In my manufacturing business I don't need to "dig in" - I am very heavily "dug in" and see it every day. We deal with a lot of suppliers. Even with unemployment near 10% it is hard to hire good people that truly want to work.

I do think there is a "new normal". Emphasis is on efficiency and productivity and value in business. Overall that seems like a good thing, long term.

I see things picking up if slowly.

Jim at Dawn