Businesses in several Big Country counties are eligible for hundreds of millions of dollars in state tax breaks next year. Area retailers may have chattering teeth, but they are hidden behind their smiles. The weekend's cold snap invigorated sales of not only warm-type items, but retail sales in general. Temporary workers in Abilene are drawing more attention, more pay and even fringe benefits. A vast majority of Americans would support further development of ethanol over further dependence on foreign oil, according to a new poll by the Renewable Fuels Association.
Local stockbrokers look to the fourth quarter to be a good one for investors.
Fourth quarters of presidential election years traditionally are good, no matter which party wins, several investment representatives said. But other economic factors point to a strong three months, too. Automobile dealers are holding tight to their markets, preparing for some high-tech battles in the coming legislative session. It isn't your daddy's 4-H program. In his day, show animals and a few food shows are all he had to choose from.