Per the Institute for Supply Management’s Index, a very reputable service, tells us that U.S. manufacturing order rose for 5th consecutive month from 53.6 to 55.9. This represents the highest level in over 3 years (April 2006).

The same report indicates employment rose over a point to 52, the 3rd month in a row, demonstrating 3 months consecutive employment growth following over a year of decline.

New manufacturing orders were also up 5.2 percent, indicating increased consumer confidence.

Here’s what I think: these are the same geniuses armed with ‘data’ and utilizing sophisticated algorithms which didn’t foresee the biggest market drop in 70 years…so we have a hard time believing them.

Sam Hasler of asks:

Who's on Twitter? Note:(great list of LI members on Twitter in the discussion)

Join Discussion on LinkedIn

Julia Gorrell of Energy & Enviornmental Services at City of Fort Wayne asks on Linking Indiana:

Does your company have Green Team? What are some of the goals of team? 
I would love to hear what your companies are doing.

Join Discussion on LinkedIn

Tweeters from the banks of the Ohio River to the shores of Lake Michigan will donate one minute to the future of our state by sending a tweet containing “#Indiana” The goal is to get #Indiana to trend among the top ten words on twitter, exposing our state to the global twitter audience for a GOOD reason - not because there's been some tragedy or a bad referee call (Bob Burchie informed me that #Indiana trended October 31 when there was a questionable call at an IU game) 

It is easy to participate => when you tweet December 3rd simply add "#INDIANA" in a few of them. And if you focus on the lunch hour, we might reach a critical mass and break through. 

That's it! Tweet something fun about #Indiana or mention your favorite #Indiana tradition or vacation spot. Better yet tweet a link to your business or a news story - just don't forget the "#Indiana". Let's show the global twitter audience how cool Indiana can be! 

If you want to put an #Indiana twibbon on your twitter avatar to show your support - just go to Twibbon.com.

About Amy Stark

Amy Stark is a social media evangelist and founder of Stark ReAlity Enterprises, Inc. is a not-for-profit operating in the great State of Indiana! The corporation publishes StarkReAlity.ning.com -- a receptacle of social media trends, a friendly place to share ideas, and a way for talented individuals to donate 5 minutes of their expertise.  You can find Amy on Twitter as @AmyStark

A look at this weekend's events by:

Gingerbread Village at Conner Prairie.
Dec. 1 to Jan. 3: Tue-Sat 10 am to 5 pm, Sun 11 am to 5 pm.
A wonderland of icing, gumdrops and sprinkles atop remarkable gingerbread creations. Dec. 1, 2009 to Jan. 3, 2010: Tue-Sat 10-5 (except Dec. 24-25), Sun 11-5. Info: See Web site or call 317-776-6006.

21st Annual Victorian Christmas in Mooresville.
Dec. 5: 10 am to 4 pm.
Holiday music, history displays, blacksmithing, quilting, a petting zoo, free carriage rides and a visit with Scrooge. 10 AM to 4 PM. Free event. Info: See Web site below or call 317-437-0102.