Base pay raises for U.S. workers are expected to rise 3.8 percent in 2009, the seventh consecutive year of flat growth, while one-time performance-based pay is expected to grow 10.6 percent, down slightly from 10.8 percent this year, according to a study released today by Hewitt Associates, the Associated Press reported. Performance-based raises have become a popular way for companies to reward new hires and upper management, because it doesn’t commit them to the additional costs. Ninety percent of companies surveyed use performance-based rewards as a way to attract talent. Industries expected to see the biggest salary increases are accounting and consulting (4.6 percent increase), energy (4.5 percent) and construction and engineering (4.5 percent). The study was based on surveys with 1,073 large organizations.

A West Des Moines-based market research, forecasting and advisory services firm has predicted that total purchase volume for mortgages nationally will drop about 4 percent in 2009 from 2008 and won’t recover from steep declines until 2011 or 2012. iEmergent Inc.’s Preliminary Mortgage Volume Forecasts for 2009-2013 is designed to give lenders advance details on the size, density and speed of growth in the mortgage lending market. For 2009, it predicts total purchase volume will be 4.95 million loans for $837.9 billion. For more information, go to www.iemergent.com.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is seeking nominations for its 2008 Celebrate Business Awards in the following categories: community champion, best-kept secret, lifelong learning, best workplace for young professionals and commuter award. Nominations are due by Sept. 19. For more information, go to www.desmoinesmetro.com.

The Greater Des Moines Community Foundation will host the Fall 2008 BoardLaunch Series, designed for participants to increase their skills as leaders in the nonprofit sector. The workshop leaders are David Styers, a consultant with BoardSource, who will present “Boards and Fundraising” on Oct. 6; Suzanne Mineck, with The Stelter Co., who will present “Building Relationships With Donors” on Oct. 20; and Scott Fischer, a risk management consultant, who will present “Risk Management Basics for Nonprofit Organizations” on Oct. 27. Register at www.desmoinesfoundation.org or by calling 883-2626, Ext. 0. Space is limited.

Google Inc. is expected to release its own Web browser in more than 100 countries today, the Associated Press reported. The free browser, called “Chrome,” runs on Microsoft Corp.’s Windows operating system. The company is still working on versions compatible with Apple’s Macintosh computer and the Linux operating system. The announcement comes a week after Microsoft unveiled a test version of its latest browser update, Internet Explorer 8, which includes more tools for Web users to hide their online preferences, which could make it more difficult for Google and other marketing networks to determine which advertisements are more likely to appeal to which individuals.