On June 30, 2012 Haggard & Stockings’ fiscal year ends and July 1, 2012 we start the new fiscal year with new budgets and forecasts. The big question is “What will the next 12 months look like”? In the past we constructed our forecast from 3 – 5 year historical data; that certainly doesn’t work any longer. I feel our best information is drawn from our sales people, our vendors and our customers. Yes, there is a lot of uncertainty in the marketplace; however, there is a positive trend that within the next 12 months there is potential for growth of 1 – 4% depending on a number of issues, which are:
- The election
- Bush tax breaks – if terminated will be a negative for business
- The European markets
- Healthcare situation
If the American people stand up and make changes we could see growth of 5 – 10%, I choose not to define my admonishment to “stand-up”.
Needless to say our economy is volatile and can go in any direction. Haggard & Stocking has positioned ourselves for any given scenario and feel we can prosper regardless of the outcome of the above issues. We have strong bank relations, excellent employees, new marketing programs and a strong management team. The 2011/2012 fiscal year was an exciting and profitable year for H&S and I want to say, “Thank You” to everyone who contributed to our successful year.
Herb