EDITOR’S NOTE: Contributing Columnist, Steve Nicklas, expresses his views and insights on various topics in Marketplace column.
___STEVE’S MARKETPLACE___
New Year’s resolutions are easy to make — but hard to keep.
We make them anyhow, undeterred by prior misgivings.
Through a wretched upheaval in the U.S. economy over the last two years, things once considered certain became uncertain. The cherished became non-cherished. The unthinkable became thinkable.
So we are starved for positive thoughts and charma. Here is a top-10 list of local developments that could substantially improve our area, our way of life, and our outlook on the world. We can hope for the best.
– Let’s hope Nassau County, city and school board can adjust their budgets to the rigors of a declining tax base. This severe downturn has proven to be difficult to tax your way out of; we must instead pursue further cutbacks in spending.
– Let’s hope that the business climate improves, preserving an intact historic downtown as well as the A1A commercial corridor. No one likes the sight and impact of boarded-up stores and restaurants.
– Let’s hope that a burdensome unemployment rate (14 percent in Nassau County, Florida) can be curtailed through increased economic activity. This would certainly improve consumer and business confidence here.
– Let’s hope that Omni Hotel’s acquisition of Amelia Island Plantation proceeds without a glitch. The south end of the island provides an important economic driver, and contains much of the county’s tax base in its lavish resorts and amenities.
– Let’s hope that both Smurfit-Stone and Rayonier continue along profitable paths. The mills belonging to these two companies are significant employers and industrial heavyweights here.
– Let’s hope the real estate market improves. The woes of the once-vibrant property and mortgage markets have burdened local banks and residents here.
– Let’s hope that tourism continues at a steady, reliable pace over the next year. This is one of our biggest, cleanest, and most profitable industries here. It must be nurtured and cultivated by elected officials and pro-business groups.
– Let’s hope that the Terra Pointe complex on the west side moves ahead, creating additional room for industrial growth here to complement the International Tradeplex on State Highway A1A in Yulee.
– Let’s hope the port industry continues its expansion — which means big things for bedroom communities such as Nassau County. The expansion of the Panama Canal will deliver increased traffic from foreign cargo ships to our area.
– Let’s hope Fernandina Beach can benefit from the privatization of its marina and its municipal golf course. The controversial moves pushed long-standing employees to the curb of the unemployment line. The payoff should come in improved financial performances — but time will tell.
Steve Nicklas
Steve Nicklas is a financial advisor who lives on Amelia Island. He can be reached at 904-753-0236 or send eMail to thenicklasteam2@msn.com.
