February 1, 2012

Jean,

I’ve just returned from several trade shows put on by my industry, and across the board there is optimism that the economy has begun slowly turning for the better. All this is due to the hard work and determination of the American worker and entrepreneur, and definitely not because of politicians and government. (The previous sentence is the personal observation and opinion of the writer.)

As the economy climbs out of this hole, it will be obvious that all of our industries have changed and it will take some effort to adjust our businesses to that change. Another thing that will happen is the public will readjust its thinking on how it spends dollars in this economy. Part of that thinking is the realization that many businesses have closed over the last several years. They may not know which ones, they just know it happened. (Statewide in my industry – 40%.) I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE THAT THEY THINK I AM ONE OF THE CASUALTIES. This is why the 2012 Home & Garden Show is the most important since I’ve been participating. My company will be there. We will patch the wounds, cover the bruises and put our best foot forward to let the Athens area know that we are here and we are ready for business. I will be one of the first to volunteer to be on the radio so everyone whose listening knows my company is good to go. I may not sell one darn thing or get one new client, but no one who walks through that show will have to wonder whether or not I’m still around. Think about it…can you afford to NOT be there?

Sincerely,