In Louisiana, bookings for onshore drilling and production equipment have decreased because the falloff in energy prices has forced independent energy extraction companies to cut back operations. Weak sales for its small cars has caused one large regional manufacturer to shorten its factory workweek, but continued strong demand for SUVs is boosting regional production of new utility vehicles and prompting some suppliers to expand. Although the pulp and paper industry is operating far below capacity, demand for paper products is reportedly slowly improving. New aerospace contracts are expected to boost factory payrolls in the Huntsville area and to benefit parts of Florida. The tourism and hospitality sector is expected to continue to post strong numbers into the summer, according to industry contacts.
Recent reports indicate that attendance is good at major central Florida theme parks.
Although tourist traffic into Miami leveled out in recent months, notable growth is predicted during the summer. Resort hotels in the Palm Beach area are reportedly fully booked, and the cruise industry in south Florida continues to boom. Two recently completed attractions in the Birmingham area are expected to stimulate tourism there. Gross gaming revenues for Mississippi casinos have broken all-time records for the state recently and are expected to rise higher because some casinos will finish building new hotels over the next few months. Financial Bankers report that overall loan demand continues to expand at a moderate rate.