1998 - Many larger businesses are spending huge amounts to fix the problem while smaller firms are unaware or unconcerned. Year 2000 repairs are outsourced sending money to other jurisdictions. Company profits, and as a result, corporate income taxes, drop. Early 1999 - small and medium size companies become more aware of the problem but have a hard time finding and affording what are now scarce and expensive year 2000 repairs. Many call for more action by government.
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.