Dec 28th, 2008 · While 2008 was a down year for most industries, it was a boon for the concert business. Live music venues in North America reported an 18 percent increase in gross box office, according to Billboard magazine.
Dec 28th, 2008 · Historically, a ticket to the movies has been a ticket to a brief escape from the stresses of lean economic times, and a source of holiday entertainment during winter breaks from work and school. Were those traditional factors a boon for Hollywood, or is the movie industry is suffering financially like everyone else?
Nov 24th, 2008 · A surge of diamond mining in northern Canada aims to be a boon for the economy. Running a mining operation in the remote tundra region of the Northwest Territories is costly and challenging, but demand for conflict-free diamonds is high.
Nov 13th, 2008 · The world's largest retailer posted a stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit. Wal-Mart announced Thursday that sales were up 7 percent and earnings increased 10 percent. Many analysts predicted the economic downturn would be a boon for Wal-Mart.
Oct 25th, 2008 · Tough economic times are bringing out the survival — and survivalist — instincts in a number of people. MSNBC.com notes that Web sites and forums usually reserved for more extreme "back-to-the-landers" are receiving interest from people who are usually more moderate, on both the right and the left.
Jul 26th, 2008 · In many places around the country, the economy is down — but not everywhere. As economic changes alter how we work and play, some sectors are actually benefiting. Companies that immunize sell bikes and charter boats are all experiencing an unexpected boon.
Jun 11th, 2008 · Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has chosen former Clinton adviser Jason Furman for his economic team. Furman, a fiscal policy expert, has suggested that Walmart is a boon for poor Americans. That's stirred up some criticism of his appointment, especially from organized labor.
May 22nd, 2008 · The cost of groceries is going up this year, and so are the numbers of people who have started growing their own produce. Now seed companies are reporting a surge of orders. From member station WUOT in Knoxville Matt Shafer Powell reports.