As the Voice for Amateur Women Golfers

Much has changed since one July afternoon in 1991 when 28 women gathered for a golf clinic to begin learning business golf in order to enhance their careers. That small group quickly transformed into a nationwide movement that became the Executive Women’s Golf Association.

Now known as the EWGA and celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, this international organization starts its third decade with the launch of Fair Way Forward™ to advocate for more positive golf course experiences for women.

This advocacy initiative is designed to give golf facilities the insights needed to become more “women friendly” so they can attract and keep more women golfers. For as long as the Executive Women’s Golf Association has existed, the golf industry has considered women as a key growth market for the game of golf. And while some barriers have fallen – such as greater access to Saturday morning tee times – much of the dialog has not resulted in the positive changes women want.

Unity's Luxury Consumption Index (LCI) proves predictive of third quarter results, offers indications for future

According to reporting in The Wall Street Journal, U.S. consumers spent less in October than hoped, disappointing retailers and leading to a rocky first part of November on Wall Street, as the stock market reacted to this decline in consumer spending. However, those who follow Unity Marketing's Luxury Consumption Index(LCI) expected the dip and could plan accordingly.

In July Unity Marketing's exclusive LCI took a deep dive, predicting a drop in luxury consumer spending during the third quarter -- which is exactly what happened, according to the results of Unity Marketing's latest survey of affluent consumers luxury purchases. Luxury consumers spent nearly 20 percent less in the third quarter than in the second quarter 2011.

New survey finds improved outlook for 1Q2012

Commenting on Unity Marketing's fourth quarter survey of 1,498 affluent luxury consumers (average income $279.1k; avg. age 44.4 yrs.), Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing and author of the just released Putting the Luxe Back in Luxury, says, "Our latest survey reveals turmoil in the luxury consumer mindset, just like the Dow Jones Industrial Average measures turmoil in the investment markets.

Affluents are uncertain about their present financial status and worried about the overall economy, which translates into more cautious spending on luxury indulgences. For example, 70 percent of the luxury consumers surveyed this month said they are spending the same or less on luxury now than they did twelve months ago."