VIRGINIA

JACK ATLISON executlve dlrector

I^IOST of the dealers we've talked IUIto recently report that business is generally very good. (One said "More than we can handle"-told him he has a short memory!)

The improved interest rates and the good news from Wall Street has restord some consumer conhdence, and the d-i-y business is booming.

There are three chain stores near my home and all three parking lots were fuller last Saturday and Sunday than I've ever seen them. (All had current tabloid sales in progress.)

In other parts of the state we've heard that "front door" business is good, but the "back door" trade is still dead. The most prevalent comment is not about the present, but the future.

Everyone welcomes the drop (a last!) in interest rates, but they all are afraid il won't last. Not entirely directionless, but uncomfonable and unreliable.

Let's hope that tunnel with the light in it isn't on the Long Island RR.

G.

Lumbermen's Associatlon of Texas

P.O. Bor 5546, Austln, Tx.7E763 (5121 472'1194