ingate Company, a wholesale distributor of electronic equipment, has been experiencing losses for some time, as shown by its most recent monthly contribution format income statement:

Sales	$	1,598,000
Variable expenses		612,620
Contribution margin		985,380
Fixed expenses		1,084,000
Net operating income (loss)	$	(98,620)

In an effort to resolve the problem, the company would like to prepare an income statement segmented by division. Accordingly, the Accounting Department has developed the following information:

	Division
	East			Central			West
Sales	$	408,000		$	640,000		$	550,000
Variable expenses as a percentage of sales		44	%		29	%		45	%
Traceable fixed expenses	$	254,000		$	333,000		$	202,000

Required:

1. Prepare a contribution format income statement segmented by divisions.

2-a. The Marketing Department has proposed increasing the West Division's monthly advertising by $23,000 based on the belief that it would increase that division's sales by 11%. Assuming these estimates are accurate, how much would the company's net operating income increase (decrease) if the proposal is implemented?

2-b. Would you recommend the increased advertising?