|
Welcome to the end of 2009 and what an experience it has been if you compartmentalize your life by the year.
Back in 2008, as is my wont to coin slogans for the New Year, I came up with the prosaic slogan, "It's All Fine In 2009." That slogan went bye-bye very quickly as did our hopes for a thriving economy under a new regime in Washington, DC.
FIBR has continued its growth despite the economy, two war fronts, illegal immigration, values declining on just about any valued asset and despite all this and that clouding the horizon--the Lakers evolved, matured and reached down inside themselves and brought home the NBA Championship.
Perhaps, we can all learn from the Lakers' work ethic. We're all continually evolving. When we evaluate our opportunities our experience and maturity help spark the flame of passion in our being that creates the same winning spirit that drives a team to victory.
We're all part of a winning team and that's the FIBR team who have served the Food Processing Industry for more than 10 years. To be successful today requires adapting to the challenges of commerce in a unstable society. Just yesterday, credit card companies started charging 30% on balances to their better credit risks. Huh? WE elected the politicians who authorized the passing of these same laws regarding credit and high finance. Believe that our Republican and Democratic Senators and Representatives knew full well exactly what the banking industry would charge its customers for the credit privilege, or else how could such usurious laws be passed into law?
We are asked to follow and support our leaders who led us into this morass of morality in the 21st Century? No thanks. Most business people I know pay their taxes, honor marriage vows, don't hire escort services, are religious, and their word is their legacy so they cherish truth; while most politicians are so fond of the truth they are always embellishing and polishing it.
And yet, business people portrayed in media are painted and played as tho' they had the morals of a Congressman or Congresswoman. Serving the public is not an easy service for everyone nor does it pay well compared to the private sector. Who benefits from a job that pays $400,000 per year and costs $Billions to get elected? Special interests and those who are entitled is the answer. Just ask your local lobbyist. My answer is to respond and fight back and earn your way onto the black--ink side of the ledger and remember to protect the rights of the individual, especially the individuals working with and for you, if you're an employer.
Early in 2009, we realized our work plan was to do the same things we did before--only do them differently. The old ways could not work under the new rules so we changed. In January, our business was off 20% from 2008 so it was a given that business was slow, so work smarter, spend less time on speculative ideas and get back to the basics of serving the needs of our clients. That's what FIBR does--we do more in less time, with less money and still satisfy or exceed our members' thirst for education and guidance in food processing with scheduled education seminars conducted by experts.
Our "Meet Your Inspector" forum is an almost all day event featuring five counties in SoCal, plus Federal inspectors and a great lunch allowing you and your staff to meet, greet and get a clearer comprehension about an inspector's role in improving your business. There's no better forum for understanding your inspectors' duties and how to get a better score than at this FIBR seminar. Period.
See you at the next soiree. Thanks for your time. Kindly keep those dues current.
Cordially,
Dandy Don Whittemore
|
