WHAT THE REST OF 2010 WILL BRING. If Newman is any indication, the rest of 2010 should improve for businesses and for the area economy. We have more commercial construction around town than we’ve seen in 10 years; the downtown plaza, park and road construction at the southwest corner of town, and a makeover of the IOOF building at the intersection of Main and Fresno streets. By holiday season, Newman will be ready to go…..I get most of my business information from my friend Knight Kiplinger, who publishes one of the most accurate business newsletters in the U.S. He has been so right most of the time, and this is what he is saying today:

POLITICS, BUDGETS AND THE ECONOMY. Count your blessings, and thank the higher power for living in ag country; because, if it wasn’t for the cattle, chickens, ducks, milk, fruits, nuts and vegetables, the Golden State would be hurting even more than it is today. We surely have a long way to go until we get out of the fiscal mess we’re in from the U.S. Capitol, to our city and school budgets. There isn’t much light at the end of the tunnel now, but there is hope. We live in an area that has bounced back from most recessions; and while the housing foreclosures and current crisis are as bad as ever right now, things will be looking up by 2011. Until then we can expect federal, state and local governments to keep cutting back which could bring hardships to some employees. But the men and women who are jobless are praying for work right now at any price. So keep the work you have, and look for better days ahead…..while you are at it, thank a farmer and the farm workers for working long days and short nights so that the food gets to our tables. All of us must sacrifice a little these days so that we find better days ahead.

FAIR WEATHER SUPERB RIGHT NOW. The Stanislaus County Fair wraps up its 10-day run this weekend, and the weather is perfect! Last Friday, the popular fair kicked off under 100-degree skies, but temperatures are now a comfortable 90-plus, with the breezy evenings outstanding for fair-goers. Don’t miss the Rainforest or the three miniature trains running in the Floriculture Building. Both venues are drawing the attention of lots of men, women and children. If you get to the fair before the weekend, plenty of animals are filling the livestock area. And don’t forget to watch the magnificent Budweiser Clydesdales, one of the most popular attractions this year. They parade around the fair about 5:45 every evening; Budweiser chose our local fair over all other Valley venues for their signature steeds to perform. Country Western singer Blake Shelton will pack the Budweiser Free Stage on Friday night and Terri Clark sings Saturday night. Something for everyone at your county fair.  See you there!

LOCAL FAIRS A HIT THIS YEAR. Men, women and children are looking to their county fairs for summer fun this year, because they offer something for everyone at reasonable prices. Merced County just completed a great week of fun and the weather cooperated beautifully. The Stanislaus County Fair opens Friday, July 16 (10 days earlier than usual) and the entertainment line-up includes War, KC & The Sunshine Band, Bill Engvall, Natalie Grant with Tenth Avenue North, The Beach Boys, Jack Ingram and Chuck Wicks, Boys Like Girls, Blake Shelton, Terri Clark and Los Tucanes. Concerts are free with fair admission.