TOHtDt Random

By Alan Oakes

Here we go?

firtnsr. I wnNr ro sTNCERELv rHANK you for all the comments, emails and phone calls I received regarding my October column ("Which Way Are You Leaning?"), which became the most commented-on article I have written in my almost l0 years. As I told everyone,I hesitated to write such a column and rewrote it a number of times. I appreciate your lUOVo favorable feedback.

Since then the election was held and the results are well known. We might agree that the result was less a support for one party and more an assessment of the other. But, we all know that it will require more than words from our "career" politicians to turn the corner. It is time for leadership and brave decisions that are in the best interests of the country as a whole. We cannot afford gridlock for two years. We need action that works, and does not feed an agenda the American people do not want.

The economic uncertainty, anti-business climate, and feeling that our hard work and investments will go unrewarded must be reversed-and quick. Get us back to what we do best-creating products and opportunities, and taking risks with our capital.

As individuals, the reality is that our average earnings have continued to drop and will continue to do so unless we find ways to create real jobs and keep manufacturing jobs here at home, jobs that pay well, not barely above minimum wage. How many of you are earning less than you did five years ago? Where do we go as a nation if that trend continues? We need to keep manufacturing here FULL STOP.

Interestingly, after writing that column I was overseas and, like you on your TVs, watched the riots in Paris as unions fought to keep the retirement age at 60 instead of62. I saw first-hand the blight of the economy in Spain.In the U.K.,l witnessed the government announce severe cuts to benefits in the largest austerity program since World War II and an increase in the retirement age. Even as I write, there are riots in the U.K. over the increase in student fees (until they come here, they will never realize how lucky they are in what they pay). European govemments are finally realizing that benefits need to be controlled, that there is massive abuse. and that the costs are unsustainable.

While in Europe, I read examples of some families "earning" unemployment benefits of up to $150K a year. lt doesn't leave much incentive to look for ajob when you can get that. I think the big fear we in business have had is that we may be heading for the same thing here in the U.S. It has also been interesting to note that the only major country that did not implement a stimulus program in 2008/9-Germany-has today the strongest economy in Europe by far and arguably the strongest manufacturing base. Having been to Germany many times, I've found it to be one of the two most discerning consumer bases of Europe, which still yeams to buy quality and is prepared to pay for it.

That being said, I have just returned from NAWLA's Traders Market. It's always one of the best events of the year and was even more so this year. A good crowd, up on last year. Frankly, the mood was tremendous. lt was like the light switch had been flipped. I heard only optimism for the first time, for a long time. We all know nothing immediately changed election night, but overall believe we are at the bottom and the only way now is up. It confirmed to me what I have been saying for months: that what we need is a dose of optimism throughout the country, at all levels, positive news out of Washington, and policies that give the business community encouragement to keep jobs here. I came away from Chicago pumped up and raring to go for 20l | Want to join me? Let's make it a trend.

Lastly. as we come to the end of another difficult vear. I want to thank the manv companies that have allowed us to continue our 88 years of serving this industry. The many companies that have advertised with us have allowed us to be -rr. the only magazine serving the wholesale and retail communlties to publish each and every month. My colleagues here at BPD thank you not only for your business, but also for the many friendships cultivated over many years. To you, our readers, we appreciate your loyalty to our publications and the many kind words and letters we receive during the year. We all know these past few years have not been kind to many, with many fine people and companies fbrced out of the industrv. I can onlv sav that we will continue to offer all we can to keep you abreast of all that is happening in our industry, to help you run your business more effectively and profitably.

To you and your families, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a successful and healthy New Year. See you in 201 l. Here we go!

Alan Oakes. Publisher aioakes@aol.com

Bpii

Buililing Products Bigest

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