My thirteen year old son commented the other day, “Well, that’s what you get for being an adult!” after I had said how nice it would be to have a snow day like he was enjoying. It struck me as poignant after I fought the urge to remind him forcefully of where his stuff comes from. It’s amazing how much teenagers know; if only we could know that much! As owners of small businesses, we are confronted with rising costs from our vendors, price pressure from our customers, and wage demands from our staff. Whether business is good or bad, plenty or scarce, the battle rarely changes. I guess that’s what we get for being small business owners. But, I think I speak for most small business owners, we wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I remember drafting this message last year, and it was difficult to convey a positive message. Now though, it seems easier. This past year has been a tough year; it started out slow, really slow. It seemed like 2010 was going to be a bad movie, like “2009: The Sequel”. We fought through the first part of the year and things started to get better. I noticed a definite change in the attitudes of our customers, vendors and employees. It was more positive, a happier outlook on the future. Along the way we learned a lot of valuable lessons from our successes and failures. But I think we are better off for it, in spite of the difficulty.
I’m truly glad and thankful that this year is ending on a different note, a positive note. It seems that things have turned around; we’re planning on a great year to come. Many exciting things will be happening in 2011. Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary. We’ll be launching a new catalog and website, and if all goes well, strategically expanding our territory. The turnaround we experienced this year wouldn’t have been possible without the loyal patronage of our customers, support and partnership of our vendors, and, most of all, the dedication and drive of our staff. All I can say is "Thank You!".
I hope this holiday season finds you and your family well and happy, and that it brings you joy and peace. I also would like to wish you a happy and plentiful New Year.
Warmest Wishes,
