The economic impact of the nationwide recession has had a mixed impact on area businesses. Charles Selby, Daviess County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau executive director, said his impression since the Sept. 15 economic turmoil on Wall Street began is that Daviess County is suffering a little, but overall business is still doing OK.
He characterized it as a “minor slowdown,” noting that more small businesses have been opening than closing overall in the last three years.
“Construction is still happening and contractors seem to be very busy,” Selby said. He added that auto sales are down.
Glenn Horney, sales manager at Washington Chrysler, said his business has been off but not by huge amounts.
“People are more cautious,” he said, adding that his service business in auto repairs has been very strong.
When asked about the merger talks concerning Chrysler and GM Horney said that local dealers are not being informed by Chrysler about those talks.
As talks between the two companies broke down earlier this week, General Motors shares remained weak Thursday as the nation’s automakers wait for President-elect Obama to push Congress to approve a bailout of the struggling industry. There are also reports that Obama will move to appoint a czar or board to oversee the companies. GM dropped 13 cents, or 4.2 percent, to $2.95. Ford shares rose 6 cents, or 3.3 percent, to $1.90.
Horney said that credit has tightened, but that people with good credit are doing fine.
It has affected some people with marginal credit.
“Sub-prime financing has tightened up,” Horney noted. “Since the election, sales have picked up and we have been relatively busy the last 10 days. There are some really good deals right now and it is definitely a buyer’s market.”
Blesch Brothers Equipment Company in Odon sales have been steady, according to manager Brandon Hess.
“We have noticed a slowdown and the cost of money has gone up with higher interest rates for our customers,” Hess said. “But sales have been steady; we have had an outstanding year in the ag sector.”
Dick Sargent of Sargent’s Power Equipment in Odon said business has been OK.
“Last year was down, but business this year has been very good,” he said.
Terry Jones of Belt Tech in the southern part of the county said business has been good there.
He noted that the rock quarry business was down but that coal mines and the power plant have picked up. He added that the business slowdown nationally has not affected their sales yet.
Dave Yoder at Paws-N-Pals Pet Center, SR 57, noted that sales in the week after Sept. 15 “were really dead.” He said sales have picked up since and he noted that Oct. 31 was very busy.
Jerry Stoll commented on two different businesses. He is vice president of K & K industries north of Cannelburg and owner, along with his wife Lynn of Outdoor World LLC. Stoll said that K & K has been running close to even since last year in sales.
“In order to stay even we have had to expand our customer base and diversify a little bit to maintain our sales flow,” Stoll said.
Outdoor World LLC, SR 57, has been up in sales. Stoll noted that the sporting goods shop, which sells bait, boats and fishing supplies, had fallen short of its October sales target, but that sales were still up from last year in October.
“Our people at K& K and at Outdoor World have come together and worked hard to keep things going and I want to thank them,” Stoll said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Washington Chrysler received more new cars Thursday. The business has been off some with the slow economy, but not as much as some national firms, according to Sales Manager Glenn Horney---Photo By Nate Smith.
Discussion
Hard times ahead?
- Local News
-
-
Seidel crowned WC's homecoming queen
Madison Seidel, daughter of Jane and Richard Seidel of Washington, was crowned 2012 Washington Catholic Homecoming Queen at the Birdcage on Saturday.
-
Car becomes stuck on railroad tracks; driver cited
Kevin Michael Williams, 5303 S. Alexander Rd., was cited for disregarding a stop sign after a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier he was driving became stuck on CSX railroad tracks in Washington near the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce. Tri-County Towing removed the vehicle at 5:41 p.m. after CSX officials had been contacted.
-
Schnitzelbank has No. 1 sandwich in Indiana
Indianapolis had a great time hosting the Super Bowl and although most of the attention appeared to be focused on all things Brady, Manning and Manning (sounds like a law firm), however, we know the star that shined the brightest was the Indiana Super 46 sandwich contest.
-
Messmer in Washington to discuss current legislation
District 63 State Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) held a town hall meeting Monday at Washington City Council Chambers to discuss current legislation passed by the Indiana House of Representatives, to answer questions from constituents and to hear their concerns.
One bill of local interest that has passed through the House is HB 1149, the smoking ban. It would prohibit smoking in public places, enclosed places of employment and within 12 feet of a public entrance to those places. It also would prohibit smoking in certain state vehicles if signed into law. -
Messmer hears concerns
District 63 State Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) held a town hall meeting Monday at Washington City Council Chambers to discuss current legislation passed by the Indiana House of Representatives, to answer questions from constituents and to hear their concerns.
-
Car finds railroad tracks
Kevin Michael Williams, 5303 S. Alexander Rd., was cited for disregarding a stop sign after a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier he was driving became stuck on CSX railroad tracks in Washington near the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce. Tri-County Towing removed the vehicle at 5:41 p.m. after CSX officials had been contacted.
-
Pierce named B-R Homecoming Queen
Rebekah Pierce, daughter of Russell and Beth Pierce of Washington, was crowned 2012 Homecoming Queen at Barr-Reeve High School on Friday.
-
ND crowns Steffey, McAtee
Anthony Steffey, son of Jim and Bridgette Steffey, and Shelby McAtee, daughter of Ron and Lynn Cox, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen at North Daviess High School on Friday.
-
Car causes garage fire on Edwardsport Road
A car caught fire at the home belonging to Robert Wichman at 5295N 100W.
-
Washington native on short list for Indiana Supreme Court
Washington native the Honorable Maria D. Granger is one of 15 under consideration to fill a vacancy on the Indiana Supreme Court.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
