Building Material Stores Continue To Close.

It is still happening at an alarming rate. The latest two in our area are McComb Lumber in McComb Ohio and T&M Supply in Stryker Ohio.

The Stryker one isn't on this map yet, but it has closed. Jim Haddox owner of McComb Lumber is a good friend of mine from back in the Ohio Lumbermen's Association days.

It's really sad for me to see this. I think the hand writing is on the wall for all of us independent lumber dealers. The old fashion yards without the large retail stores seem to be going first in our area, but I think the time is coming when even that walk in retail trade won't help much. It really bothers me when someone comes in for a chalk line and staples for their roofing felt, when I know they went to a big box for everything else. I guess the thing that irritates me the most is those same people come in and want donations for their kids baseball team, or post prom party.

I had a customer ask why I was not open Sundays anymore. The answer I wanted to give them was that twenty years ago, there were no big boxes between Fort Wayne and Toledo. People from the surrounding towns would shop here on the weekend. Now with four big boxes within 30 minutes of me, the surrounding town and many Edgerton people go to them. I can't afford to stay open five hours on a Sunday and sell only two or three hundred dollars worth of goods. The answer I told the guy is that I decided to have a life. After working 72 hours a week for twenty years, now that I'm working only 60 it seems like I'm semi-retired.

I still love my job and wouldn't want to do anything else. And even though I may not sound like it, I appreciate and treasure every customer I have.

PROSALES Online: news, trends and sound business advice for America's pro-focused building materials dealers.

Obama announces steps to speed US oil production

Obama announces steps to speed US oil production

The President is finding it's easy to sit back and criticize until you have to be the adult in charge; then the "pie in the sky" ideals have to be set aside and real decisions made.

This is what has to happen. He has to give up many of his precious ideals or the whole country will fail. We need oil and gas for energy and more importantly we have to kill the debt spending.

A compromise would be equal amounts of dollars of budget cuts and dollar amounts of new taxes for the short term. Then real reform to hold down spending and not spend any more than we take in. All new spending should not be allowed unless it is shown how we will pay for it NOW, not in the future.

Good luck with that in this political climate!

Pictures from WILLIAM

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Otis running with Grandma

Nation & World | Emanuel faces big money woes as next Chicago mayor | Seattle Times Newspaper

Hold onto your wallets tax paying citizens of the United States. Mayor elect Emanuel does have a lot of political ties and he will be reaching out for federal dollars. His ex-boss wants to help too. Chicago is the most unionized city in the US. If there is anyplace where the unions rule, it is there.

If our government just keeps handing our money out, problems will not and can not be solved.

Nation & World | Emanuel faces big money woes as next Chicago mayor | Seattle Times Newspaper

taxfoundation.org/files/bp60.pdf

Who wants to do business in your state. Ohio is currently not a good place to do business or start a business. Governor Kasich plans to change that. The big question is can he do it.

The link takes you to a report discussing all 50 states. How does your state rank. Check it out.

taxfoundation.org/files/bp60.pdf

Fuzzy, Frustrating Economics

I had an appraiser do our spec house and he told me they don't count the basement. Finished or not! So for instance in my house I probably have over $40,000.00 just in my basement that counts no more than as if it were just a concrete slab floor. What's wrong with this picture? It's no wonder so many nice houses are appraising so low. Bank and appraisal problems are discussed in this article.

Fuzzy, Frustrating Economics

The New American Past Time

Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie

and Remodeling!

It's almost February and I've been thinking of spring.  I'm ready for some baseball, the all American past time and all the trimmings that go with it.  I think baseball is my favorite spectator sport.  It's a slow paced game and it's just nice to sit back, relax and watch the game with friends.  A hot dog and a cold beer helps with the whole experience as well.

  And what can be more American than good old apple pie!  Man, I can almost taste that warm apple pie with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on it.  Mmmm, is it lunchtime yet?

You might have noticed that I replaced Chevrolet with Remodeling in the title above.  When I think of a good American past time, I think of remodeling,  No offense Chevy fans, I just do.  There's something about working with your hands that's good for your soul.  And if you can get your son or daughter to help, it builds more than a finished room, it builds memories for a lifetime.  So, this spring, take time for the baseball, hot dogs and apple pie (and maybe a beer), but also take on a project to improve your home.   Remodeling: The other All American Past Time!

Have fun and remember, hammer the pointed nail, not the finger nail.

Johnny Cash - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Merry Christmas All

Good Morning and Merry Christmas,

     Here it is Christmas Eve morning.  I haven't sent a single card out .....again this year.  I'm at work with a nice cup of coffee thinking about Christmas and friends and relatives....reflecting on the past year.  I was thinking how good my life has been this past year, despite another miserable year in the building industry.  I have hope and faith that the business will come back soon.

     My family and I are blessed for knowing and interacting with all you you.  As all of you know Christmas is about the birth of Christ.  And we all know all the miracles and the teachings of Christ, but there is another really good aspect of Christmas.  That is being able to sit down and reflect.  To me Christmas is not only a time to praise God, but a time to give thanks for all the blessings God has given us.

     It can be a sad time too because of the loved ones we lost this last year and earlier, but because of our faith, we know they are with Jesus in heaven looking over us with warmth and love.  We miss their presence, but we must remember them, for they are still here in us and our family.  We look at family members and see traits or actions that remind us of our loved one.  Be happy, remember fondly.

So on this Christmas Eve, I wish you Peace, Joy, Love and Understanding.

God Bless You,

Bill Lutterbein