Your business???

[stoner]

I think we all know what the real estate market is like, fortunately I've done better this year than the 2 previous years.
The water treatment business is still great, I guess you can't do with out that.
Stoner

[Col Forbin]

Special education is business as usuall. As long as you hardcore republicans keep breeding - I will always have a job!! LOL, I couldn't resist the opportunity for a jab.

Actually, Education has been hit pretty hard. Good programs are having to be cut because of lack of funds. I think schools systems are doing a good job, not only making due, but progressing towards state and federal goals with such a lack of available fundings. The biggest negatives I have observed so far this year is the larger class sizes for all teachers. A few years ago, they would have hired additional staffing to create smaller classes, however, this is no longer an option. I really enjoy teaching, as the majority of teachers do - and i don't see financial constraints changing most of our views.

[MrSplitshot]

Well, I'm in the automotive business. My company's core product is tires, which trucks right along for the most part, but the division I manage distributes pickup truck accessories and custom wheels. You all know how poor new truck sales are on account of these high fuel prices, so my side of things are pretty tough. We have definitely felt it. We have downsized a good many of our product lines that were 100% truck oriented, because they just aren't selling like they used to. My crew is smaller, pennies are getting pinched, and we're riding the storm out. Our towing products are doing well, because folks still need them for business (ie: towing horse trailers, construction trailers, etc.) Other than that, things like custom wheels and chrome are way off.

I'm not convinced that it'll come back in the near future either, if at all. I think Americans are fundamentally changing the way they look at the automobile...we're seeing a major shift back to the car for the fuel efficiency. At $4+ a gallon, enough is enough. The truck will always be there, but the days of the big truck or SUV daily drivers just to be "in style" may be gone. For example, trailer hitches for full size Chevy/Ford/Dodge trucks that we usually keep in stock at our warehouse in pallets of 50 we now keep 10 of so that we have room for the Honda Accord hitches, and Kia Sorento hitches, and Toyota Camry hitches...seriously...we sell them every day now. Things are changing.

[DJD]

Yep I imagine so. I wonder how the high performance bass boat sales are doing? They have to be hurting for business but I see the aluminum side doing better especially the 17" and smaller boats with a 4-stroke on the back.

[CMIDD]

I work in a fairly large Chevy dealer service department. Things for the most part have slowed way down. Started noticing it back in October and November, yet last month was the best month we have seen in a while. It shows signs of picking back up, but nothing like it once was.