In a May 2008 survey of leading national marketers conducted by Lindsay, Stone & Briggs, fifty-nine percent of respondents report experiencing a sales decline so far this year.  Fifty-six percent report reduced profit and dividend projections for 2008. Fifty-four percent report an increased emphasis on short-term performance. There are no questions most marketers are in a tougher fight to make plan. The bobbing, dipping and weaving economy of the last several years has proven to be an especially formidable opponent, nailing even the most venerable brands on the chin.