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| "We regret to inform you that because of Sept 11th and the slowing economy we will not issue a holiday bonus to our employees". A letter I just recieved. Sad to say.
How many folks have had this happen?
I have seen plenty of layoffs from friends and things are changing in the economy. Some things are looking up, but the fishing industry seems to be taking it hard. I wont be fishing the PMTT next year, because I plan on doing small less cost efective trips, and spend more time with the family of coarse.
Has the Sept 11th had any effect on what your muskie fishing plans are going to be next season, and your sport show spending this winter?
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| you bet it has, in my business, it's been slow for the last year though, just lost 24 brokers from our company, 8 offices shut down. | |
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| From the manufacturing side, we have seen a slow down on orders but are still on track on most things. It's my belief that most dealers are being cautious but the one thing to remember is that fishing will not go away. As a good friend told me, it's time that the family get back together, put down the remote and the computer games and get outside. We need to remember that fishing is fun and can be done with the whole family.
Jumping off my soapbox, thank you...[:praise:]
Rob
www.santaisreshoeingthereindeer.com | |
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| Jason....on the way to your house w/ the motor home....let me know where your boss lives! Rob is right.....drop the "tech stuff' + get outside w/ the family/friends! The Postal Taliban says we are 3.something billion in the hole but I have yet to see a drop in mail volume basically....in fact I'd like more time off to do more fishing etc. On occasion they hand out gift certificates for extra work + i made it VERY clear that I would NEVER accept their "cheap trinkets" as I consider it an insult/bribe....a bonus would be a diff. set of circumstances! All I want from there is a cup of coffee + to be left alone....lucky to get the coffee! Grateful for the job + for the wifes'.....would like more time though![:sun:] | |
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| The company's gift this season was an 8% paycut.
Merry bleepin' Christmas. | |
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| No effect in my job which has been squeezed for 5 years. I am contemplating making the jump into the "ULTIMATE BOAT" this winter but you guys keep talking and I'll end up keeping mine... | |
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| What's a bonus.Never got one of anykind no matter where I have worked.Now to make everyone cry ,my sister-in-law who works in NYC got $60,000 last year. | |
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| I pay the mortgage by working as Safety Director for fairly good size construction company. There has been little new work for our project managers to bid on. Allot of people talking and want to build but everyone is lacking confidence right now.
Kinda scary, I know a few personally who have lost their jobs. I'm less concerned over getting a raise/bonus this year and just appreciative to still have a fairly decent job. Don't know what it will mean for guiding next spring/summer, hope things have turned the corner by then.
Mark | |
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| I'm a CEO of a $15M, 250 employee health care outfit. Nothing but funding cuts for the last 4 years and at the moment I'm running on a .5% margin. I recently gave all employees a small pay increase and I'm helping pay most of the huge increase in health insurance costs this last year. The employees know I care about them and they just recently voted out the union. I'll take the money I would have directed to responding to the union to help pay for the next round of health insurance increases, and the employees picked up a another small raise by eliminating the union dues. We may lose some jobs in the next year or two, and none of my smarter staff are out buying new houses, cars or boats.
We've all been riding high for years and years, and now we're going into a down economy. If your company is good, it will survive, though your current position may not. If your company is not good, it may not survive at all. The same can be said of any individual - some people will do well no matter what, because they work hard and smart and they don't behave like company owes them a damn thing.
If you want security, take a long look down the road, figure out what employers will demand, and position yourself to be the supplier to that demand. (Don't waste your breath whining about a 8% paycut, you are VERY VERY VERY lucky to be an AMERICAN and to have a job at all.)
Ranger | |
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| The company I work for is now feeling the sqeeze. I am a repairman and they are harping on me and my fellow workers about parts. Not sure if I will get a bonus this year or not. I will know the 14th. One inadvertant thing did happen. One of my co-workers has decided to go back to school and he requested to work a later shift which we rotated on call. That's gone and that was about 8 grand I will lose in overtime. | |
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| Interesting post. In terms of job security, I'm very lucky to be living about 25 miles outside Washington, DC in Gaithersburg, Maryland. I work for the county police dept. Obviously, we don't have to worry about our jobs. However, a job freeze is about to be put in place for all non-sworn positions. This will result in support personnel positions not being filled. This will most likely have an impact on us in some ways. We've gone from a surplus to a deficit in just one year. The rest of the Govt. & schools (they are separate from the rest of the Govt.) are also eliminating positions by attrition and reasigning people who lose their jobs as the result of reductions in force (RIFs). Most likely we will be seeing smaller cost of living raises if we get any at all, while at the same time, our benefits will be costing a lot more money. This is in one of the best job market areas in the US!! [:)] | |
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| The healthcare organization I work for is doing very well, though we are non-profit. We are receiving merit increases this month. I am a paramedic in the emergency room and our numbers are up due to the fear of anthrax, and just fear in general. Some people are having a real hard time since everything began, there is definately an elevated level of stress over all. | |
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| johne b,
I quit guiding Nov 10th and yes Sept 11th did not factor into that at all. My famliy was the most important factor, including the new little one I have on the way. Yep "Bun in the oven". I wont be guiding next year..even so.
The PMTT was 1st and formost the family.. but now I realize I did well in not doing that because of the economy right now too.
Sept 11th seems to makes spending a harder thing to do.. With companys rightfully tighting the pocketbooks and the cost of living continuing to rise..Its only common sence to think that Sept 11th made a difference in our additude.
I hope that in a very short time our country can overcome this and continue to be a powerful nation.[:bigsmile:] | |
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| Jason, the September 11th events didn't cause the economic crisis we are in right now but it sure made it worse thats for sure. The stock market had been going down for a year and just as it was about to rebound this event just made it go down some more.
Both of my businesses are related to the economy as if people are spending their money then some will want their houses painted and some will want to come and fish.
So far this year my guiding business had but a few clients cancel thier trips and I have yet to see if it will effect my calender for next season.
I think we all have to tighten our belts but we still have to do our part and spend money as thats whats makes the economy. | |
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| my post above came up anonymous....do we have to log in each time????[:0] [:sun:] | |
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| Yes, until I fix the cookie problem tonight (hopefully) your login will only last one browser session. As soon as you leave the site or close your browser you will have to login aagain.
Your login has not changed from the last board version, just use what you always used.
Zach | |
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| Jason, thats definatly true our economy is really getting hit hard by this terrorism act. Everyone is getting scared I think they are afraid to ride on airplanes and the gas industry people took advantage of that by raising that gas prices on that day. This is america we should be sticking together not trying to take advantage of each other. | |
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| I lost most of my Charters from September 11th to the end of October,people did not want to travel long distances,especialy those that were flying.Some lost there Flights due to Airlines realigning their sceduales and dropping some cities completely.The biggest hit was at work at DuPont,where we manufacture a film called Tedlar,used in structure walls and colored interiors in Boeing Aircraft.We have layed off 30 people and our orders are down 1/3 and we will not get a profit share this year that was over $3000 bonus last year.Also our Medical Insurance went up 58% or $78 more a month.Will drive the same old 1991 Chevy Van for another year and will keep the Targa 2000 for one more year,also will do three Shows less this year.May spend much more time CASTING in 2002!PMTT may only get to fish a couple. Capt. Larry | |
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| I took a heck of a hit from the 9/11 attack and resulting deepening of an already falling economy. It has caused me to rethink my entire carreer path, and what I have been, and will be doing.
Tough to get through, but I survived the early 80's, and this too shall pass....[:(] [:blackeye:] [:blackeye:] | |
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| Steve...keep thinking....I'll move the sponge family north + start all over too! We can go into some kind of business that will enable us to fish/hunt plus make enough to do the aforementioned above![:sun:] | |
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| Sworrel and Sponge,
Here's an idea - I'm one of those who believe we're at the beginning of a radical change in weather - our average tems are really on the rise. This warmer weather means many more days for fishing, just look at this last fall/winter. But these days folks are afriad to buy gazillion dollar boats. So, why don't you guys be the first to introduce a practical 14' to 16' musky fishing boat. Safe, basic and tough and well within the budget of all of the folks who can't or won't take on the payments for that $30,000 fishing dream. Don't forget the dependable and modest motor and a tight little trailer (with waterproof lights!).
You might send me your 1,000th off the line as a token of your appreciation for my suggestion and encouragement.
Ranger | |
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| Good idea Ranger! Would be hard to give up this Gov't job though! Do you have a Rangerboat or a past member of the 75th Bn.? The Tuffy has a 14' version I think....I'd definitely there would be a market! [:sun:] | |
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| Tuffy did that already. It is called a Pike, is a great platform, and costs about $8500 complete with a 4 stroke motor. It is safe, dependable, easy to tow and fish from; a great boat. There is one in my back yard....[:sun:] | |
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| Yes, but that Tuffy's about $4,000 more than what I had I mind. I'm talking a solid fishing boat, with motor and trailer, for $3,000 to $4,000. Can't be done? Maybe not. (But the guy that can do it will sell a zillion of 'em.) Isn't it true that good used 12-16 foot rigs come and go like hotcakes at every dealership every spring? The demand, defined as guys with less than $4,000, is much bigger then the supply of decent quality used boats. I'm just suggesting that there's a huge market that no one seems to be going after.
But, I'm not in this line of work, building or selling boats. | |
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| I picked up my christmas bonus check friday. Just as much as always. Sorry guys. Don't hate me.
That little tuffy is a neat boat. | |
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| Ranger... I dont think you can make a "good" glass boat for $3000. There is just too much expence in the fiberglass and kevlar to build such a boat. If you did build them cheap, you would have transom problems for sure.
I dont think you can even build one out of beer cans for that price that does not sound like a crunching can going down the lake, at least in a 16 footer.
It would be nice to be able to get a good boat say with a 40hp motor for $3000 to $4000, but the motor cost that much too.
Good question.. Why are simple boat motors the same price as a good used car or a new small one. Why are boat motors so expensive, and they dont even have a AM FM radio.[;)] | |
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| Hi Jason,
Thanks for the response. I see your points but I'll also continue to stress that I believe there is a huge market that's not being met with supply. An unfilled niche. Business history is filled with (rich) heros who found ways to overcome obsticles others didn't believe could be surmounted. So, though I respect your professional wisdom, I think your vision is limited by your expertise.
The hell with it. A solid rig for under $4,000 out the door? I'll do it. Just to show you it can be done. Besides, sleazy rich republicans, public-sector managed care and for-profit HMOs (a despicable triad) have all but eliminated the last personal reward offered by being in the healthcare business. I need a new gig anyhoo.
Ranger | |
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| Go to it Ranger. Maybe it will bring you the kudows and recognition you so obviously crave.
As the CEO of a $15,000,000 health care organization it should be a piece of cake. Oh, and by the way, since this will probably start as a small local venture it might be best to not express the idea that the company does not owe their employees a damn thing, spring that on them when you have your first fall off in orders or when you go belly up.
Might be kind of hard to get loyal, dedicated employees if that was the motto on the breakroom wall... | |
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| Ouch. I don't believe I asked for all that. And certainly not the part about lack of consideration for employee welfare. Anyway, Steve and Jason and you other boat pros, sorry if I came off too strong, I can get carried away with ideas.
Ranger | |
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| Jason,
Talk to my boss for me and get me more time off the guy is a slave driver. Then talk to the boss at home and see if you can convince her that I need more time on the water.
Don Pfeiffer | |
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| Jason- yes the 9/11 event has had significant business impact. Even world-wide. However, it started way before then, i.e.,2001 no bonus's Q1, Q2, Q3. My company and my teams have been hit. It's very hard to decide who's going to be layed off. But if the hard decisions aren't made - everyone loses. I've been cutting operating expenses as much as humanly possible. I cut my dept operating expenses by 75% compared to what was budgeted. This is without losing staff. In the good times we tend to get fat & spend for things that are not really needed, i.e., equipment, travel, etc. It's been a real bitch, but it finally is starting to pay off. Unlike your letter, ours was positive, i.e., post Christmas Q4 bonus for entire company.
I hope the coming year has a positive result for your company. The best thing any employee can do for themselves, their company and their own job security is to stop and look around and say, "How can I help, i.e., work more efficiently, cut operating expenses? How can we do business better at lower cost. etc, etc?" Those who don't think this way are probably doomed to seeing those pink slip's & the heartache of being layed off. Also don't be complacent about your fellow workers attitude. "The world owes me a living" is not the right attitude to survive these hard times. If you let them, they'll drag you down with them.
I also empower my team managers and their team members to control their own destiny and job security. Customer--> Company -->Self. Any one can say "Al- I think that will not work or we need to do this!" Even [:(] "Al you're full of crap!" But then they have to be able support it! [:bigsmile:]
So- Jason, I know you're a smart guy. Don't let the bonus thing drag you down. Yes- the fishing industry is probably taking a bigger hit. But we all need the sanity of what we call "Muskie Fishing". Although some would argue Muskie fisherman are pretty insane. I wish I could afford a new boat, truck, etc. But I know if I keep going w/ positive attitude, I'll achieve my goals. I hope you achieve your's. Giving up guiding for the family is an outstanding statement of your personal integrity & self worth. [:halo:]
Merry Christmas
Al
www.santaisonhisway.com[:bigsmile:] | |
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| You've all touched on the many ways the event has touched our jobs/businesses. We're on an interesting layer in all this, being an accessory item but very necessary, especially in this time.
What we're seeing is a steady increase in domestic travel. New lakes are being explored in home states, instead of traveling to outside areas to fish. While we initially took a hit like the rest of the industry, we agreed with the rest of the nation and kept plugging ahead.
In the coming month, 35 new and updated maps are being released. Plus, two new muskie books! We're seeing more destination dealers (those on or close to the water) coming onboard. Gas prices are falling as people are becoming more mobile.
Used boat sales are up...new boat sales in several categories are up...and there are other things beginning to show that, as far as our sport goes, it should be a good season.
The largest sporting goods tradeshow is already heavily booked for July, another great indicator that we, on this side of fishing, will not lay down and be force fed the garbage these foreign countries are dishing out.
I applaud the tremendous fellow Wisconsin companies like St. Croix, Mepps, Suick, Mercury and many others who, like us, know you guys count on us. We are all working hard not to let you down.
Mike Michalak
President
Fishing Hot Spots, Inc. | |
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We regret to inform you.