MAN ON THE STREET: The Economy

The East County Observer caught up with members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance to see how they would rate our current economic situation through the first six months of the year. Here is what they had to say.

How would you rate our current economic situation?

Michelle Grunberg
I think its getting better. I talk to business owners every day, and they’re all busy, which is a good sign. I’m feeling (optimistic). People have said all along that by October 2010 we’ll be (recovered), and that could be very true. Residential builders are getting busy, and when they’re busy, then we all get busy. So that’s a really good sign.

Kathy Wagenhauser
It’s getting better, but we still have a little ways to go. Hopefully by the end of the year, it’ll be even better. When I call business, they’re always busy, but in a good way.

Monique Roux
It is (definitely) better. It didn’t get as bad as everyone thought. The oil spill is having an effect though. I’m in Louisiana shrimping, and it’s bad. The effects are pretty stark out there. As summer goes on, hopefully tourism isn’t affected too much.

Dena James
Last year, a lot of people decided it wasn’t time to buy, but now those same people are coming back and buying. Now is the time to buy. There’s a better feeling out there. It’s a slow recovery, but I’m glad it’s slow.

Joan Jones
It’s looking better. I sense there’s still caution there, but I’m still optimistic.

Lori Basilone
I sense things are improving. People are more optimistic, and they’re getting out there and doing more. We’ve seen unemployment (start) to taper off and the fear of spending (decline).