Maneuvering the maze Story at a Glance

By Stephen C. Brown President MacMillan Bloedel Building Materials

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cult as maneuvering a successful path through an ever changing maze.

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Although inter- est rates are cur- rently very attrac-

' iltive for home l rr.r-"tr". rtc: rrr.tt year, but these efforts may fall on deaf ears. The stimulus must have real and lastirrg positive effects on a more informed public. Efforts must be made to increase investment in job creating sectors of our economy. could be the llght at the end of the tunnel. see any significant

It is time for our elected officials to stop playing politics. We all look to our government to be pro-active rather than reactive.

I turn around in the market. The housing market should be somewhat improved in 1992, but not be enough to provide the increased demand our industry desperately needs. Concern over the economy has brought consumer confidence to its knees. Efforts will be made to stimulate the economy during an election

Projecting for 1992: the past improvement in the repair and remodeling segment should continue. The public will continue to spend money to improve their homes. More specifically, the public's desire to get out of their homes should provide significant opportunities for the lawn and garden segment. Many consumers will enhance their homes and lifestyle by adding decks or enlarging existing decks.

After three slow years in the housing sector, the real unknown for 1992 is when a turn around begins. Although there is currently little indication that demand will increase significantfy in 1992, the real winners today are the new home owners. With low