We Can Always Use More Work

I've been touching base with SGIA members to get a sense of how their businesses are fairing as we near the end of 2008. While none of the imagers I spoke with are as busy as they would like to be (that never happens), most are reasonably busy. I was pleased to hear it, considering what we read in the newspapers.

Here are the general results of my conversations:

* Many of the imagers serving retail customers are busy with the last of the holiday work.
* Those imagers working with architects and environmental design houses are also reasonably busy. They are working on projects that have been underway for awhile and have a fairly long timetable for completion.
* The transit business has slowed as customers extend the use of existing graphics. We'll have to wait and see what 2009 budgets look like.
* Garment decorators are getting smaller orders. Consolidation is a factor as the stronger decorators pick up new customers from the weaker businesses.
* All of the imagers I talked with are concerned about the first quarter of 2009.

The stronger companies are preparing themselves to work through the economic downturn. They are improving efficiencies, putting the right people in the right places and strengthening customer relationships. Their efforts will not only help them through a downturn, but also help them take full advantage of new opportunities as the economy rebounds.

Submitted by: Michael Robertson, SGIA