Good News, Bad News

Thegood news is that 93% of economistsÕ say the economic slow down will end this year. The bad news is that economists can tell us how to get there but the old adage, Òyou can lead a horse to water...Ó plays a big part in that end becoming reality. In order for the economy to start moving, the shell shocked business and consumer sectors confidence needs to continue to rise, hopefully fueled by a new technology, like the reality of alternate energy vehicles loosening our dependence on oil. Banks need to start lending again so companies can start spending again. And while we are hearing more positive feedback the past 30 days, many report that sales are obviously still down, it is very slow and management is holding on to their cash.

We will get there. But when we do, letÕs not forget where we have been. I have just completed teaching a 5th and 6th grade Junior Achievement course at my kidsÕ school. They were entitled ÒEconomics for SuccessÓ and ÒGlobal Marketplace.Ó The concepts were pretty simple. Spend within your means and we are, now more than ever, part of a global economy.

We kick off this month with our AWFS¨ Fair Preview . The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers will host its biannual trade show July 15-18, 2009 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. At AWFS Vegas, visitors will have the opportunity to view technology that will decrease production costs, while improving profits. The featured companies will be showing and tooling designed specifically for the plastics industry.

This issue also features our 13th Annual Nylon & Acetal Spotlight . Two of the most popular engineering materials, they continue to find new opportunities through new formulations. Our Spotlight features a Product Showcase PLUS listings of the standard and custom shapes offered by leading manufacturers.

In Safety Solutions this month, Jack Podijil discusses machine safeguarding or the lack of it. This topic is still high on the OSHA top ten list of serious citations. In JackÕs experience, over 90% of machines on the factory floor are not guarded in accordance with relevant regulations and standards.

LetÕs hope that 93% of economists are right and that the end is in sight. That would be good news!

For more information on fabricating nylon & acetal, a wide range of plastic fabrication processes, equipment or supplies, key word search our ten year article archive. You can also use our online eReader Service to contact our advertisers or manage your subscription.

Enjoy the issue,

Coming July/August 2009
2009 BuyerÕs Guide
Thermoforming
Ad/Edit Close: 06/22/09
Material Close: 06/29/09