The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1942-01-08
BabsOn's Forecast

In 1941 business in the United States
along all lines = manufacturing, retailing
and farming reached an all-time high rec
ord and the total national income was
around $86,0O0,ooo.
With the advent of the war, resulting in
concentration of production for defense, ra-
tioning, drafting blackouts, and so on,
business men are seriously wondering what
the outlook for business on the home
front" will be in 1912. AS they take inven-
tory and make plans for the most impor-
tant year in our nations history, some bust
ness men are worried, others are vitality
concerned, but everybody agrees that
Americas first job is to twin the war" and
in doing this, one significant feature is to
keep the home fires burning. Business
must go on as nearly normal as possible.
Roger Babson, Americas foremost bust
ness commentator, advisor and predictor,
looks the situation clearly in the face in his
annual forecast for 1912, and for those who
are worried, this forecast contains much
encouragement
81 estimate an increase in national in
come of SO billion for 1912, thus bringing
it up to sos billion compared with $76 bill
lion in 1910 and $50 billion in 1941," is his
first prediction: And then he explains, the
increases will be due to defense produc-
ton.
He predicts a banner year for farmers
and states that the farm income Will be up
from 10 to 20 per cent over 1941 The 1941
farm income was $11 billion and Babson
estimates it will reach $13 billion in 1912
He predicts that the cost of living may
increase little more, but that it can be
held at the present level by families who
cut their budgets to necessities. He predicts
that there will be an increase in wages for
labor and some decreases. He predicts real
estate will hold firm in prices, railroad
business improve, interest rates little high
er and in connection with retail trade he
advises, MERCHANTS SHOULD IN
CREASE ADVERTISING APPROPRIA-
TIONS IF THEY EXPECT A GOOD YEAR
IN 1912" Keep we'll stocked on stand
ard goods, but avoid style goods that are
hard to carry over.
Con the whole, I do not expect retail
trade to be so good in 1912 as it was in
1941 Selling in general had not been diff
cult in recent months. Stores have been
filled with plenty of buyers. Fear of infla-
ton and belief on the part of many that
goods might be worth more than money has
boosted sales More lately the idea of scar
city of consumer goods has prevailed and
people did not have to be sold But that
situation is now changed Advertising is
the most natural and powerful force to
break up the coming buyers sit-down
strike"
He concludes his annual forecast with
this fine piece of adjective should work,
study and cooperate as never before! On
our shoulders rests a great responsibility.
This is no time for politics or petitions in
any form. The stakes are too high The very
life of our country and our way of living
hang in the balance. Let us join whole
heartedly in giving our all to serving hui
manity in this, it's hour of need. On real
sacrifice, effectively co-ordinated, can tip
the scales for righteousness and insure Sc
curity. The fight calls for all we Ameri-
cans to give Of time, money and blood"