Listed as Finalists for Processor of the Year
Sun Plastech Adds "High-Temperature" Grades to Asaclean Line
Routsis Develops Injection Molding App
Conair Offers Modular, Scalable Central Chillers
Executive Summit Draws Industry Leaders
Extreme Tool & Engineering Promotes Wieland
December 2014
Employee-Focused, Employee-Owned at Hansen Plastics
Planning for a Healthy Workforce
ICE Audits ‘Skyrocket’ with Form I-9 Violations on the Rise
RJG Presents Training Excellence Awards
Beaumont Inducted into Plastics Pioneers Association
Conair Blenders Gather Material-Use Data
True Precision Plastics Merges with ResTech Plastic Molding
Carrera Manufacturing to Add Cleanroom, Jobs
November 2014
IML Storage and Packaging Tips
PRISM Plastics Using CT Scanning Technology
RJG Acquires G&A Moulding Technology
Chem-Trend Facilities Earn Quality Standard
October 2014
Static in Medical Device Manufacturing
Q&A: Making Mold Maintenance a Priority
Honoring James E. Harbour, Automotive Industry Pioneer
IMDA Survey to Study Market Trends
Polymer Conversions Opens New Division
Team 1 Introduces New Marketing Video
Crescent Industries Adds 3D Printing Services
Tech Molded Plastics Launches New Website
Sun Plastech Offers New Grade of ASACLEAN
September 2014
Profile: Bhar, Inc.: Driving its Own Recovery
Solutions: Plastics Bonding Design Considerations for Processors
Focus: Why Veterans are Ideal for Manufacturing Careers
IQMS Secures Significant Growth Investment
Reschcor Announces Plans for Expansion
Paulson Training Partners with NW-SCC
Chem-Trend Expands Facility in China
August 2014
Plastics Business Launches New Blog
Benchmarking Conference Early Bird Registration Ends Friday
Healthcare Reform: Getting Ready for 2015
Cunningham Retires from Parish Manufacturing
Plastikos, Micro Mold Announce Expansion
PolyOne ColorMatrix Develops Eco-Friendly Liquid Delivery System
ASTM Offers High-Resolution ID Code
Team 1 Plastics Reaches Safety Milestone
July 2014
High Mix and Low Volume: What Are the Implications?
OSHA Inspection Survival Guide
Reservations Open for NPE Housing
INCOE Opens New European Headquarters
Beaumont Hires Regional Sales Manager
Conair Cooling Towers Cut Energy Consumption
Mueller Prost Promotes Devereux to Partner
Serell Joins Sun Plastech Board of Directors
June 2014
PTA Plastics: A Leading-Edge Product Laboratory
Maintenance 2015: Is Google Glass the Future?
The View From 30 Feet: Cyber Fraud
Milacron Creates Tooling Partnership with Big 3 Precision
IQMS Expands, Opens Two New Offices
Currier Plastics Continues Path of Growth
Beaumont Names Director of Strategic and Corporate Accounts
Conair Rolls Out New Shredder Product Lines
RJG Releases Update to eDART Software
May 2014
Auditing Employee Classification Codes
Giving Garden Benefits Employees, Community
Milacron Launches Advanced Technology Package
Conair Technology Prevents Condensation
MET Plastics Launches New Brand Identity
RJG to Host Technology Day on May 20
PolyOne Offers New Automotive Solutions
CPT Adds to Sales Staff, Expands Territory
Xten Honored for Business, Community Involvement
April 2014
Q&A: Leading in Today’s Business Environment
Review Direct Labor Cost Controls
Plastics Machinery Safety Standards Have Been Revised
IMDA to Host 'ABC's of IML: A Basic Course'
RJG Announces Leadership Changes
MAPP-Member Companies Pick Up Honors
IQMS Announces New Software Release
PolyOne Develops High-Performance Solutions for Auto Interiors
March 2014
Fearless Manufacturing at Noble Plastics
Challenges for the Tooling Industry will Impact Processors
Benefits and Burdens of the Domestic Production Activities Deduction
Plastic Extrusion Company Rebrands as Profile Xtrusions
Currier Plastics Adds Product Minis to Portfolio
Milacron Acquires IMSI, PPM; Appoints Chief Tech Officer
February 2014
Key Considerations for Planning a Cleanroom
Topical Conference Registration Now Open
Plastics Machinery Safety Standards Updated
Viking Plastics Invests in Brazil
Stratasys Creates Color Multi-Material 3D Printer
Shearer Joins Strategic Marketing Partners
IQMS Celebrates Another Year of Growth
Milacron to Host HIT Open Houses
Chem-Trend Develops New Purging Compounds
Autoliv Honored for Training Excellence
January 2014
OSHA Releases Hazardous Chemicals Resources
Proof Points Help You Sell More
Trends in Robotics for Plastics Processing
PLASTEC West to Feature Learning Labs
Parish Invests in New Manufacturing Line
Diversified Plastics Expands Prototyping Services
Classic Industries Receives Training Excellence Award
Beaumont Hosts Executive Summit
Stratasys Introduces Second-Generation Digital ABS Material
Milacron Adds West Coast Technical Center
Tech Molded Plastics' Customer Survey Assesses OEM Attitudes
Viking Wins Perfect Quality Award
December 2013
Feds Worried About 3D-Printed Guns
Researchers Develop 4D Printing Technology
IMDA Honors Annual Awards Competition Winners
Stratasys Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit
Conair Coiler Delivers High-Speed, Tensionless Productivity
Milacron Acquires American Extrusion Services
Pioneer Plastics Upgrades Lights, Gets Rebate on Project’s Cost
November 2013
Plastic Component Revenue Rising in Cellphone Market
Are You a Fred? How a Postal Worker Teaches Leadership and Service
Tax Foundation Ranks Best States for Business
Plastics Components Initiates Company-Wide Expansion
RJG Opens Southeast Regional Training Center
ToolingDocs to Expand Training Program
Frigel Opens New Location in Germany
October 2013
Social Media Realm Has No Plastic Rules
Study: US Shale Energy to Increase Plastics Production
Don't Miss Out! Register for MAPP Conference Today
Deadline Approaches for ANTEC 2014 Technical Papers
NPE2015 to Offer ‘NPE3D’ Exhibits, Demonstrations
Stratasys Kicks Off 3D Printing Challenge
rp+m Collaboration Delivers Non-Toxic Alternative to Lead
Currier Plastics Partners with Syracuse University
Thomson Plastics Launches New Website
September 2013
Tradeshow Return on Investment
Cold Runner to Hot Runner Retrofit
Plastics Crossroads Summit to Focus on Industry Trends
Analysis: Plastics Businesses Expect Growth by 2014
Surface TechDays Set for Early October
O’Leary Joins Milacron as Chief Human Resources Officer
Two MAPP Members Named to Inc. 500 List
Conair Portable Chillers Include More Standard Features
August 2013
Evaluating Task Level Inventory
Longtime Exhibitors Reserve Record Space for NPE2015
Push Play at MAPP Benchmarking Conference
Diversified Plastics Participates in European Trade Mission
Tech Molded Plastics Benefits from Penn State Relationship
Intertech Plastics Inc. Acquires Image Molding
IQMS Sees Growth During First Half of 2013
July 2013
Obama Administration Delays ACA Employer Mandate
Communicating with the Next-Gen Employee – Are you ready?
North Carolina Passes Plastics Label Law
MAPP to Tour Dymotek Molding Technologies
Tech Molded Plastics Provides Solution to Skilled Labor Shortage
Nicolet Plastics Featured on Vendor Website
Nyloncraft Acquires Part of NYX Inc.
Omega Plastics Becomes Reschcor
Sun Plastech Expands Its Headquarters
RJG Announces 2013 Training Awards
June 2013
Payroll Systems Can Help Determine ACA Responsibilities
Deadline Nears for IMDA Awards
Registration Open for MAPP Benchmarking Conference
Viking Plastics Makes Equipment Investments
Industry Veteran Joins Beaumont Technology
Milacron Creates Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Position
May 2013
Medical Device Tax Could Make Health Care Less Affordable
Demand for Biodegradable Plastics Increasing
Deadline for IMDA Awards Competition Nears
New Incoe Leader Continues Family Legacy
Currier Plastics to Aide College’s Plastics Technology Program
Conair Makes Management Changes
Parish Invests in New Equipment
DeKALB a Processor of the Year Finalist
PMT to Congressman: Need for Skilled Workers High
April 2013
Manufacturers Reduce Energy Consumption
New OSHA Standard Impacts Processors
MAPP Members Receive Industry Honors
DMP Expands Capabilities in Mexico; Gets ISO/TS 16949 Certification
Milacron to Host Open House during ANTEC
$1M Investment Expands Capacity at Plastikos and Micro Mold
R&D Molders Earns Environmental Stewardship Award
March 2013
Plastics Business, MAPP Members to Talk Social Media at Business of Plastics/ANTEC Conference
Manufacturing Buzz Tempered by Challenges from China and Mexico
Markets To Watch: Pharmaceutical Packaging and Plastic Containers
February 2013
Tips for the Effective Use of Purging Materials
Study: Manufacturing Key to Long-Term Economic Recovery
Plastics Crossroads Summit Comes to Anaheim, CA
IMDA Issues Call for Entries for Annual Competition
Webinar: Adhesion Improvements with Bio-Content Polymers
Amtech LLC Acquires Arrowhead Composites and Thermoplastics
Polymer Conversions Opens Clean Room Expansion
Milacron Hires Graduates from Pilot Machinist Training Program
January 2013
Cardinal Aswers Manufacturing Skills Crisis
'Cut the Cord' at PLASTEC West on Feb. 12-14
Milacron Introduces Interactive Tech Manual
Conair Blender Innovations Help Process Difficult Materials
IQMS Releases Latest Version of EnterpriseIQ
Steinwall to Open Distribution Facility
December 2012
Q&A: Machine Guarding Safety Regulations
Thoughts from the MAPP Conference: Efficiency vs Effectiveness
Incoe Introduces Nozzles for Cold Sprue Applications
Plastikos Enhances Medical Molding Resources
New Collaboration Helps Polyfab Overcome Loss of Customer
Conair Develops Filter Drawer Add-On for DuraLoad
November 2012
MAPP Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference Draws 380 Attendees
Ignite Sessions Provide Bursts of Manufacturing Excellence
Benchmarking Conference Attendees Absorb Military Leadership Tactics
RJG Training Excellence Award Winners Announced at Conference
Plastikos Wins Inaugural IQMS Manufacturing Success Award
Steinwall App a Free Download for Smart Phones
Thogus Delves into Medical Device Market with JALEX Medical
October 2012
Get on the "Road to Excellence" at MAPP Conference
Surface Preparation for Effective Plastic Bonding
ASACLEAN Shipping Costs Reduced
Dickten Masch Plastics Acquires Nyloncraft, Inc.
Plastic Solutions Opens New Facility
Viking Plastics Receives Quality Excellence Award
September 2012
Tips for Successful ERP Implementation
Barriers to Sustainability in Plastics-related Industries
PolyOne, rp+m, Others Collaborate on Project
Conair Develops Liquid Dosing Unit
Stratasys Helps Girl Lift Arms, Play for First Time
August 2012
Lab Services Important for Quality, R&D and Safety
July 2012
Capacity Constraints: The New Norm?
Selecting the Proper Assembly Process
June 2012
Using Commercial Purging Compounds
The Operational Impact of the Morning Huddle
DeKALB Molded Products to Host Plant Tour
More Member Exchanges Scheduled
May 2012
NPE2012 Launch Pad for New Assembly Products
Disaster Recovery Plan, Business Interruption Insurance Avert Catastrophe for MAPP Member
April 2012
Water Leaks Lead to Unscheduled Mold Downtime
NPE2012 Wraps Up Its First Year in Orlando
Decorating & Assembly Conference Coming to Indianapolis
March 2012
Seven Steps to Avoid Mistakes in Business Sales