Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/213702
30 • DECEMBER 2013 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Crystal Ball forecast continued from page 28 this past year. Again, a modest increase, with no real emphasis on types of jobs, either. FASTENER CAPS for the fence industry ALL TYPES Snap-Caps, Tap Caps, Kappets, Hex-Caps, Hinge Caps Despite my earlier comments regarding the rise in interest rates having an effect on housing, several pundits have indicated that they are looking for a significant increase in new housing (15%) which, depending on the area of the country you are in, could prove very helpful for your fencing season. Now, let's take a look briefly at some thoughts for some regions of the U.S. for 2014. For the most part my research indicates that much of the central U.S. will have a better 2014 growth than the national average, led by North Dakota, which is diversifying its shale and oil industries as well All colors and sizes available in small or large quantities Easy to order through PRO-DEC.COM Check us out! Experts say traffic deaths are down because the bad economy means more cars are being repossessed, and high unemployment means we don't have as many people driving to work. So that means the White House economic plan is also their highway safety plan. • • • In New York, Nissan unveiled the New York taxi of the future. Some of its amazing technological advancements include heated seats, reduced emissions, and a willingness to go to Brooklyn. • • • Joe said to his friend Tom, "Thank you for your help. I'm so grateful that you lent that money to me. I'll be forever in your debt." Tom replied, "That's exactly what I'm afraid of!" as the agricultural sector, which will be stronger than last year. Several sources have indicated its economic growth should be anywhere from 6-7%, and their unemployment numbers to be around 2 to 2-1/2% as well. Other states that should show improvement include South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. Another area of the country that should show some solid growth for 2014 is the South Central U.S., led by Texas, which has a booming housing market and fast growing energy sector. Unemployment will probably FREE! American-Made PulJak T-shirt in new safety neon colors! Get yours today and show support for American Manufacturing! THE FENCEMAN'S FRIEND STRETCHES • LIFTS • ALIGNS • CLAMPS MODEL A–21⁄2 ® FOR: TIGHT CORNERS, SHORT PULLS, GATES ONLY $95.90 Designed for those "Impossible" jobs PulJak® Company LLC P.O. Box 449 • Branford, CT 06405 PHONE: (203) 500-2520 • FAX: (203) 738-1088 E-mail: puljak@comcast.net Visit us on the Web at www.puljakusa.com © Skidril Inc. 2013 Ending back breaking post pounding! Skidril is the place for fence post pounders and equipment. With over 30 years of experience and thousands of customers all over the world look no further for the best in the business. We make Gasoline, Hydraulic and Pneumatic powered drivers. 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Other states in the region which should see a better year are Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. However, Mississippi probably will not show much if any economic growth over this year. The Western states, for the most part, should likely see a rise in current and personal income; wages appear to be on the increase for the most part with the exception of Idaho, Montana, and Washington, which should remain at 2013 levels for the most part. Population growth estimates show a projected rise in Idaho and Utah, while the rest of the West it is expected to remain status quo. Single family housing permits are up in Arizona, California, Idaho, New Mexico, and Washington State. Colorado and Montana look to have a significant drop in their population, followed by Nevada, Oregon, and Utah, which will have less of a drop. Finally, we mention the Northeast United States. The states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are projected to show some decent growth next year although nothing earth shattering. The biggest growth projection seems to be in Vermont, which looks to grow 2-1/2% from 2% in the past year. As for the mid-Atlantic region – New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland – generally speaking, signs indicate some slight improvement but again, nothing earth shattering. Alright, it's time to try and make some sense out of this commentary. As you probably have seen, I am really not too optimistic overall for 2014, and the ability for our industry to significantly grow over last year. I am quite concerned about a further weakening in the dollar. As that happens, commodity prices go higher – fuel, food, etc. As we go from crisis to crisis, the overall situation continues to deteriorate; so do the results of economic situations from area to area. We face the prospects of substantive tax hikes and loss of services, without any realistic chance of closing the deficit gap. Consumers are frightened (I think holiday sales will reflect this) and uncertain as to where we are headed in 2014. Not a pretty sight if any of the above occurs. However, we must be prepared to recognize that, percentage-wise, we need only to be partially correct to see how that would affect each of us in our given area. Therefore, it becomes extremely necessary for everyone to pay attention to how all of the aforementioned events could unfold, and continued on page 80