Businesses can be tough nuts to crack for anyone seeking information. But, for determined reporters, there are ways to peek around the walls thrown up by corporations.
Most businesses, no matter how large or small, come in contact with the government at some point and government Web sites are a good place to start looking.
Moreover, most industries are represented by associations whose job it is to keep statistics and data on their slice of the market. If someone makes it, build it, sells it or buys it, chances are there's a trade association. They are great places to look for information. Go to Google, type in the industry you want, preceded by the words "American association of" -- or some variation -- and you'll find what you're looking for.
Trade Magazines - Often, they are willing to offer detailed knowledge of even the most private companies. Here are some directories:
Gebbie Press
Yahoo!
Accountants - There's always at least one that is an expert in whatever financial topic you're researching.
Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov)
Public companies are required to file reports at least quarterly with the SEC. While most people focus on the numbers -- profit and sales -- these reports often contain a wealth of qualitative information on a company's customers, its competitors and the state of its industry, as well as any challenges it might face.
How to read financial statements
Unions - Labor unions are a good source of information about companies. Their members work inside and are usually more open than managers.
Union listings
Ratings Agencies - Ratings agencies are a great source of experts in industries and specific corporations. The agencies rate company's creditworthiness on behalf of investors and thus have a good incentive to study a company's operations. Agency analysts are generally available to the media.
Fitch
Standard and Poors
Moody's
Insurance Agency ratings - A.M. Best Company, Weiss Ratings Inc.
Agriculture - Farming is big business. Here are some sources for agriculture statistics:
National Agricultural Statistics Service
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Government Sources - A range of state and federal agencies monitor corporate behavior in areas such as safety. They also keep track of contracts awarded to private business. And, they also keep tons of statistics.
Pennsylvania Department of General Services
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Economy - Investopedia, The Conference Board
Energy - Energy Information Administration
Nonprofits - The rules for non-profit organizations differ from for-profits.
Financial Information - GuideStar collects and puts online Form 990s, the tax returns that nonprofits must file and make public. You can usually get these from the nonprofits themselves, but you generally must go to their place of business. Guidestar allows you to view 990s remotely and to check records of nonprofits that no longer exist.
Academics - Business schools are another place to look for sources. And most colleges, no matter how small, have a business department whose professors can be resources. These professors often have direct experience in the industries you are writing about or have studied them extensively.
Pa. Business Schools - Smeal College of Business at Penn State, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
Lastly, don't hesitate to call your local university's business or accounting department. Some schools also have business historians who can provide great insights.
