Could this trend benefit Towne Bank?

HP to acquire 3Com

Wonder what would happen to the multiple alliances between HP-Cisco? What are the challenges of competing with your collaborators?

Environments

Are markets efficient?

International acquisitions

Despite the economic downturn, international acquisitions continue. Here are some recent trends: HBR

3M Innovation

Here is a link to 3M's website on Innovation
A recent 3M innovation: Precision Lighting Element (PLE)
Another exemplar of innovation: Pixar

Competing

Here is an interesting take on how to compete in chaotic times . . .