DIEMAKERS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

Diemakers emphasized the attacks only further amplified the economic downturn already in effect, and that the post-September 11 drop in business rebounded quickly. Many plan to retool marketing strategies in the wake of the attacks, including the reallocation of sales staff, and increased use of direct mail, teleconferencing, Web sites, and e-mail as alternatives to travel for meeting sales objectives. Others mentioned revamped long-term planning approaches, with some intending to plan for just the next few months, and then regroup. Inventory and delivery times have been affected by customers' "wait-and-see" stances.