Let's be Positive: The Cup is More Than Half-Full

Some people say time flies when you're having fun. Others say the older you get, the faster time goes by. From my perspective, I would say it's probably a combination of both.


Some people say time flies when you're having fun. Others say the older you get, the faster time goes by. From my perspective, I would say it's probably a combination of both. The end of 2008 is quickly approaching, and if you are like me, you're probably wondering what happened to this year and more importantly, what's in store for the coming year.

No doubt, this has been a difficult year for most of us. In one way or another, these past several months have served as a wake-up call as to how we manage our businesses as well as our private lives. We witnessed the collapse of the housing market. We watched the economy go south. In addition, we lost a sense of security when Wall Street greed brought down the stock market and most 401ks. Furthermore, we were stunned by a strike at Boeing as well as a multibillion dollar bailout program passed by Congress to help the banking industry. Then, we witnessed an election that instantaneously made history.

At this moment, there is a great deal of speculation as to what the New Year will bring. Many are skeptical as to what the new administration and Congress will do to get the country back on its feet. I'm hoping the government takes a laissez faire approach to the aerospace sector. With the current positive momentum being achieved in this sector, it certainly does not need any government intrusion. Both commercial and military airline builders, as well as the many commercial airlines, need to know that they can continue operating without fear of government intervention. The last thing the aerospace sector needs is the creation of new and/or additional corporate taxes. I believe this would stymie future growth opportunities in this market and further weaken the overall economy. Please keep in mind that when I refer to the aerospace market, I'm not just eluding to the major players in the industry, but also the many small manufacturing facilities that are way down the supply chain and earn a living as sub-sup pliers.

As 2009 begins to roll down the runway for takeoff, no one can say with any certainty what will happen. Some market analysts suggest the aerospace industry will face some rocky roads throughout 2009. Others predict a strong year for aerospace manufacturing and even say that the airlines as a whole will be in the black next year, based on the current cost of crude oil. With jet fuel now under $2.75 per gallon, some analysts are predicting the airlines could save more than $23 billion next year.

In these times of uncertainty, we need to keep in mind that our glasses are not half-empty, but rather, half-full. So, as we prepare to enter into the New Year, we need to keep focused on the positive. And while there might be some turbulent times in the months ahead, I'm confident the aerospace sector will navigate its way to prosperity.

Happy New Year.

November December 2008
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