Five Trends to Watch for 2012 in the Northeast

The business world is filled with predictions of trends for 2012 and here is my list of five trends. My list is focused on the northeast region of the United States. I think it is presumptuous for someone to state a trend will be the same across the globe, but regionally common trends can spot the globe so these may apply in other regions too.

Five Trends to Watch for 2012 in the Northeast

Foodsheds

Farmers and food producers will work towards establishing more foodsheds based on defined regions that supply fresh, nutrient rich food to the community. The collaboration of farmers, processors, distribution channels and marketers will bring efficiencies to the localvore market pushing "local" from a movement to the way shoppers think, act and buy everything from apples to zucchini.

Next Level Local

This will happen with increased education and awareness. Communications about such topics as the costs of the carbon footprint of an overseas shipment, the quality of life of small business growth in a community or the research and entrepreneur partnerships within local universities will increase. The ability for local economies to educate the greater consumer community of the effects on their spending and the new ideas being generated will result in conversations within family units to the value and impact of local patronage within their region moving local the the next level.

Disengagement of Electronic Social Networks

People are increasingly frustrated with the demand of their time and effort on the perceived social push to be active in multiple social network sites and are selectively disengaging. Businesses and organizations will begin to change their emerging media strategies from being everywhere to defining where their customers want them to be and where there is greater gain.

Non-profit Shifts

As increased pressure for services grow in 2012 and the growing number of non-profits emerge in the region, the ability to fundraise becomes even more difficult. Non-profits will look towards creative ways to gain greater financial stability by building revenue generating products and services to support their mission.

Environmental Consciousness

As the region experiences the affects of climate change, growing landfills and weakening environmental protections the level of concern will be heightened in 2012. Action will not come from businesses and governments but from individuals. People, many who have never been involved in the environment before, will join together regionally with the opportunities that benefit the environment whether it be through conservation, technology improvements, local ordinances or bringing skills to others to help specific issues.

So, there you go, the five trends that in my opinion we will see in the Northeast in 2012. What do you think? Agree or disagree? Let me know!

Thank you for reading and a Happy and Healthy 2012!