Public concern begins to mount. Late 1999 - Medium and small businesses, including the plant, experience failures of their human resource and financial systems when they are discovered to be unable to process year 2000 dates. As a result, some paychecks and Christmas bonus checks are not issued. Families are left unable to make last minute purchases. Payroll clerks work overtime on Christmas to hand write checks and calculate tax withholdings.
Public outrage becomes apparent.
December 1999 - Impact is being felt at the local level. The local grocer is left with 200 frozen turkeys and other items on the shelves. Other retailers have seasonal items left unsold. Banks have problems with direct deposit and ATMs. Some cash-strapped families suffer through holidays waiting for paychecks.