"U.S. economy grew at 2.5 percent rate in third quarter"

Wow! The media is finally saying something positive, without putting the usual negative spin on it. Add that to the European debt crisis resolution announced this morning, and it looks like the economy is rebounding in spite of the media, the pundits and the politicians. Markets are up, consumers are buying, and if the third quarter was at 2.5 growth, I think the fourth quarter will be even stronger. Perhaps the media will now back off some its constant negative barrage.

I still think 2012 is going to be a challenging year, at least for the building products industry, mainly because of the unknown situation with the election and all the negative talk both sides are doing. Sadly, it will only get worse as we approach the election this time next year. I do think the consumer is getting plain tired of being afraid, and will start spending on the things that are important to them, things to enhance their lifestyle, their homes and their families. So even with all the political rhetoric, we are going to see a better year in 2012 than we've had in 2011. Looking back that may not be saying much, 2011 has been abysmal, but at least it is a positive trend.