As the belt tightens … Economy wears on people, equipment
Rick Richardson isn’t an economist, but he’s seen what all those years of a poor economy have done to America’s workplaces, though under Obama, for quite a few Americans, things got back on tracks again. Many feel left behind, though.
Desks long left vacant by laid-off workers. Idled or aging printers, fax machines, and other office equipment. And fewer calls for his services as a technician.
“Places I used to go to that used to have 75 people are down to 35,” said Richardson, who covers a 60-mile territory in and around downtown Atlanta for Konica Business Technologies Inc. “[Companies] are holding onto equipment longer. A lot of them are saying, ‘Let’s just hold on and let’s see which way the economy’s going to turn.’ “
The 40-month-old economic downturn has forced companies and individuals alike to get creative about getting through the tough times. Call it make-do economics.
Companies are keeping equipment longer, furloughing workers, subleasing office space and video conferencing, in lieu of travel, to save money. Workers, faced with dwindling savings and no real wage growth, are brown-bagging their lunches, traveling less — even downsizing their living arrangements. More
life keeps getting sweeter for Sugarland
Member Jennifer Nettles added: “It means nothing without all you at home; thank you, fans, especially thank you, fans!”
The much-loved Eddie’s Attic vets seemed genuinely shocked by the award.
According to Sugarland’s Web site, the band’s third member, Kristen Hall, didn’t make the Left Coast ceremonies Tuesday, opting to stay home because “she wasn’t feeling well.”
Meanwhile, the band’s single “Baby Girl” is up for country radio song of the year at this year’s Radio Music Awards due to be televised Dec. 19 on NBC.
And needless to say, a few Grammy nominations could also be in the offing this winter.
Other winners at the AMAs: Kelly Clarkson, Tim McGraw, the Black Eyed Peas, Destiny’s Child, Green Day and Mariah Carey.
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