From the fabricator: Approaching the cliff

One of the big news items in the world right now is the fiscal cliff discussion in Washington. Given the extremely important situation, it blows me away that it wasn’t heavily discussed during the election cycle. I sometimes don’t get the priorities out there. In any case, I think all of us have a stake in what might happen, and last week, I saw this article providing some insight from folks connected with the construction industry. It’s an interesting read, and as the next four weeks tick down to the deadline, I am hopeful that the best deal for the country and our industry will be made.

Elsewhere...

• Once again, USA Today jumped into the construction industry discussion, this time with a story discussing the labor shortage and worries that if/when the economy really comes back, there won’t be anyone to fill the jobs. This is a discussion I have written about a few times.  In our industry, we still don’t have the bench or bullpen necessary to deal with an influx of business, and with cashflow so tight, no one can afford the luxury of carrying extra folks. There’s no question this will be an issue that will slap us hard. It's fascinating to see the national media catching on.
• Congrats to Seth Patterson, who just picked up a promotion at Thermal Windows Inc. Seth is a very good guy and Thermal a solid company. Very exciting for both parties!
• I saw that Gary Curtis and Jeff Baker were back on the board at NFRC, but then I figured that story had to be a reprint from 2005. It wasn’t. For those of you who once upon a time were involved in the NFRC discussions, you probably are shaking your head. This is the ultimate of “the more things change….”
• Last weekend, USC played Notre Dame. At the start of the season, I picked USC to win it all…. Once again soooo wrong! Meanwhile, I am thrilled for the Irish and their fans: guys like Jerry Decker of WinDoor and former NGA VP David Walker. Those guys have to be on cloud nine right now. The championship will be tough though; Alabama is a beast and Nick Saban one of the best.
• Oh by the way, I am calling it now: Ohio State will win it all in 2013. They have the easiest schedule in modern football history and an incredible coach in Urban Meyer.
• Fellow road warriors, have you gotten caught by the newest trick in your hotel room? At every hotel I've stayed at recently, when I go to take a shower, the showerhead is pointed out towards the bathroom. So when you sleepily roll into to start the shower, you get alive quite quick as water sprays everywhere. I have a feeling this is the hotel service folks having fun with all of us.
• Last this week, once upon a time I was a runner. And in the groove, I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I have fallen hard off that wagon. Maybe I’ll get to it in 2013. In any case, maybe I won’t after seeing an article in the Wall Street Journal that says running may not be the best for you as you age. In fact, it could even be bad for you! I actually can’t wait for Bill Evans to read the piece and see what he says, given he’s one of the most accomplished runners I know. In the meantime, this article is going to be my “get out of exercise free” card…. Yep I’m only looking out for my health!!!! LOL

Read on for links and clip of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.