SGENE(#

sent in many other areas ofthe country and perhaps we tend to take it for granted. The population growth in this sun belt state continues at an amazing rate. According to recent data, Arizona's current three million plus population reflects a 410/o increase over the past ten years, ranking it third to Nevada and Alaska in percentage growth. Of even more importance, personal income during the same period increased by almost 216 percentage points. Further, there appears to be no end to new customers as statisticians project that over five million people will call Arizona home by the year 20fp.

Metropolitan Phoenix is expected to realize a population of three million or a number equivalent to the whole state today. Tucson will double in population to just under a million. Non-metropolitan Arizona will also share in the growth but not as dramatically as the population centers. With more people and more money, it would follow that Arizona is a dream come true for the aspiring businessman-big or small-both here and yet to come. It would be too naive to suggest, however, that one need only to open the door and announce that customers are now accepted. The buying public has developed a keen sophistication and surveys indicate that value and comparison shopping rank high in the minds of buyers considering homes or groceries. Additionally, as many businessmen have already experienced, more people mean more businesses and that means tighter competition. Commensurately, reports from many companies indicate record sales but not record earnings. Also "that on balance, business is not good and it's difficult to get ahead."

Alas, the year 1985, like its predecessors, draws to a close. In reality, there will be some rejoicing, some unhappiness and probably lots of contemplation as to why things happened the way they did. Regardless, we here in Arizona are not oblivious to the problems of our counterparts in the many non-growth markets across the country. In retrospect, w€ are quietly thankful ior our problems and enthusiastically look forward to productive relationships with our many new and old customers in 1986. A warm and pleasant season's greeting to everyone from the ALBSA.

When sending in a change of address please include zip code on both old ond new addr?sses and eithet the old label or the inlbrmation from it. Thanks!