Re: The Economy and its effect on Engraving
Well, the "recession" or whatever you want to call it, has hit us hard in our little town in NW North Carolina. When we moved here in 2003 (retirement) most of the populace was working, but since then it seems all the textiles and furniture makers have left town, going overseas where labor is cheaper and government interference is minimal. The population since 2003 has gone from around 16000 to about 14000, but the sad note is most of them refuse to leave the area, as they are generations deep and the ties are very strong to the community. So, they stay and do what they can and work away from home in order to keep the family homestead. Some have resorted to selling old timber on their lands just to keep food on the table. We have 15% unemployment and some have exhausted their unemployment benefits and receive nothing except by the graces of the local churches who help with food and basic essentials. Just last January Sara-Lee fabrics shut down completely and laid off 750 people, and at the same time another company folded putting another 60 folks out of work. That is close to 5% of our population with only two companies shutting down. They aren't the only ones, as it seems at least two firms close each month and this has been going on for 5 years. The economy here is bad, but the people have not lost their dignity or their desire to work, and they get up every day and try and figure out some way to care for their families. The American Spirit is not dead here and may God help those that try and interfere with it. We seem to fit the new standard of extremists and terrorists, as we all (well, the vast majority) go to church, read their Bible's daily, own guns and an unusually high percentage are veterans. We will survive this "economic downturn" in spite of Washington and our "so-called" leaders. 2010 is right around the corner and most of the folks I talk with are adament about replacing everyone in office, especially those that voted for the stimulus package. Well, enough ranting, trying to keep under the radar!
Bill
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