A Word From the President

 We have survived the recession which is slowly recovering.  We were very fortunate to have a large backlog going into the decline in the market.  We are also very lucky to be in this area that did not take the hit that was present in many other areas.

 The stock market was recovering until the violence broke out in the Middle Eastern countries.  It is still in a much better position than 18 months ago.  It would be nice to not be dependent on foreign oil.  The government's attitude toward this is that it is part of our foreign trade policy.

 This violence has raised gas prices which eats into every companies' margin in the US.

 We still see a moderate amount of work on the horizon.  However, it is still left to determine what effect the budget shortfalls all over the country will do to new construction.

 As always we need young adults to come into our industry.  We continue to have apprentice training classes available through CEF for those wishing to increase their skill levels.  We do expect health care premiums to increase due to the uncertainty in the new health bill passed by the Obama administration.  Our renewal comes up the 1st of June each year.

 Again, we appreciate everyone's contribution to the success of SKIHI.

 Richard Skipper