Consumer confidence continues to improve

(June 24, 2014) -- June’s increase was driven primarily by improving current conditions, particularly consumers’ assessment of business conditions," said Franco. "Expectations regarding the short-term outlook for the economy and jobs were moderately more favorable, while income expectations were a bit mixed.

Service Arrangements Set for Blue Ox’s Hesse

Funeral arrangements for Blue Ox CEO and President Jay Hesse have been scheduled through Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City, Iowa. Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday (June 26) at the Heese Event Center at the Pender school. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, with the family present […]

Report: Ind. Manufacturing Sector Sees Gains

For a third straight year, manufacturing employment in Indiana posted a gain, reports the 2014 Indiana Manufacturers Directory, a manufacturers database and directory published by Manufacturers’ News, Inc. (MNI) Evanston, Ill. According to data collected by MNI, Indiana manufacturers added 8,563 manufacturing jobs, or 1.5 percent from April 2013 to April 2014. Manufacturers’ News reports […]

Families Differ on ‘Tech Toys’ While Camping

Pennsylvania camping and park activities generate more than $175 million annually, according to Jennifer Schwartz of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC). Lancaster Online reported that as technology improves, people are still flocking to the woods, but with some noticeable differences — some are now bringing electronics into nature and some are adopting family […]

Jay Hesse, Blue Ox president, died June 22

(June 23, 2014) -- "Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Jay, we have lost a beloved husband, father, brother, dear friend and inspiring mentor," said Kietzmann. "Jay leaves behind a company that he, his father and grandfather built, and his sprit will forever be the foundation of Blue Ox."

Camco announces three staff promotions

(June 23, 2014) -- Chad Smith is the national sales manager for the RV division. Jeremy Godwin is the new vice president of sales for the RV division, and Keith Cook will become senior vice president of sales and continue to oversee all Camco sales divisions: hardware, liquids and RV.