According to Yankelovich/Harris in a comprehensive study of the impact of B-to-B media, an overwhelming majority of American executives - 86% - agree that companies with an advertising presence in a down economy stay more top-of-mind when purchase decisions are being made.

And that same advertising effort also creates stronger-than-usual positive impressions about the company's commitment to its products and services.

Those same industry leaders rank B-to-B outlets - including web sites such as eBearing.com - highest in importance for influencing purchase decisions, far ahead of newspapers, television, and even general business magazines.